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Bob Cook Obituary
Bob Cook had been to 44 straight Super Bowls but couldn't make to Texas to watch his beloved Green Bay Packers defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Feb. 6. Instead, Cook viewed the game from his hospital bed with his wife, who decorated his room with green and gold lights.
Cook, whose obituary ends with "GO PACK GO," died last week after a blood infection and other chronic issues, including congestive heart failure, his wife, Sarah Cook, said Monday.
She said they had their bags packed and were ready to go, but Bob Cook told his wife three days before the game that he was too ill to travel to the game.
"I'm just a die-hard Packer fan," he told The Associated Press before the Packers win over the Bears in the NFC championship game on Jan. 23. "I'd rather watch football than any other sport."
The Brown Deer, Wis., man and the three other members of the "Never Missed a Super Bowl" club — Thomas Henschel, of Tampa, Fla., Larry Jacobson, of San Francisco and Don Crisman, Kennebunk, Maine — were the stars of the Visa ad leading up to the Super Bowl.
Tom Henschel, 69, said Cook was the last to join the group, during the 36th Super Bowl. Henschel had met Crisman and another man who also had been to every Super Bowl around the 17th Super Bowl.
Henschel, a Steelers fan, said Cook's two daughters went to the game in his place.
"It was kind of strange," he said. "Here's his team playing against my team. I thought we'd have a little fun. Maybe put a little wager on the game."
Cook was the former owner of Bob Cook's Vagabond Travel Service and started going to Super Bowls while working there. When asked in January why he goes to every Super Bowl he said: "I don't like the season to end."
"When football's over I wait for the preseason," he said. "No, I wait for the draft. Then the preseason. Then the season. Then the post-season. I worked hard not to let it end."
Cook said it was relatively easy to get tickets for the first few Super Bowls. He said he even had to go to a few Super Bowl cities without tickets but always got lucky when he got there. One year someone gave him tickets for free but another he had to sell off some of his jazz record collection to get a ticket.
As for how much money he spent on going to each game — Cook said he doesn't know.
"I probably could have bought a better house or put a couple new cars in the garage" he said in January. "It's all worth it and I'm very happy with my household and the way it is."
Cook has said the 31st Super Bowl was his favorite, when the Packers beat the Patriots in New Orleans. And he had hoped he would make it to the 50th Super Bowl.
Sarah Cook, 60, said her husband of 28 years enjoyed the doing the commercial this summer and all the attention since then.
"He had so much fun with this," she said. "The last couple months of his life were truly enjoyable."
A reception on was scheduled for Tuesday night for family and friends.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
194 Entries
Sam O`brien
March 27, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Nikolai's family and fans. A word of comfort in your time of sorrow is found at Isaiah 25: 8: He (God) will actually swallow up death forever.
C allam
March 15, 2011
RIP
AND WE KNOW YOU WILL CONTINUE WATCHING FROM ABOVE
March 1, 2011
Meet Bob several years ago at Tommy's house in Tampa prior to a Good Morning America shoot. Great guy and a wonderful fan. My God provide a seat on the 50 for Bob forever.
Walt, Tommy's buddy from Pittsburgh
glenda george
February 28, 2011
I loved that commercial. What a lovely experience. Your family have my prayers.
Go Pack.
How you can show support
Ray
February 22, 2011
RIP Mr. Cook... My condolences to the Cook family.
February 21, 2011
I am late but my wishes and thoughts are heartfelt none the less. Bob was a great guy and I will always remember Sarah and Bob coming to see me sing at Harvey's last year! It meant a lot to see them there and be missed and long remembered as a great guy! Love to the family!!!!!
Kim Quinten
February 18, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers to all of you. My husband and I are from Pittsburgh and are a personal friend of Tom who did the commercial with Bob.
February 18, 2011
Meet Bob back in the middle sixties, he was my travel agent for trip to watch the Packers vs LA Rams one year then the SF 49ers the next....he took me under his wing and showed me the ropes ...we also bent our elbows a few times and listen to a lot of stories...I will have alot of great memories. Rest in peace Bob..Dennis Klisch ...Pewaukee wi.
The Millemon Family
February 18, 2011
we r sorry for your loss of your loved 1 , sounds like he was full of life & a Devoted #1 Packer Fan~ may the precious memories of Bob bring you comfort. Go Bob Go!!!! God Bless~
Frank Mavetz
February 18, 2011
What a way to go---not with a Packer Super Bowl Win,but with not one,but TWO victories over the Bears in three weeks!!(at Soldier Field too boot)RIP Bob,and may all your sunrises and sunsets be GREEN and GOLD!!
Mary Methvin
February 18, 2011
Deepest condolences and sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr.Cook.
While he may have missed his last Super Bowl, some how the Packers knew he was there cheering them on, if not in person then in spirit.
Sounds like Mr. Cook was the greatest football fan of all time, and while he will be missed by his loved ones, he now has a bird's eye view of every Super Bowl to come!
Rest in Peace Mr Cook!
Michael Reed
February 18, 2011
May his post season never end and all his games be Packer's wins. God bless all his closest fans.
Nola Ruppard
February 17, 2011
What a trooper Mr. Bob Was...never missing a superbowl. My heart and compassion go to the family and friends he shared his life with. May God's grace be sufficient to sustain you during your time of loss.
February 17, 2011
my nephew would of loved you,he was in tears when the Packers won i'm sure it was the same in your room.hope your family carrys on your tradition.God bless your family and friends
shannon slc ut
February 17, 2011
Go Bob Go !!!! Debbie B Tucker(Lancaster, TX)
robin bokur
February 17, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss! I am sure that Bob is sharing stories with Vince right now. Go Bob Go!
Jeanie Coolahan
February 17, 2011
Bless his soul; I got a kick out of the commercial every time I saw it! Mrs. Cook you have my sincere condolences; to the rest of his family, my condolences also!
Gaye Hill
February 17, 2011
Go BOB! What a finale to make a national commercial and be recognized as a super fan. Condolences to your family and to the Green Bay Packers - there are many Pack fans out there, but you were the TOPS!
David R
February 17, 2011
No matter which team you root for(Bears), true football fans are a family. Now we have lost one of our own. Rest in peace Bob.
Kathy Mazzio
February 17, 2011
Go deep Bob. Rest in peace.
February 17, 2011
may you rest in peace . i like that commercial may god and you keep watch on us.
J. Michael Niner
February 17, 2011
To the Cook family: You must have had a great time with him. My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
I am die hard Bear fan, but respect all who love this great game!
Bonnie Radford
February 17, 2011
I enjoyed your football commercials. I'm glad you were able to accomplish one of your dreams. May your rest in peace in God's loving care. Bonnie in Missouri
Beth Nichols
February 16, 2011
What a wonderful way to enjoy the game, being with friends.I do not have many friends that would want to do that and have the $$$$. Go Dolphins and New York Giants. Just the excitement of who wins or loses is enough for mr. Beth Nichols Tallahassee,Fla
Rachel
February 16, 2011
He truly seemed to love his life... what a blessing. My prayers to his family.
Beverly
February 16, 2011
Thank you for the commercial. It's really fun to watch people get to fulfill their dreams. I am so glad you had fun!
W. G.
February 16, 2011
Now he can see all the games for free wherever he ends up. RIP!
Victoria Watson
February 16, 2011
You will be missed Mr. Cook...but never forgotten...now you rest in peace and enjoy your view of all games ..ticket free from HEAVEN!!
John Nyland 76
February 16, 2011
Cookie...Rest In Peace, you brought some joy to all football fans!
Steven Hallida
February 16, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Patty Ritter
February 16, 2011
Rest IN Peace and enjoy FREE SUPERBOWLS from the Heavens....Clear Outlook from the center of the field.....Many prayers to your family....RIP
DSparks
February 16, 2011
that was a great commercial!! i'm sure he was glad to be a part of it. rest in peace, Mr. Cook.
Ralph Jones
February 16, 2011
What an amazing story! I wish that we could all have one dying wish like this one! Sort of like a real life 'bucket list' .............
"Rest In Peace" Mr. Cook.......Rest In Peace.
Barb Brisson
February 16, 2011
My husband and I were sad to see a legendary lover of football has left us all. Our prayers are with the Cook family. Goodbye Bob.
Ralph Cramdon
February 16, 2011
May St. Vincent of Lambeau greet you at the Pearly Goal Post.
Marilyn Shelton
February 16, 2011
My prayers to the Cook family. I enjoyed watching Mr. Cook do the VISA commercials. Those were my very favorite commercials. Will so miss them. He made TV worth watching. Thoughts and prayers to all his family. I saw the news cast with his daughters and the hand-held photos of their dad. One great Packers fan, Mr. Cook. May you rest in peace.
Michael Mitchell
February 16, 2011
My condolences to you and yours. I would hope VISA does another commercial acknowledging the "Missing Man."
GO PACK GO!
Emmanuel Jauquet
February 16, 2011
Rest in peace Bob. All my prayers go out for the family
carole chase
February 16, 2011
so long, Mr Cook. i wish you could have attended this one, and i wish it could have been the Browns. my condolences to the family.
EFRAIN RAMIREZ
February 16, 2011
MR BOB COOK , I CAN ONLY DREAM OF GOING TO ONE SUPER BOWL GAME. LET ALONE NEVER MISSING ONE ON YOUR PART. WOW WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE.GOD BLESS FROM SAN ANTONIO,TX
Bill Clontz
February 16, 2011
R.I.P. Bob Cook ! As a die hard Packer Backer, who never made it to a superbowl, I salute you ! I did however make it to Green Bay this past year and was able to walk out on the field as part of my bucket list. I also offer my sincere best wishes to your family and my thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of loss.
Cindy Smith
February 16, 2011
Cook Family, we are deeply sorrow for the loss of your loved one.Watching him in those commercials he became part of us all, may he rest in peace our love and prayers go out to the family
Maria M
February 16, 2011
So sad that Mr. Cook could not see this particular Super Bowl in person-he must be SOOOO proud of his Packers. They played a great game and deserved to win. I am a Giants fan but was cheering for the Packers through the playoffs this year and am so glad they won. Rest in peace, Mr. Cook and my condolences to his wife and family.
Valerie Fraling
February 16, 2011
He lived and died enjoying what made him happy. No regrets. may he rest in peace. To his wife your supporting him meant more than you could ever imagine. How blessed he was. I enjoyed the super bowl commercials I could see the pride and joy in his eyes. What great memories.
P,C
February 16, 2011
To the Cook family:May the God of all comfort be with your family in your time of sorrow.May Bob fond and loving memories stay very close to your heart.Isaiah33:24.
K. Henderson
February 16, 2011
My condolences to your family. A piece of history in gone. I hope that the great memories you have give you comfort near and in the near future. Also comforting "He will swallow up death forever."
Charles Stowell
February 16, 2011
I'm sorry for your lost, Bob will be missed and I wish he could have made it to the Super Bowl this year, we really enjoyed the comercials. God bless Bob.
Ron Holmes
February 16, 2011
My condolences to the Cook family during these difficult days,thoughts and prayers are with you all......GO PACKERS.....
B. Milligan
February 16, 2011
So happy that Bob got to enjoy his Packers' win even if it was on TV! I hope your fond memories give you comfort during this sad time. God rest his soul.
Katherine Scriven
February 16, 2011
Condelances to you, Mrs. Cook and your family. Prayers and may God bless you during this time. Mr. Cook will always be in my heart when I watch the Super Bowl and he even came up this year in my house since seeing the commercials. Mr. Cook now has the best seat ever for any football game.
k overton
February 16, 2011
Now you have the best seat in any Superbowl Game!
Gail Ritter
February 16, 2011
I am so sorry to see Mr Cook's passing....I enjoyed his commericals an hoped he would see many more Super Bowls....Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.....
Polly
February 16, 2011
Sorry for your loss. We appreciated the commercials and wish he could've attended.
John Friedman
February 16, 2011
Rest in peace Sir. You are home now.
JANET BATE
February 15, 2011
My husband and I have known Bob for many years. He was indeed one of a kind--a free spirit , fun loving and a loyal friend. My husband, Dick Bate, was his adverting account executive on the Hevi-Duty account and also did some work for him at Travelpower. He arranged a trip to Hawaii for us to help plan a tour to coincide with James Michners book "Hawaii'. What a guy! Janet Bate
Jill Brown
February 15, 2011
My sympathy and prayers go out to Bob's family. I enjoyed watching the Visa commercials. I'm sorry Bob was unable to be in Dallas for the Superbowl last week, but I'm glad he lived long enough to see his Packers win it. RIP Bob!!
February 15, 2011
I'm so sad to hear of his passing. I love that commercial. He will always be rememberd as the "Greatest Super Bowl Fan".
Nikki, Bayside, New York
Sherry
February 15, 2011
What a Guy! Its nice to know that even though he couldn't attend the game, he lived long enough to watch it on TV. I hope the great memories you have of Bob will bring you peace and comfort. RIP Bob!
Sandy Altizer
February 15, 2011
I'm so sorry to learn of your loved ones passing. I so enjoyed feeling like I knew Mr. Cook with the commercials playing this year. I'm glad he was able to see the Packers win again......even though I am a Steelers fan.
Rest in Peace.
Lisa Rushman Peplinski
February 15, 2011
I used to come into the MBE that you owned on Brown Deer Rd. when I lived in Cherrywood Village. I loved talking to Bob, Sarah and Patti. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He's watching the Packers kick the Bears butt over and over in heaven.
Mark Smith
February 15, 2011
What a legacy, what a lucky pup, to be able to do such a feat. He will be missed by those who knew him and by those who didn't thoughts and prayers to the family.
Shelly
February 15, 2011
My sympathies to the family. So sorry to hear about this.
Jac Jac
February 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
R Golay
February 15, 2011
To the the family of Bob Cook - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Bob will be missed by many.
Tommie
February 15, 2011
I'm sorry for your lost, he will be missed and I wish he could have made it to the Super Bowl this year
Nancy Tibbits
February 15, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Cook's passing. God bless his family and long time friends.
Steeler Fan
February 15, 2011
God Bless you sir. Condolences to the Cook family. Mr. Cook was obvioulsy a good man and shared our love of the game.
Patty Bacon
February 15, 2011
I'm very sorry for your loss. I will remember you in my prayers. But I must tell you how it warms my heart that not only did he have some of his most enjoyable memories before he left here, but you now have memories of him living the experience. I feel God is good. God bless and keep you and yours.
February 15, 2011
Sad
:( .
February 15, 2011
So sorry for your loss. It would be so, so cool to have game rep show some love to this unwaivering fan. RIP Mr. Cook.
Paula Bishop
February 15, 2011
Deepest sympathy goes out to Sarah and the Cook family. I've watched the "Never Missed A Superbowl" commercials and thought they were great. What avid football fans! Mr. Cook will be smiling down the the Never Missed A Superbowl Club and will be with them in spirit... The Bishop Family, Honesdale, PA
Barbara
February 15, 2011
I am so sorry to hear this news. Prayers for all who know and love Bob.
T Meyers
February 15, 2011
I'm sorry for your loss. My prayers are with his family and friends. I truly enjoyed the commercial too. It was so nice to see some good friends enjoying a special outing
Becky Ayres
February 15, 2011
I'll bet Mr. Cook will have the best seat in Heaven for the Superbowl from now on. I'm sorry for your loss, you will be in my prayers. Becky
Jim Felps
February 15, 2011
He will still attend the Super Bowl's just from the best seat in the house. RIP Mr. Bob Cook.
m b
February 15, 2011
Sorry for your loss, may the memorable remember stay close to your hearts. May you also draw close to our Heavenly Father and He will draw close to you for He is close to all those who are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirits He saves.
barbara gimler
February 15, 2011
i was so saddened to hear of Mr. Cooks passing. I only knew him from the commercials and thought it was such a wonderful tradition that the men kept up with because not to many people keep traditions. Im very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in the memories.
Sincerely, Barbara Gimler Lakeville Mass
oscar reyes
February 15, 2011
Well, he is gonna miss the next Superbowl...
Cheryl
February 15, 2011
My sympathy to your family. I enjoyed the commercials. God bless your family.
Seva
February 15, 2011
Mr. Cook, Thank you for showing all of us what a true fan was! I am glad that you experienced so much happiness through your life. God Bless and rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to all your family and friends.
David Crowe
February 15, 2011
Such a shame. The Packers gave him a great going away present anyway. He and the other men in the commercial all seemed very nice. RIP Sir.
Carolyn
February 15, 2011
RIP Mr. Cook:
Enjoyed the commercials.
February 15, 2011
I WORKED WITH BOB AT HEVI DUTY ELECTRIC CO. YEARS AGO.WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO SARAH AND ANN.BOB LIVED IN THE PEWAUKEE AREA.E MAIL ME WITH A PHONE [email protected] WALTER SCHWARTING THANK YOU.
February 15, 2011
Mr. Cook was a pleasure and a gentleman when we interviewed him recently for a piece on the Super Bowl. It's people like this that make my job worth it all. God bless you and may you rest in peace!
Debra
February 15, 2011
Hope you are playing football in Heaven. We really enjoyed your commercials. God bless your family.
Roper
February 15, 2011
I was sorry to hear about Bob. My family and I enjoyed watching him with his buddies on the commercials. We were very envious! We, too, are BIG Packer fans and didn't realize Bob was also! Bob can rest in peace knowing there are a lot of people who will continue his cheer of "GO PACK GO!" God Bless you all! The Ropers of Rapid City
Norma Kumm
February 15, 2011
It is so sad that Mr. Cook had to miss the one Super Bowl game that meant the most to him. The "Pack" won it for him. Now, he will be in a better place and will never miss another Super Bowl game. My condolances to his family.
Jim Stanley
February 15, 2011
GOD Bless you Bob Cook and your family.As a Pennsylvania Packer Fan this one was especially great. I am so glad you got to see it.
May our God keep you and hold you in His Loving Arms.
Go Bears
February 15, 2011
Guess you will miss the next one...
LJ Kennedy
February 15, 2011
RIP Mr. Cook. I'm glad he at least got to see his beloved Packers win one last time, even if he didn't get to go to the game. I'm betting he'll have great seats for all the games yet to come. Condolences to the family.
The Robert's
February 15, 2011
Mr. Cook, you are an inspiration and showed us dedication in enjoying life to the fullest. I really enjoyed meeting you through your commercials giving us all a smile. We are cheering for you. Also for your family as they mourn your loss. May their loving memories give them peace.
February 15, 2011
RIP Mr. Cook! You have done Wisconsin and the Packers PROUD!!! You are among the Great Ones now.
Linda Morgan
February 15, 2011
May God bless you at this time.. I loved the commercial and thought it was so cool to have been to all those games.. rest in peace my friend.. Go Pac Go!!!!
Packer Fan Also
February 15, 2011
R.I.P. Mr. Cook, hope you are dressed in full Packer clothing instead of the traditional suit and tie.
Georgia Ward
February 15, 2011
To the Cook Family - I only know Mr. Cook via his Super Bowl/VISA commercial, but I am saddened just the same by your loss. He had a wonderful smile and I pray that your happy memories will lighten your heavy load at this time. I too love football; hate to see the season end. I'm a Buckeye Fan & Browns Fan, but enjoyed seeing a great game between your Packers and the Steelers! God Bless Mr. Cook and his family!
Barbara Peterson
February 15, 2011
To Bob' family,
I had the pleasure of playing sheepshead with Bob; he was always a good sport. It is a wonderful memory to have seen him on TV most recently as he now shares fame with the packers!
Cherish the Memories!
Barbara Peterson
Gail Siegel
February 15, 2011
Sincere condolences to the family of Bob Cook. Enjoyed seeing him in the Super Bowl commercials.
Rest In Peace, Bob Cook. Go Pack Go!
John Williams
February 15, 2011
God Bless Mr. Cook for being the kind of person to stick with something like the Superbowl for all those years...that took alot of time and dedication to do that.....Now he is at the biggest "Superbowl" of them all.....
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