Monte Douglas Cook

Monte Douglas Cook passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, at the age of 71, from complications of prostate cancer. Monte will be memorialized at a small family gathering at a later date.

Monte was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. He grew up on a small chicken farm and apple orchard with his four siblings, where he learned the honor and value of hard work from a young age, taught by his loving parents, Barbara and Douglas Cook. These lessons stayed with him throughout his life.

Monte spent his working life in construction and was respected by all who knew him. He had a no-nonsense approach to work, ‘put your shoulder to the wheel’, and he would never ask any man to do what he himself would not do. He earned the nickname “The Legend.”

Monte and the love of his life, Sheila, raised their three sons, Isaac (Jennica), Joshua (Keri), and Nathan (Amanda), instilling in them the same respect, integrity, and work ethic that guided his own life. His sons were everything to him. His life revolved around his family.

He loved being a big brother to Brenda and Becky and loved them deeply. He was especially grateful that Brenda lived just one house away, knowing he was close by if she ever needed him. Family meant everything to Monte, and he showed it every day.

Monte found joy in simple, meaningful time with those he loved. He spent many hours golfing, as well as fishing, hunting, camping, and spending time in the mountains with his family. They were not only his family but his closest friends, and there was no one he would rather spend his time with.

Joshua and his dad were best friends who did everything together. From the time he was a toddler, Joshua was Monte’s shadow. Monte’s pride and joy grew even more with his grandchildren. Joshua gave him his first grandchild, Ashley, who had him wrapped around her little finger from the moment she was born. She was the girl he never had and was a constant presence and help to her grandpa during the final chapter of his life.

Ashley (Jon) are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their son, Oliver, a great-grandson Monte was already deeply excited to meet. Thank You Jon for being there for Monte with your love and support and doing the things for him that he could no longer do himself, he loved and appreciated you so much.

Isaac and his dad shared a deep bond rooted in love, respect, and care. Isaac gave him four grandsons: Miles, Cillian, Ezra, and Rodney; kind, good boys whom their grandpa was immensely proud of and loved very much. They brought him great joy.

Nathan gave him seven grandchildren: Sarah, Sadie, Stella, Doug, Scout, Samantha, and Shelby. Living less than a mile away, they brought their grandpa constant happiness. He was always there to celebrate life with them. Even something as simple as the first snowfall meant sleds coming out and memories being made. Nathan and his dad were best friends, living close, golfing together, and sharing frequent time together until the very end.

Monte often said that he was not a man of great monetary wealth. But he worked hard, gave an honest day’s work, and considered himself a very rich man because of all the love that surrounded him.

Monte was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Douglas Cook; his grandparents; and his beloved brother Bruce.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Amanda (Nathan’s wife), whom Monte lovingly called his saint, for her care and compassion during the hardest part of his journey.

Thank you also to Jeff, Brian and George for being friends who stayed until the end, to St. Luke’s Hospice, and to Dr. Swerdloff and his staff.

We are deeply grateful that Monte passed peacefully and is no longer suffering.

Trying to sum up someone whose impact was as big as a mountain in just a few words is no easy task. But for those who knew and loved Monte, the mark he left on their lives; and the hole he leaves behind is immeasurable. He will be missed more than words can express.