S. Gilbert Cook

S. GILBERT COOK MAY 1916 ~ NOV. 2010 Passed away peacefully at Casa de Modesto with his two daughters by his side on November 8, 2010 at the age of 94. Gilbert was born in Eugene, Oregon to Thad and Kathryn Cook in 1916. He served his country in the National Guard from 1934-1937, and graduated in 1939 from Washington State University. He later earned Lifetime Credentials in both Vocational and Secondary Education. He was also a Master sheet metal craftsman and he employed this skill in his teaching as well as remaining an active sheet metal worker throughout his career. He specialized in Industrial Arts Adult Education, teaching in Yakima, Washington at Perry Technical Institute and in Spokane, Washington at the Trade Technical School. Later, he accepted a position as Director for Vocational and Adult Education at Everett, Washington Junior College. In 1957, he relocated to California and taught for the Modesto City Schools until retirement. Gilbert was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing which his grandfather taught him to do as a young boy. His reverent appreciation for the beauty of the natural world was shared with people wherever he went. He was active in sports during school and continued this interest along with his many other hobbies, including camping, golf, gardening and playing cards. In 1940, he wed his beloved sweetheart, Louise, and they were happily married for 66 years. Together, they always took great joy in entertaining and cooking for family and friends at home, especially enjoying their California vacation beach house for many years. Ahighlight of their retirement was traveling with their recreational vehicle throughout North America and taking a long dreamed-of trip to Hong Kong. He had many interests, but most of all, he loved people, cherishing his wife, children and grandchildren, his extended family and his many treasured friends from all walks of life. He lived with optimism, humor, joy, generosity, compassion and wisdom. Gilbert is survived by his loving daughters, Kathryn J. Learned of Santa Rosa, California and Caroline J. Jones of Fairfax, California; his adoring grandchildren, Vance H. Reese, Kimberlee Julianne Reese, Carmen M. Colemere and Nikolas J. Jones. He is preceded in death by his wife, Louise K. Cook in 2006 and his parents. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Casa de Modesto, 1745 Eldena Way, Modesto, California 95350. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at Casa de Modesto on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Please share your memories at www.modbee.com/obituaries www.allenmortuary.com ALLEN MORTUARY