Branden Cook-Merasty

Our world fell apart when we learned that our beloved Branden had passed away tragically, on May 30, 2026. He came into this world kicking and screaming, filling hearts with excitement and love, on April 7, 2008, at the Thompson General Hospital. He traveled home to Lynn Lake on the grey hound bus to meet his siblings. Branden was born to his beautiful mom Leslie Cook and kind hearted dad Ernest Merasty. He was raised and brought up under the care of his oldest sister Cassie. He always looked up to his older sisters Beba and Cassie and always made sure his little sisters Avaya, Jaime, Avril and Jennifer were okay. He also grew up side by side with his older brother Micheal, who was also his best friend in life.  Coupled with his mom’s beauty and dad’s kind-heartedness, and the guidance from his oldest sister Cassie he briefly walked this world with charm, kindness, integrity, and love for all his family. Each family member truly enjoyed his presence. We will have to walk this world, for the rest of our lives, without Branden. We will have only good memories that will make us laugh, cry, and hope.

Branden was to start a new life after he graduated high school with his cousin Tasha. They had gone shopping together for their graduation attire, Branden’s cousin Glyn took him to the first store and it became a quick one stop shop. After Glyn got Branden suited up the budget went out the window. He talked about many different careers, and wanted to get involved in trades. However, he loved the great outdoors. He enjoyed skidoo rides with his dad and uncles, ice fishing and trapping. He had been trying, with his dad, uncles and friend George Halkett, to break an old cross-country trail that led to Granville Lake. But they were always a few kilometers short. Since he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trapping, and just being out on the land, the discussion was always leaning towards to being a Conservation Officer. We think he would have been a good keeper for the animals and the land.

He looked after his granny Marie. He was always worried about her. He wanted to make sure she was always okay. He would tend to her needs inside the house or on their travels. His brothers and sisters, his dad, and his whole big family, both in Lynn Lake and OCN, will truly miss him. Our Northern Boy has left us.

He leaves to mourn his dad, Ernest Merasty, his siblings, Cassie, Beba, Avaya, Micheal, Jennifer, Jaime-Lynn, Avril, and Caleb, his uncles, Peter Merasty, Alfred Merasty, Doug McIvor, Andy Graham, Jeff Cockerill, Hank Cook and Jamie Cook, his aunties Verna Merasty McIvor, Eva Graham, Belinda Merasty, granny Marie Merasty and granny Rose Morin, all his first cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

We will have to learn how to live without our beloved Branden. As a big family he had, we walk towards that day we will walk with him again in the spirit world. Branden will go into the light where he will be met by his grandpa August and William, his aunty Angie, cousins Gerald, Dillon, Jaimie, Granny Wilma, Priscilla, Delia, Uncle Dave, and his happiest moment, to be able to wrap his arms around his beautiful mom Leslie Cook. This is only a temporary separation. Rest in peace, our dear son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson, uncle, and friend.