Donald Carl Cook

Don played rhythm guitar in our band at Cal Poly. Big heart. Fun guy. Sorry to hear of his passing.

I didn't know Don well at South High, but I always loved his open-hearted smile and his mop of unkempt hair. I'll never forget his valedictorian speech -- he was a feminist before his time. I'm sorry to learn his life was so brief.

I met Don in 2008 in my professional capacity, when I needed to ask him to allow some solar steam generators to operate. His interest in steam boilers was quite broad, as I learned he was on the Historical Committee for the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. And he was interested in advancing steam boiler technology and saw solar energy as an opportunity. He detailed his staff to thoroughly review the design (which preceded me), and inspect the system in time for us...

It was 1998 and my National Board (NB) Commission was about to expire. I had unsuccessfully failed to renew my NB with Don's predecessors. As a safety consultant with an insurance broker, the only way to renew was as a state pressure vessel inspector or insurance company pressure vessel inspector. Don actually set a precedent w/the State of CA. I had to be a part time carrier inspector and they had to pay me a small fee to satisfy the Labor Code. Thanks to Don's efforts, my NB Commission was...

I had the privilege of assistant-coaching Don's soccer team, with both his daughter Olivia and my daughter Alyssa as members. It was truly rewarding to be around and learn so much from such a wonderful and giving man.

A good boss, A good friend, A great man

Great man, always had time to listen to reason.

Unbelieveable, Don, was simply put, a great person. I am deeply saddened by this news. A tragic loss for anyone that knew Don. I worked with Don, Robert, Doug and Otto at The Dairy. Every one of them made you feel important. Played in many pickup basketball games with Don and his brothers. He was very talented in many things. I am shocked. Prayers go out to his Mother, Brothers, Wife and Daughter. Although I moved on and started a family of my own, I have very vivid memories of time...

I'm so saddened to hear of the loss of our friend Don. My twin and I grew up with Don from kindergarten to high school. Lots of good memories with all the Planz Panthers throughout the years. May he Rest in Peace and may the entire Cook family be blessed with God's comfort and strength.