Bridport-Stephen C. Cooke, 89, a lifelong resident of Bridport, died Monday, August 17, 2009 at his home surrounded by his beloved family. Born June 20, 1920 in Bridport, he was the son of the late Patrick and Isabelle (Tully) Cooke. Mr. Cooke was a farmer and owned an operated Homesite Farm, a large Holstein dairy in Bridport for many years. He was a charter member of Bridport Volunteer Fire Department where he was a honorary member since 1961. He was active in planning and implementation of Tri-Town Water District Number 1 and served as a water commissioner from 1965 through 1970. He served on the Bridport Board of Selectmen from 1960 through 1973 and earned a reputation for careful management of the towns resources. He was a communicant of St. Benadettes RC Church of Bridport. Surviving family members include his wife of 33 years, Margaret A. Midge Cooke of Bridport; two sons, Dr. Gary S. Cooke, DVM and his wife Sharon of Port Henry, NY, Dr. Stephen C. Cooke, Jr. PHD., and his wife Judith of Moscow, ID., three daughters, Shelley Cooke of Newburyport, MA, Katheryn Anne Cooke of St. Crouix, USVI, Ellen-Anne Ross and her husband Gary of Charlotte, NC; one stepson, James A. Walker and his wife Mary of Bridport; two brothers Patrick Cooke of Panton and Alan Cooke of South Burlington, two sisters, Anna Reynolds of Middlebury and Marie Wood of Norwich, NY;11 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family is deeply appreciative of the care provided by Addison County Homecare and Hospice during recent weeks. Friends may call Thursday, August 20, 2009 from 5-7 PM at Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home, 117 S. Main St. Middlebury. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Friday August 21, 2009 at St. Mary Church, Middlebury with the Rev. Brian ODonnell, associate pastor, as celebrant. Burial will follow in Bridport Central Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Bridport Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 27, Bridport, VT 05734 or Add.ison County Homecare and Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753. www.sandersonfuneralservice.com