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BORN
1947
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Ralph Cook Obituary
August 11, 1947 - June 8, 2016
Ralph J. Cook was born August 11th, 1947 in Oakland, California and passed away on June 8th, 2016 at the age of 68. Ralph attended grammar school and high school in San Leandro, California. He graduated from California State University Hayward in 1970 where he played collegiate basketball. He would go on to receive a Juris Doctorate from University of California Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco.
Ralph was admitted to the California State Bar in 1973 and began his career in Merced County specializing in family law. In 1979, with great pride, he opened his own law office. Despite a thriving practice, he closed his office in 1987 to spend more time with family. He worked briefly as Deputy District Attorney before being appointed a Superior Court Commissioner in 1988. After 24 years as Commissioner he retired in 2012.
Family was always prioritized over professional success. He was a dedicated father, never missing a school event or athletic game. He was a passionate supporter of youth sports, coaching many of his children's teams. In recent years he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He is remembered for his work ethic, dedication, and kind heart.
Ralph is survived by his two children Kelli Mahoney (Ryan) of Rio Vista and Kevin Cook (Sarah) of Solana Beach, sister Maureen Robinson (Gerald) of Copperopolis, grandchildren McKayla Mahoney, Emily Mahoney, Connor Mahoney and Oliver Cook, and former wife Christine Lyons-Cook. He is preceded in death by his parents John Cook Jr. and Ruth Cook.
A private service was held in Oakland. The family requests and encourages memories, stories, pictures, and condolences be sent to [email protected].
In lieu of flowers please send any contributions in memory of Ralph to Merced County Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 3319, Merced, CA 95344.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Cook
Larry Peeples
September 3, 2023
Prayers
Kimberly Pleasant
July 1, 2016
First of all my heart goes out to Mr.Cook's family..to me Mr.Cook was a nice,caring person who had given me so many chances in court..He was a good Judge, and I thank him for looking out, he was truly a good person and he will be truly missed..
June 29, 2016
I remember Mr. Cook as a wonderful Father and friendly and kind to his kid's friends..... Prayers and hugs going out to his family....
peggy flanagan priest
June 17, 2016
Dear Cook Family, We are all so saddened by Ralph's crossing over, We know he is in a lovely place, but will be missed and fondly remember by SO SO many of us, Please know we are holding you all in prayer, and asking for peace in everyones hearts. Hugs, Please let us know if we can help. In Jesus name we pray for you all. Peggy Flanagan Priest, and Terry Priest
Amanda Hage
June 16, 2016
Such a wonderful, successful life ended far too soon. Commissioner Cook was well respected by those he worked with (myself included) and by those who appeared before him in his courtroom because of his knowledge, experience, and his humble nature. I can only imagine the heartbreak his family is experiencing and I hope that the outpouring of love from the community is of some comfort as you grieve this incredible loss. It is a loss to the entire community.
Michael Sofranek
June 16, 2016
Judge Cook was always great to work with when I was in corrections for Merced Sheriff. Really listened to what I had to say before getting his advice or ruling. Judge yes but also thought of him as a co-worker.
Mary Braswell
June 15, 2016
I am sorry for your loss.
Diana Alexander
June 15, 2016
My thoughts & prayers are with you
Cynthia Martinez
June 15, 2016
I was truly saddened when I heard the news about Ralph Cook. He was such a great and caring man. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to have met him and to have been not just another person he worked with, but to have been his friend. He will be truly missed. You left us too soon Ralph. God Bless and may you be forever in his glory!
Liz
June 15, 2016
Mr. Cook was a kind man who I would speak to often at the gym a few years back. He was always up for conversation, advice and had a contagious smile that made others feel welcome and comfortable. The world is a little less bright without him in it.
Sondra Wilkins
June 15, 2016
My thoughts, and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Kelley Evans
June 15, 2016
It was my pleasure to be Commissioner Cook's clerk for many years. We were always talking about the SF Giants and I remember in 2010 when he bought tickets to the World Series "Because it was a once in a life time chance" Little did we know lol. Rest in peace my friend. You will be truly missed.
Dawn Santos
June 15, 2016
Comissioner Cook was a good man, it's so sad he was taken so soon. He no longer performed wedding ceremonies but he made a deal with me that he would perform mine if I completed a program which I did and he stuck to his word. He will be missed. Prayers to the family
June 15, 2016
God Bless the Cook family at this sorrowful time. I had the pleasure to work with Ralph during his time with Merced courts. He will be missed.
Patricia Cardoza
June 15, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Cook family. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Commissioner Cook during his time at Merced Superior Court, he will be missed.
Carol Schrole
June 14, 2016
My heart has been so heavy when I heard of Ralph's passing. Ralph was a friend of mine for many years. My love and prayers go out to Chris, his children and grandchildren.
Prayers for peace, Gods grace and healing as the Cook family deals with this tragic loss.
Betty Dawson
June 14, 2016
Ralph and I were colleagues--commissioners for the Merced County Municipal and Superior Courts--for many years.He was an excellent judge and, before that, a really good lawyer. I am very saddened by his death. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He truly will be missed.
Chris Sanghera
June 14, 2016
I used to work closing front desk at Atwater's In-Shape City. Mr. Cook Would come in for a workout at the end of every weekday. Many hours spent with that man talking about the SF Giants. We we're both big fans. Great guy, will be missed...
Debbie Richards
June 14, 2016
I had the pleasure of working with Ralph for a long time. I began my training as a courtroom clerk in his courtroom. He was a very deicated commissioner. He was fair, professional and hard working. I appreciate the time we had as coworkers and treasure our friendship. We had great conversations about our children and grandchildren. He loved being grandpa. He loved sports. He is loved and will be missed.
melani matthews
June 14, 2016
Thank you for giving me my second chance in life but I wished you had yours IRP
Mary McWatters
June 14, 2016
My prayers to the Cook family. I had the pleasure of working many years with Ralph, and over those years we had a lot of laughs.
Carol Ash
June 14, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of Ralph's death and my sincerest condolences to his family. I appeared in his courtroom as a DDA, worked for him as research attorney for the court, and was his colleague before his retirement as well. He was always a pleasure to work with and was a wonderful man. We had many enjoyable conversations and he was so proud of his kids. He will be missed!
Doral Main
June 14, 2016
Our sincerest condolences to the Cook family. A wonderful life cut too short. Growing up with Ralph was a pleasure and reconnecting a few years ago rekindled that special friendship. Our hearts are heavy.
Daryl and Doral Main
Maria Villagomez
June 14, 2016
My condolences to the Cook family...I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Ralph's passing...we had hooked up with our high school lunches in the recent years...he had talked about coming to New Orleans to visit and do the tourist thing together...he was so kind and it was a pleasure for all of us to have had him in our lives again..RIP Ralph...I will miss you..Maria Cordaway Villagomez
Suzan Nannini-Lewis
June 14, 2016
I just heard of Ralph's death. I am so very sorry for his family and friends. My brother Cliff, and I grew up with Ralph in San Leandro. He was such a sweet boy, kind, shy, sweet and very smart! After 60+ years, I remember him well. I am feeling very sad tonight. sue nannini lewis
June 12, 2016
Ralph was my patient and my friend. He was proud of his children and delighted by his grandkids. His texts to me were always of his kids and grandkids. When my granddaughter was hospitalized for cancer he gave very generously to her fund raising. Time spent with Ralph was time well spent. I will miss him. My thoughts go out to his family in their time of grief. Sincerely Eric Disbrow
Maria Valdez
June 11, 2016
To the family of Commish,
My deepest condolences at this very sad time. He was always so proud of his children, and so loved his grandchildren. Knowing that he knew Jesus is a big comfort. He is at peace now with our Savior. May happy memories sustain you as you mourn him. He will be missed by so many.
Sincerely, Maria Valdez
June 11, 2016
"Ralph was such a kindhearted man. We will miss him. Our prayers our with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace Ralph"
Mr. Dan Davis & Maria Davis (Merced, Ca)
Felice, Andrew & Allison Silva
June 11, 2016
Ralph was a good man taken from his family way to soon. Our condolences to his family.
Mark Blake
June 10, 2016
Ralph was a good guy. I will miss him. My family will miss him. The community will miss him. A prayer for his family and friends.
Stratford Evans Funeral Chapel
June 9, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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