Curtis John Cook

About

Tempe High School

Curtis Cook Obituary

Curtis John Cook, 72, passed away February 10, 2021. Curtis was born in Lamar, CO. The son of Gerald Lee Cook and Leah Elinor (Davis) Cook. Brother, Don Cook of Lamar, CO. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lillian Ross Cook. His son Casey Cook and wife Beth Cook of Maumee, OH. Daughter Leah Kearney and husband Kolby Kearney of Phoenix, AZ. Daughter Kathryn Cook and Son James Cook of Phoenix, AZ. Four grandchildren Coira Cook, Cecilia Cook, Ava Kearney and James Harelson. Sister-in-Law Susan Galpin-Tyree of Scottsdale, AZ. Extended family in CO and many friends. Curtis attended Casa Grande High School. He went on to attend Mesa Community College, then enlisted into the USMC (70-73). He was awarded Platoon Honorman and Blues Award, National Defense Medal, Rifle Expert Badge and Good Conduct Medal. After serving in the USMC Curtis completed his Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Education at ASU. He was also on the ASU wrestling team. Curtis taught biology, chemistry and art and coached football, wrestling and track & field at Casa Grande High School, Tempe High School and Mountain Point High School. He received the Diablo Faculty Excellence Award for Science (1983) as well as the Award for Excellence in Science from the Tempe Union High School District (1991). After his retirement he volunteered at both Desert Vista High School and Mountain Point High School in Track & Field and wrestling at Altadena Middle School. Curtis will be interned with military honors at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

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Published by The Lamar Ledger on Mar. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Curtis Cook

12 Entries

Sylvie Kasztan

June 11, 2023

I retired this year as a biology teacher of 33 years. Mr. Cook was my biology teacher at Tempe High in 1978 and one of the reasons I became a biology teacher. He was as entertaining as he was accomplished. Everyone, and I mean everyone loved Mr. Cook. I shared many a story in my classes over the years from those days as a student. Those stories never failed to bring a smile or a laugh. Before I ever knew I would become a teacher, I knew I would want to be just like him. He was as kind as he was disciplined, empathetic and approachable. He allowed me to see and experience the type of relationship every student hopes to have with their teacher. Thank you Mr. Cook for influencing generations of students. Your legacy lives on. God Bless.

Leanna Malone

April 26, 2021

Coach Cook as we called him, in high school, was one of the great ones. He built relationships with students and it came naturally. He was so encouraging and always was a beacon of light with wisdom and a great sense of humor. He and my father, Benny Malone, had formed a friendship over the years and shared a love of silk screening. He will truly be missed. To his family of loved ones I give my condolences. May God help to bring you comfort during your time of sorrow. I was a student and his friend.

Leanna Malone

April 26, 2021

Coach Cook was a wonderful spirit and was always full of life and advice for us, in high school. He developed a friendship with my father Benny Malone and they shared many good times and talks about silk screening. Coach Cook as we affectionately called him, will truly be missed. My heart and condolences to his family of loved ones. May God bring comfort in your time of sorrow.

Jay Gruber

March 16, 2021

Our Mothers were Sisters , He has always amazed me from when I was young and we went to Arizona to visit and he was painting murals on the gymnasium walls, and he came to Lamar and went to the public pool with us and amazed all of us with his cannon ball from the High dive. I got to visit him later in life when I was in the Pheonix area, then later in life he would come to Lamar and started printing shirts for The Buzzards Roost. Very amazing Man that was always such a pleasure to talk to on the phone and a lot better in person. He will always be one of my Heroes

Dave Rasley

March 7, 2021

Worked with Coach Cook at Tempe High starting in 1986. He was the Kindest most Decent man, a Gentle Giant. I could always go to him for advice or an Honest opinion. He was an Outstanding Teacher, Coach, and Friend. Rest In Peace My Friend.

Michael Burton

March 7, 2021

I cannot express in words what this man has done for me. He was my teacher, my coach, and my friend. He helped make me a state champion wrestler as well as my brother Stephen. He will be missed. My condolences to his wife Lil and his family. From my mom and my aunt, and myself, Rest In Peace Curtis Cook.

Richard Quintana

March 6, 2021

Coach Cook was an awesome human being. My best coach I ever had. So much amazing memory's, I would never forget the comments he made while coaching and have fun!!! R.I.P Coach Cook... Tempe High School, Class of 1990 !!!

Marty

March 5, 2021

I loved this guy. He was always so kind to me and i enjoyed hanging out with him. As fellow Marines we shared a common bond. I still have the USMC Kabar he gave me to remember him by

Tanya Warren

March 5, 2021

Coach Cook was a great inspiration,,, always had some encouraging words!!!
Such a blessing to have been at Tempe High with him 86-90!!!
THS

John Fees

March 5, 2021

Thankful for Curtis being a wonderful example to me at Tempe High School. He was a terrific teacher and wonderful coach. He led by example and demonstrated the courage and character to us so that we could go into the world and speak the truth. He was a true Buffaloe. Thanks to his family for sharing him with thousands of students who know to care more for others than just themselves.

David Lipinski

March 5, 2021

One of my favorite teachers. I have some funny memories from Coach Cook and his biology class at Tempe High. He will truly be missed.

Lori Annala Lee

March 5, 2021

My condelences to the entire family. Coach Cook was my AP Biology teacher at Tempe High School. I loved that class despite it being 0 hour. What a wonderful legacy of students that he impacted in the classroom and on the field, mat and track. Lori Annala Lee

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