Robert Davis Cook

I met Rob when I was 12, in Geography class. He came up to me and said "So what do you think of the national economy?", A question that initiated a bond of friendship that spanned 39 years. Countless adventures and life experiences we shared, that are written indelibly in my own life story and have helped to shape the person I have become (no therapy, thank you!).
My dear friend Rob,
In passing you have taken a part of me with you. In exchange, I keep a part of you here with me -...

Kindness, this is what comes to mind when I think of Rob. No matter how frustrating the day or the task at hand, Rob managed to soothe ruffled nerves and set hearts at peace with his genuine concern and his caring soul. More than once, I saw him interact with students on the edge of giving up. By the time those students parted, they were aware of all the options available to insure success and were also positive they were not alone in this struggle. Rob was the kind of person you trusted...

As Rob went through a series of grave illnesses in recent years that were sure to take his life--but didn't--I started to wonder what I might do or become if I had reason to believe my life would be short. My imagination would conjure up extreme possibilities but none like the life Rob lived: passionate love for his family, being among friends, and working with WCC students. When students brought a paper or assignment to him he enveloped them in a world where everything else fell aside and...

Like Prof. Vinyard, I regarded Rob as one of those people you were glad you went into teaching for. He was in a Civil War seminar of mine, and should have been teaching it. He was also a friend, and I shall miss him.

Rob Cook was a luminous being and his light will continue to illuminate the Writing Center at WCC, where he was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. I had Rob years ago in my Creative Writing class where he shone as both student and writer. I actually thought of him more as a fellow teacher, even then, because of his keen insights and the loving, supportive way he guided his peers to produce their best writing. It is why I recommended him to tutor in the Writing Center. Rob soon BECAME...

Rob was one of those special students who made me so grateful to have become a teacher. Those of us who knew him will not forget his presence in the history department at EMU.

Robbie will deeply be missed!

Tim, Rose and James Cook

Rob emanated kindness and acceptance, his quick wit and inquisitive mind brought out the best in people. After many years of distance, I only recently reconnected with Rob and his creative and talented wife, Jane. I will always cherish the memories of our adventures during the self discovery years, and the insightful and caring man he had matured to become. Rob may never know how much he will be missed, or perhaps he does... The world is a better place for having been visited by Robert...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rob was such a kind and gentle soul. I will always remember his smile and his willingness to help in what ever way he could. The world has lost a wonderful man. ~Gale Gillespie