Richard Blaine Cook

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Richard Blaine Cook, a devoted husband, father, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 77. Richard was born on July 12, 1948, in Rexburg, Idaho, to James Blaine Cook and Lucile Thurman Cook. He married his sweetheart, Laurie Denison, on August 17, 1972, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they shared a 53-year journey defined by faith, family, and a love for adventure.

Richard’s life was defined by his quiet strength, tireless work ethic, love of the outdoors, and unwavering testimony in Jesus Christ. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard’s faith was his guiding light. He served a mission as a young man in Florida and later found great joy serving alongside his beloved wife in Moscow, Russia. He enjoyed serving in various callings in the church; his favorites were serving the youth as a primary teacher and scout leader. He also loved serving in the temple, where he found great peace and purpose. His devotion to the gospel and his love for our Heavenly Father were at the center of everything he did. He lived by the principle of trusting in the Lord in all things—a legacy he took great care to pass on to his children and those around him.

Richard was a man of few words and many talents. Over the course of his life, he was a farmer and later a software engineer in the nuclear power industry. While his career and travels with Laurie took them across the globe, his heart always belonged in the mountains. From his years in Idaho to his time in Minnesota and his final home in Utah, he found beauty in every landscape.

His happiest moments were found with his family in the quiet majesty of nature. Whether he was cross-country skiing through fresh snow, hiking mountain trails, or sailing his boat on Palisades Reservoir, Richard felt a divine peace in the outdoors. His family will deeply treasure the memories of hiking and sailing together, where his joy was most evident.

Richard is survived by his wife, Laurie; his children Daniel (Bonnie) Cook, Rachel (Gerald) Haslhofer, Suzanne (Jeffrey) Skogen, Jenny (Joshua) MacTaggart, Carrie (Linzee) Bonner-Cook, Camille (Nathaniel) Dixon, and Heather Cook, as well as his nephew and niece, Sean Walsh and Rachel (Robert) Polasek, whom he loved as his own; 20 grandchildren; and his siblings Brent Cook, Andrew ElRay Stewart-Cook, Lucy Hicks, Karl Cook, Sara Cook, James Cook, and Ellen Helm. He was preceded in death by his son, Stewart; his granddaughter, Cerys MacTaggart; his parents; and his siblings, George and Lois. His memory will be forever cherished in our hearts.

A celebration for Richard’s life will be held as follows:

Viewing on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 6:00-7:30 pm, at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 W Main St., Rigby, ID.

Viewing on Thursday, April 2, 2026, 9:30-10:30 am, followed by the memorial service at 11:00am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14061 130th Rd E, Ririe, ID.

Graveside service on Thursday, April 2, 2026, following the memorial service at the Rexburg Cemetery, 350 W. Moran View Rd., Rexburg, ID.