Mark Evan Cook

1942 - 2014

3/3/1942 ~ 12/31/2014
Moroni, UT-Soon after sunrise on Wednesday, December 31, 2014, Mark Evan Cook, Moroni, Utah, was called home for a glorious reunion of rejoicing with cherished, dearly missed loved ones, including his grandparents, Mathias & Rowena Allred and George & Edith Cook; his parents, Morris & Betty Cook; his son Heath Cook; and his grandson Justin Joseph ("JJ") Cook.
Mark's graduation from mortality temporarily separates him from his remaining family which includes his eternal sweetheart, Nanalee Larsen Cook, daughter of Merrill and Leila Larsen (deceased). They were married for eternity in the Manti Utah Temple in 1965. June 5, 2015, will mark their 50th wedding anniversary.
Children born to them are: Stephanie Leila (Scott Stevens - Ephraim); Valerie (Gerald Mills- Bountiful); Heath (deceased) (Holly Allred Cook Larson - Spring City); Kevin (Angie Hansen - Mt. Pleasant); Austin (Natalie White - Moroni); and Joseph (Ricci Allred - Moroni).
Papa Mark's precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy and brought him great delight! They include Stephanie's children: Skyler Stevens, Sydney Stevens Stilson (Weston), Shaylynn Stevens (soon to be Sterner!) & Shantel Stevens; Valerie's children: Anthony Mills (Hailey), Michael Mills, Thomas Mills, Heather Mills & Nathan Mills; Heath's children: Ashley Cook Rosenlof (Mark), Quincey Cook, Layne Cook, Morgan Cook & Afton Cook; Kevin's children: Wyatt Cook & Kaylee Cook; Austin's daughter: Tynlee Cook; and Joseph's children: Justin Joseph ("JJ") Cook, Phillip Justin ("PJ") Cook, Kash Merrill Cook, Madelaina Cook & Celine Cook. Great-grandchildren: Gracie Rosenlof , Gabriel Mills & Baby Rosenlof--joining us soon!
Mark loved his brothers and sisters and their families which include Jewel Hatch, Molly Lamb, Roger, Lawrence, Tracy, Orson & Daniel Cook, as well as his brothers-in-law Bruce and Wayne Larsen and their families.
Mark was a man of many gifts and talents which greatly benefited his own business endeavors, his family, church and the community.
Growing up in a multi-generational sheep family he learned to drive early-he could drive a whole outfit (truck, sheep camp and commissary) when he could barely see over the steering wheel! From these experiences he learned many important principles of nature, livestock and business. As a husband and father he pursued self-employment in the retail business starting with the old Moroni Co-op, and later building his own new building on Main Street in Moroni called Mark's Market and then Mark's Foodtown. He expanded his enterprise to include a vending business, car wash and laundromat. With his love for the outdoors and winter snowmobiling he started "High West Adventures," building a nice lodge near Miller's Flat Reservoir and filling a double-decked trailer with snowmobiles for rent. Upon selling his businesses, Mark worked in manufacturing at Trojan Explosives Corporation, and later as the Human Resources Director for Wilson Audio.
Upon retirement, Mark visited his children's homes often and helped with many daily tasks including tending and chauffeuring grandchildren. The babies and little ones loved to snuggle up with Papa Mark and "go to the blanket show" (watch movies). He was very sensitive to the daily stresses and demands of motherhood and often helped with cooking, dishes, and miscellaneous shopping. He loved shopping and cooking with us! An oft spoken statement he made was, "I wouldn't be a mother for $1,000 a day!" From his earliest years ranching Mark was a very hard worker and passed that high work ethic on to each of his sons. He was proud of them working together as business partners at Action Transmissions in Provo, Utah, and enjoyed visiting the shop to share his ideas and advice. Many treasured family memories were made during holiday dinners, vacations and outings.
As a devoted, loyal member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mark served in the Scottish-Irish Mission (1961-1963). Later he served in many church callings including Moroni Stake High Council Member. The Manti Temple was a beloved place to Mark where he served as an ordinance worker beginning in 2003 until leaving for a full-time senior mission with Nanalee. They served in the Rapid City South Dakota Mission, with assignments in three states which included serving in the Bismarck Temple, from February 2007 to August 2008. "Elder Cook" felt tremendous love and enthusiasm for missionary service. He was truly thrilled to be about his Father's business sharing his testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! Upon returning Mark again served as an ordinance worker in the Manti Temple for over five more years.
In the local community Mark served in different capacities over the years, including the Moroni Lion's Club and the North Sanpete School Board.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Moroni Stake Missionary Fund. As a family we express our heartfelt love and gratitude to all who were a part of Mark's life for their many kindnesses and support.
A viewing will be held on Sunday evening, January 4, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moroni Stake Center, 82 North Center Street. A service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, January 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Moroni Stake Center with a viewing prior to the service from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Much love to you always MEC-- our sweetheart, father and grandpa -we'll catch up to you soon!!