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Edward Cook Obituary
Mr. Cook taught Classical Languages at The St. Louis Priory from 1958 – 1987. After a brief retirement he started working at the Reference Desk of the St. Louis Public Library. He retired from the Central Library in 2010.
He was an avid conversationalist in multiple languages and he enjoyed the companionship of many dear friends and colleagues. He was a graduate of St. Louis University High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Louis University in 1949.
Mr. Cook’s life will be celebrated at a Memorial Mass. The Reverend Timothy Horner, OSB will preside at St. Anselm Parish at the St. Louis Abbey Church, 530 Mason Rd., Creve Coeur on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
He is survived by his brothers John Francis, Jr. and James Bernard Cook. Uncle Edward enjoyed many nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews and great great nephews who will remember him fondly. His surviving nephew and nieces include: James B. Cook, Jr.; Katherine Cook; MaryAnn (Michael) Fink; Jean (Thomas) Leek; Margaret Cook; Prudence (Dennis) Whitesides; Josephine Cook and Stephanie (Kevin) Johnson. He is predeceased by Joanne Sampl and John F. Cook, III. Great nieces and nephews include: Shawn (Lisa) McBride; Kelly McBride; Shannon McBride; Jill (Alvin) Bell; Gregory (Kristin) Fink; Holly (Joshua) Lefholz; T. Michael (Shannon) Leek; Samuel Leek; Eric Spaeth; Adam Spaeth; Annie Paige Cook; James B. Cook, III “Trey”; Sadie Cook; Matthew Wyatt; and Ruby Johnson. His great great nephews are Gavin and Jared McBride and Patrick Lefholz.
Faithful friends like Mary Margaret Denigan, Berkley Jones, Darrell Woltkamp, Dennis & Mary Roach, Tim Willman, Mark Glenshaw, Wendy Schlager, Jean Presti and many others helped him recover over the last year.
The Cardinal’s 2011 World Series Championship inspired him and he was looking forward to another 2012 World Series.
His love of learning and teaching touched many lives. Although the music of his life has gone silent, we will always remember the joyful tune of great conversation and a life well-lived.
Born: Sep 17, 1927 in Saint Louis
Died: Apr 23, 2012 in Saint Louis
Obituary
Cook, Edward Kelly September 17, 1927 È April 23, 2012. Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on April 23, 2012. Predeceased by his parents, John Francis and Emma (Kelly) Cook. He is survived by his brothers John Francis. Jr. and James Bernard Cook. Beloved uncle, faithful friend and esteemed colleague at the St. Louis Priory School and the St. Louis Public Library. His love of learning and teaching touched many lives. Although the music of his life has gone silent, we will always remember the joyful tune of great conversation and a life well-lived. Services: The Memorial Mass will be celebrated by The Reverend Timothy Horner, OSB at St. Anselm Catholic Church, 530 Mason Rd., Creve Coeur on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Interment of ashes at a future time at Calvary Cemetery. NO visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Louis Priory School, the St. Louis Public Library, www.watertowerfoundation.org, or charity of choice. Arrangements by AMBRUSTER CHAPEL. Online condolences at www.ambrusterdonnelly.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jean, Tom, Samuel, Michael and Shannon Leek
April 29, 2012
It is difficult to remember any family time when Uncle Edward was not among us contributing his wisdom, humor and abundant laughter. Thinking of when he bought his first "bacaruda" car with push button transmission and hatchback. He excitedly drove it
to Florissant to show us and my dad. There was never a time when he was not attentive to everyone, remembering facts and information to inspire conversation relating to his international travels, teaching, religion and politics. I miss Uncle Edward already...
I think I should just have a small piece of each pie in tribute!
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Christmas - (12/2009) - Uncle Edward came to lunch!
April 28, 2012
May 15, 2012
Mark Wasylenko
May 9, 2012
"Ave atque vale" Monsieur Cook! Some of my funniest memories of Priory are thanks to you.
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Tom Byrne
May 9, 2012
I had Mr. Cook for French and German at Priory. He emphasized understanding people and culture as much as the languages, and stories from his extensive travels brought classes to life. Our class German Dinner remains a fond memory from senior year.
His timeless style, passion for teaching and zest for life will be missed by decades of Priory graduates.
Tom Schlafly
April 30, 2012
I first met Mr. Cook over 50 years ago in a classroom at Priory. In the course of six years he formally taught me French, Latin and Greek... and informally so much more. He was one of the best teachers I ever had at any level, a true polymath.
Years later our paths crossed again when he went to work at The St. Louis Public Library, where I was on the board of directors. I was not surprised that his colleagues at the Library soon viewed him with the same combination of awe and affection as his former students.
At the Library Mr. Cook often spoke to me in German and complimented me on my comparative fluency. He would recoil theatrically in mock indignation when I replied that I spoke German so well because it was the one language he hadn't taught me.
He often quoted the inscription at St. Paul's in London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren: "Si monumentum requiris, circumspice." (If you want a monument, just look around.) If you're looking for a monument to Edward Cook, just look around at the thousands of lives he enriched at Priory, the Library and elsewhere.
Jean, Tom, Samuel, Michael and Shannon Leek
April 29, 2012
It is difficult to remember any family time when Uncle Edward was not among us contributing his wisdom, humor and abundant laughter. Thinking of when he bought his first "bacaruda" car with push button transmission and hatchback. He excitedly drove it
to Florissant to show us and my dad. There was never a time when he was not attentive to everyone, remembering facts and information to inspire conversation relating to his international travels, teaching, religion and politics. I miss Uncle Edward already...
I think I should just have a small piece of each pie in tribute!
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