William H. Cook

1960 - 2013

William (Bill) H. Cook, 53, passed away at home Friday, June 7, 2013, following a lengthy illness.

Bill was born March 12, 1960, in Winchester, Mass. He graduated from Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Mass. and attended Nasson College in Springvale, Maine.

In the lives of his family, friends and countless acquaintances, Bill was a unique and unforgettable presence. His kind nature and intuitive sense of others enabled him to draw out the most reticent people and put them at ease. A loyal friend, many of his friendships dated back to his elementary school years.

Despite his natural athleticism and intelligence, Bill's greatest gift was his engaging personality. He observed everyday life with humor and candor that was both refreshing and genuine and his love for fun was contagious.

In his happiest years, Bill found the perfect match for his restless spirit and appetite for adventure in long distance driving. Over the miles he logged, he gathered the fodder for the stories he'd tell back at home; the New York City alley he couldn't back into, the CB radio conversations that kept him company late at night, the eighteen-wheeler he wedged under a too-low bridge, the second eighteen-wheeler he wedged under a too-low bridge.

Bill's greatest personal joy came with the birth of his son, Billy, who he considered a true love of his life and constant source of happiness. As Bill's life came to a close, his greatest comfort was the time he spent "just talking" with his son.

When the power of Bill's spirit was tested in later years by illness, he met his challenges with determination and resilience and took strength from his continued ability to lift the spirits of those he loved. "I made you laugh," he said once. "I love when that happens."

He will be missed painfully, and he will be missed every day.

In addition to his son, Billy, Bill is survived by his parents, Dorothy Westwater of Contoocook and James and Marianne Cook of Concord; a brother, James Cook Jr. of Contoocook; a sister, Susan Bonifant of Hopkinton; a brother, Tom Cook of Bow; a brother, Peter Cook of Bow; and a sister, Andrea Wing of Bow; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and an uncle.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 21, at 4 p.m. at the Bennett Funeral Home in Concord.

A celebration of Bill's life will follow at 105 Park Avenue in Contoocook. If desired, wishes for the family may be left at bennettfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that all who wish to pay their respects yield to eighteen-wheelers when merging on the highway.

The Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of the arrangements.