Name: Memorial Gathering for Sheldon C. Cook
Start: 2018-01-29T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-01-30T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Lafayette Library Community Hall

Sheldon C. Cook
August 16, 1923 - January 17, 2018
Resident of Lafayette
Sheldon C. Cook MD passed away peacefully at his home on January 17th. Sheldon will long be remembered as the first pediatrician in Lafayette, but probably more so as a gentle soul, a great listener with a huge heart and an adventurous spirit. He had a special fondness for their cabin at Fallen Leaf Lake, where he sailed, led pack trips and water skied. Sheldon loved snow skiing and sailing on the Bay. He was an avid tennis player until his late 80s. More than anything he loved his late wife Marilyn and his family.
Born in San Jose, CA, Sheldon attended Cal and then Temple University Medical School. After a Naval tour in Korea and a pediatric residency at UCSF he practiced in Lafayette for 30 years. Upon retirement he and Marilyn set sail for 5 years. When asked where they were going, he said "We're going out the Gate and turning left." When asked how far, he said "South until the butter melts." On return he enjoyed 30 more years of family activities, traveling, tutoring 5th graders, playing with his beloved pets, and enjoying time with life-long friends.
Sheldon is survived by their children, Kacy Cook, Jeff Cook (Annie), Sarah Flatow (Tobias) and Lili Cook (Megan); and their grandchildren, Meryl Nielsen (Brad) and Brian Cook (Jamie), Matthew and Sarah Tracey-Cook, and one great grandchild Connor Nielsen. Sheldon greatly appreciated the loving support of his caregiver Mike Castro.
There will be a gathering to remember Sheldon on Monday, January 29th from 1-4 PM at the Lafayette Library Community Hall. Remembrances may be made to the Fallen Leaf Lake Fire Dept, P.O. Box 9415 S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96158 or Children's Hospital Oakland: childrenshospitaloakland.org/main/giving/aspx.

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Published by East Bay Times on Jan. 21, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Sheldon Cook

Sponsored by East Bay Times.

12 Entries

Scott McAtee

August 18, 2025

Kind person soul

Janelle McDonald

May 18, 2024

I had a very small cyst removed the other day which triggered a special memory of Dr Cook. Dr Cook was my Pediatrician for many years. He removed my first of several cyst during my 4 grade year. He taught me about cysts and why I kept getting them. He is fondly remember and his wife, Marilyn, was wonderful. The McDonald Family have many great memories of house calls and office visits.

Rest in Peace

Gary Winston

April 12, 2021

Sheldon was a wonderful man who helped me get started with my pediatric career in the mid-1970's. He gave me the real world foundation to begin my own pediatric practice. I think about him with fondness. My heart goes out to all who were fortunate to have spent time with him.

Linda Heller

June 21, 2018

Lovely man and what a life! He was our family pediatrician, for all five of us, when we lived in Lafayette and then moved to Danville. My parents esp my mom thought the world of him as we made many emergency trips for falls, scrapes and other mishaps!

When my dad, unexpectedly, became seriously ill and was hospitalized, Dr Cook ran interference for us in dealing with the doctors at John Muir Hosp. We will always be grateful.

I remember Dr Cook being very tall with a deep voice, he was always kind and very patient. It was a good place to go as a child and recall his wonderful long time nurse, Jean.

I am glad to read that so many others had the same wonderful experience with Dr Cook as did we and hope these heartfelt messages are of comfort to his family.

Teresa Rios (Coppel)

February 21, 2018

I would like to say I still remember Dr Cook as my pediatrician he was a wonderful Dr he made going to the Dr as easy as possible. He gave shots that never hurt and made it easy to get when we were kids. He was our Dr for my siblings and my cousins as well. Its to bad that drs could not practice forever. He will be missed. Thank you Teresa C

John (Boomie) von der Lieth

January 28, 2018

Dr. Cook was a wonderful family friend and my pediatrician. I truly admired his zest for adventure, encouraging demeanor and sincerely appreciated his comforting care throughout my early years. He is sadly missed but will always be fondly remembered.

Fallen Leaf

The Rowe's

January 23, 2018

We will miss your visits to our pier
You shall have smooth sailing
The Edward Rowe Family

January 21, 2018

With your indulgence, we would like to update URL for the Children's Hospital of Oakland, if you are inclined to donate to them. Please go to:

https://www.childrenshospitaloakland.org/main/giving.aspx

Thank you
The Family

Lindsay Marich

January 21, 2018

He was a wonderful doctor. Sailing among the stars now.

Barbara Wessel

January 21, 2018

I'm saddened to learn of his passing..he was my sons pediatrician in Lafayette many years ago.
He was an amazing person in so many ways!
My condolences to his family

Summer Roa

January 21, 2018

I am saddend to hear of Mr. Cooks passing. It was an honor and pleasure to have met him and cared for him! He was a very special man! Sending love and prayer to you all! -Summer Roa (MA JMH)

Kathleen Jevons

January 20, 2018

I just found out about the loss of a wonderful man and friend. I am in San Antonio where on January 18, I welcomed the birth of our first grandchild. She will be told stories about this remarkable man. Much love to the family.

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