As the Wednesday afternoon Farmers’ Market at Carrboro Town Commons readied to open, there were many indications of the abundance of the season. But many of those setting up shop were there with a heavy heart.
Ristin Cooks of Castle Rock Gardens passed away this week after a long battle with cancer.
Market manager Sarah Blacklin choked back tears as she recalled Cooks’ tenacity, outspokenness and the way she approached farming.
“Her motto was ‘No Chemicals, No Pesticides, No Icky Stuff,’†Blacklin said. “That was very much Ristin.â€
Cooks hadn’t been to market since January, she said, and many held out hope that one day she’d return. “We kept her spot open for her.â€
Alex Hitt of Peregrine Farms said Cooks sharp mind was evident when she took his vegetable and produce class.
“She was the one who asked probing questions from the very first day,†he said.
Cooks was among the large contingent of local farmers who traveled to Slow Food International’s Terre Madre exposition in Turin, Italy. Hitt said he’ll always remember her “sitting in the piazza in the rain writing post cards home.â€
Elise Margoles of Elysian Fields farm said she admired her friend’s fortitude. “I respect how strong she was,†she said.
A celebration of Cooks’ life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Castle Rock Gardens. (An obituary is on page 7.) The public is invited, with a potluck to follow.