Stanley Davies Cook

1936 - 2026

STANLEY DAVIES COOK

May 7, 1936 – January 1, 2026

Stanley Davies Cook, beloved husband and father, passed away at 89 on January 1, 2026, after a short illness.

Stan was born in Riverside, California, to W. T. Melvin and Mary (Davies) Cook and was raised in Santa Ana, where he graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1954. A gifted athlete, he played varsity baseball as a pitcher and participated in swimming and basketball. Over his life, he developed a deep love of the ocean, fishing, and sailing.

Stan earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in petroleum engineering from Stanford University and began a 39-year career with Standard Oil (Chevron). In 1959, he met Fay Freeman. Fay was teaching junior high school in Garden Grove having been recruited from the University of Idaho. They married on June 29, 1961 and were blessed with two children, Judith and David.

Stan's career took the family from Corona del Mar and Huntington Beach to Anchorage, Alaska in 1969 for four wonderful years. In 1973, they were transferred to the Central Valley and lived in Hanford for ten years while Stan worked in Coalinga. In 1983 Stan was transferred to Bakersfield. Wherever they lived, Stan embraced family activities, the outdoors, and community and church involvement. Through the years he was active in API, SPE, Petroleum Pioneers, Kern River Fly Fishers Club, Bakersfield Rotary and had served as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Bakersfield.

Stan and Fay were very happily involved with their two wonderful children and their activities throughout their lifetime and especially enjoyed visiting their grandchildren. Stan was an excellent role model who led by example with integrity and kindness.

After retiring in 1998, Stan and Fay enjoyed an active retirement traveling and spending time with family. They took many international trips and drove the Alaska highway twice with their 5th wheel trailer. Stan enjoyed his Stanford friends and attended many Stanford Football games and reunions.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Hyla Acheson and Barbara Pottharst, and his loyal dachshund, Fritz. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 64 years, Fay; his children Judith McCaffrey (Paul) and David Cook (Jennifer); his grandchildren Alison, Dan, and Sean Cook; and extended family.

Stan had a long, wonderful life, and his family could not have asked for a more loving and supportive husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He will be sorely missed.

Stan's Celebration of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 23rd, 2026. Reception luncheon immediately following in the adjacent fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity.

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