Donald Lee Cooke

Donald Lee Cooke

September 17, 1937 - June 26, 2024

Born in San Gabriel, CA. Last resided in Cave Creek, AZ.

Prior cities of residence include Scottsdale, AZ, Overland Park, KS and Littleton, CO.

He achieved his undergraduate degree from UCLA and a Masters from Northwestern. Don proudly completed his military service as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Anne. Also by his sons Doug (spouse Terri), David (spouse Debbie), Dan (spouse Kim) and stepson Aaron Goldstein. There are also six grandchildren he was so very proud of and four (another on the way) great grandchildren. His elder siblings, sister Carole Ludekens and brother Robert Cooke, both passed within a year of Don’s passing. He is predeceased by his parents Loren and Edith Mason Cooke.

Don will be remembered by his family and good friends as a kind, giving and caring gentleman who loved life and the many adventures it afforded him. He and Anne had just arrived for the 9th year at their Summer Happy Place, Park City, Utah when he passed, suddenly & unexpectedly. Don was truly a good & gentle soul.

Park City will always be a place of wonderful memories. Don took up fly fishing in the beautiful streams & rivers in Utah. Golf and hiking with Anne were favorites. Fresh peaches and excellent fruit pies made for the perfect summers. Don and Anne also enjoyed the adventures of road trips to explore National parks, golf courses and wineries in many states.

Don was an avid skier and was on voluntary ski patrol for 17 years in Colorado. Golf became a passion and the destination of many vacations. He was proud to have both shot his age and made a hole-in-one. There were great times making new friends at golf clubs Brookridge in OP, KS, Terravita in Scottsdale, AZ and Stonecreek Men’s Club in Phoenix, AZ.

Time spent with his children, their families and the “Cooke Clan” were always special to him. He never felt there was enough time as distance created a challenge, but when he was around family, he truly loved it.

A private Celebration of Life was held in December, 2024. You are welcome to honor Don’s beautiful 86 years of life by making a donation to an organization supported by his nephew, Gregory Cooke, The League of Yes (leagueofyes.org), or The American Heart Association.

OR, TOUCH YOUR HEART, LOOK TOWARD THE HEAVENS, AND REMEMBER HIM “HAPPY IN LIFE”.