Alexander (Alex) Cooke was a life long resident of Milton who had great interest in local history and genealogy. Alex was a founding member of the Milton Historical Society. He spent many hours researching history on local area families. Alex researched biographies for many of Milton ’s early leaders. The project of assembling these biographies for easy access involved more than four years work. They were published by the society in two volumes and provide an important record for future generations of Miltonians.

Alex was also a consistent volunteer with the Friends of Halton Region Museum and an active member of the Halton/Peel Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society.

The Alex Cooke Memorial Award is presented annually to a graduating student from each of Milton ’s three public high schools. The award is presented to a graduating student who has achieved high marks in history and will be pursuing post secondary studies in history and social sciences. The winning students are nominated by the school. The award totals $100.00. The Alex Cooke Memorial Awards have been awarded annually since 2002 by the Milton Historical Society.