Richard Earl Cook

Before Rich passed away, his friends and family were asked to write a story or memory to be read to him while he was in Hospice Care. Some of this content is drawn from those amazing letters.

Rich had a special talent for making others laugh but he also had a deep, emotional and tender side that he expressed in good deeds. He was an amazing friend, always there when someone needed a hand. He helped with home and business remodels for many, was there for the births of children, helped people move…sometimes multiple times, held important celebrations for others in his home, and made people part of his family. Most remember his quick wit, generous heart and goofy nature. Rich could make you laugh no matter what was going on or where you were…. especially if you were in a place where you shouldn’t have been laughing. He gave funny nicknames to many of his friends and family, many of which are still used today. His family members and friends have a million stories of his pranks, costumes, and mischief, but also of his loving and sensitive heart.

This particular quote from a friend sums him up perfectly…  “My friend Rich Cook is a legend to me. During our days of growing up in Hope Ranch, Rich was a freight train of good-natured energy, barreling through the neighborhood in his red & white VW van – always with a smile on his face and mischief on his mind.” Others recall Rich’s need to “never be passed” in that underpowered van, driving on the beach at night in areas where cars weren’t allowed and crazy surf trips to Mexico. Rich was famous for his firework shows… fascinated with them from childhood since his birthday was the 4th of July. He squeezed more life into his 58 years than most could fit into a much longer lifetime.

Rich was an awesome son, brother, friend, uncle, brother-in-law, step-father and god-father. The last year of Rich’s life was lived in Hewitt, Texas with his new wife, Petro. He was so happy to be starting a new life in a new place with a new love and new friends plus a couple longtime friends. It’s tragic that it was so short-lived, but we’re grateful  he had that time, and so grateful to Petro for being an amazing partner and caregiver for Rich as he struggled with his health issues this past year.

Rich is survived by his wife, Petro, his parents, Ron and Sherry Cook, his sister, Angela Cook, his nephew Ryan Cook, his nieces Arianna Cook and Ashley Betry, his prior wife Jennifer Grgich, a large extended family and more friends than we can count. We know that he was enthusiastically greeted by his brothers, Ronnie and Don Cook on the other side. That gives us some comfort, as well as knowing that he is at peace now. He left this life knowing that he was loved and will never be forgotten. For information about a future memorial, please email angela.cook.arts@gmail.com