Industry veteran Phil Cook passes away
Insurance industry veteran Phil Cook has passed away at the age of 79.
Cook started work at Pearl Assurance Company in London, U.K. in 1962. After moving to Canada, he held various management positions in the insurance industry and obtained his MBA.
He established his own consulting and management company, Focus Group Inc., with his wife Janet in 1986 and founded Omega General Insurance Company in 2005. Cook retired from the Omega Group in 2024 after 62 years in the industry, but continued providing consulting and expert witness services right up to the time of his death.
He also taught insurance classes, was a frequent speaker at industry events, and volunteered his time, most notably as president of the Insurance Institute of Ontario from 1989 to 1990, and as founding chairman of the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) Society.
For 20 years, he was known for his popular ‘Insurance Industry Trends & Predictions’ event organized by the Insurance Institute of Canada. The event began in 2005, with the 20th and final edition held in January 2024.
Cook passed away Sept. 2, 2025 surrounded by his family, after suffering a severe stroke on Aug. 31. “Philip will be forever missed by his wife Janet, children Matthew and Sarah, son-in-law John, and grandchildren Benjamin, Martin, Caroline, and Simon,” says an obituary notice.
Cook was predeceased by his parents Reginald and Ivy, his older siblings Ralph, Roy, Ken, Dorothy, and his daughter-in-law Tara. He also leaves behind his sisters Mary and Barbara, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Born in Dagenham, Essex, U.K. on Mar. 31, 1946, Cook met his future wife Janet when they were 5 and 4 years old, but didn’t start dating until 12 years later, the obituary notice says. They were married on June 3, 1967, and emigrated to Toronto the next day. They lived at various locations in the Greater Toronto Area for more than 58 years.
Both were active members of Melville Presbyterian Church for more than 30 years. Over this time period, Cook was an Elder, volunteered on numerous committees, organized various events, acted as guest speaker, and led services. He also supported nearby Malvern Presbyterian Church in various capacities. “Philip was loved and respected by members of both congregations,” the notice says.
Cook and his wife travelled extensively, with favourite locations in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Cook also loved spending time with family and friends at the family cottage, where he enjoyed boating, swimming, and playing tennis and pickleball. He spent many hours cheering on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. In his downtime, he liked to go for walks and read.
“He regularly supported local restaurants in Unionville and was known to partake in a glass or two of red wine!” the notice reads.
“Although a quiet man who only spoke when he had something important to say, he had a natural talent for public speaking and storytelling,” the notice says. “Philip’s generosity, compassion and understanding were evident in the way he interacted with everyone.
“Philip will be missed by all, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
