Thomas R. Cook Sr.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of Dad’s sudden and much unexpected death. Dad was a loyal and devoted husband for over 50 years, a loving and supportive father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a Santa Barbara Native, a Santa Barbara High School Alumni Class of 1954, a Korean War Veteran, and a 30 year plus employee of Smart & Final (retiring as manager).

We are thankful for the many lessons and memories dad provided us with camping trips to various locales such as Hollister Ranch, Arroyo Seco, and Trinity Lake; Water Skiing and lake fun at Lake Naciemento and Lake Havasu; trips up and down the State of California for Swim Meets. Dad was a friend to everyone, and always loved a good joke.

Survived by his children Ginger Kaufman (Tony Barr) of Los Alamos CA; Connie (David) Chackel of Santa Ynez CA; and Tom (Kimberly) Cook of Houston TX. Tom is also survived by his grandchildren Katie Chackel (Logan Livermore) of Santa Ynez CA; Jason (Reyna) Kaufman of Santa Barbara; Danny Chackel of Philadelphia PA, Kelly Chackel of N Hollywood CA, Shelby and Megan Cook of Houston, TX. Also surviving him are his great-grandchildren Kylie and Cienna Kaufman of Santa Barbara CA and Carson Livermore of Santa Ynez CA, sister and brother-in law Sue and Terry Broderick, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Dad’s death was his wife Gretchen L Cook, who passed January 30, 2013.

We would like to thank the extremely professional and caring emergency room and ICU staff at Cottage Hospital.

There will be a memorial to celebrate Dad’s life at 1 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the family home. Contact Ginger at (805) 403-2895 for additional information. In lei of flowers, please donate to Cottage Health Systems or a charity of your choice.