Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1958
DIED
2011
Michael Cook Obituary
Mike was born Feb. 20, 1958, to Richard and Betty Cook in Kilgore, Texas. The family moved to Fairbanks in 1968. Mike was the proud father of four children: Deanna, Daniel, David and Kalen. He attended Lathrop High School and graduated from Hutchison Career Center in 1976. He worked at Fairbanks Machine and Steel before leaving Fairbanks to attend Bethany Bible College in Santa Cruz, Calif. He became an ordained minister and served faithfully in the ministry in Glennallen, Anderson and Juneau. After pastoring in Juneau, Mike fulfilled a dream by developing a patent for a unique product called "Extreme Grip" and created Polar Environmental Technologies and Springline Mining and Exploration.
At age 16, Mike achieved black belt status in karate. He was an avid fisherman, trapper and hunter, and his spirit of adventure took him to the far reaches of Alaska. Mike had a genius for creativity in carpentry, painting and writing; he published an article in the Outdoorsman magazine in the 1980s and penned multiple screenplays. Mike also served on the Denali Borough School District Board of Education.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Richard H. Cook. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Deanna and Trevor Miles, son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Sarah Cook, son and daughter-in-law, David and Lisa Cook, and daughter and son-in-law, Kalen and Ryan Middleton; grandchildren, Ashton Cook, Jackson Cook, Scotty Middleton, Mary and Alex Cook, and soon-to-be Roxy Miles; mother Betty Cook of Bremerton, Wash.; sisters Kimentha Cook of Denton, Texas and Patsy Westcott of Juneau, Alaska, and brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Teresa Cook of Manila, Philippines.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, at Jubilee Worship Center at 541 Third Street in Fairbanks.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fyndout Free Clinic at 1402 Wilbur St., Fairbanks 99701. Information: 455-8255 and http://fyndout.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cook
December 26, 2011
Dan, Kalen, David and Deanna,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know your Dad was the best Dad anyone could ask for, because his children are all such fine people. My sincere condolences.
Ed Callaghan
Robert Toporowski
December 23, 2011
To Dan & other members of the Michael Cook family>
So very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. This comes as a complete shock to me. I am stunned! I never knew about your Dad's illness. I am happy to say that I knew your Dad and I very much enjoyed the many chats that your Dad and I had over the years about Jesus Christ; Mining; and many other things about this old life. Just wanted to say that I respected your Dad very much and your Dad was always an encouragement to me.
May God Bless you all at this difficult time and May the Holy Sprirt carry you all and grant you peace through this difficult and challenging time.
Sincerely,
Robert Toporowski
tom ritchie
December 23, 2011
cook family, i am sadden of the news of mike's departure from this short earthly life. I share your confidence & reality that he and Dick are reunited in heaven.
I admire mike as a dad, brother, friend, and certainly for fearlessly striving toward vision in the business realm and every other aspect and challenge he went after.
like all the cook family, mike made my fairbanks experience interesting and meaningful. glory to god the father and his son jesus christ our great savior! with honor & eternal respect, i am greatful for the time we had with mike!
as ever your friend,
tom/coach ritchie
Rory & Kim Mahaney
December 21, 2011
There are few people that we travel thru life with that find a connection with us deep in our spirits, Mike, an awesome man of God is one of those few. His unwavering trust & faith in our Father & His Son Jesus gave him strength when he had none of his own. We Love you Mike, & we know that you are alive forever more, pain free our Brother. Our lives were enriched by your presence passing thru them & we rejoice with you in your victory over death! Blessings, Love & encouragement to all of the Cook family, from Freedom in Christ Church. Thank you for providing & sharing with us such a wonderful soul. All glory to God!!!
Jan Brannon
December 21, 2011
Betty and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember when Mike was born. I know that this a very difficult time for you. I wish that I was close enough to be with you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Jan Williams Brannon
Kalen Middleton
December 21, 2011
Dad was a great influence in our lives. Always dreaming of great things that one day he would accomplish. Sometimes he would write them out on paper, or paint them on a canvas.
I am honored to say that he was my dad and no one will replace him. I will always remember you.I love you dad.
Jeanette Marshall
December 21, 2011
Betty and Family - I'm so sorry for your loss, and offer my sincere sympathy. I'm praying for all of you at this difficult time
Colleen Peralta
December 21, 2011
To Betty, Patsy and the entire Cook family: Please know that you are in our prayers and that we are thinking of you during this time. Remember the wonderful times that you had with Mike and that he will always be in your hearts.
December 21, 2011
Betty-Fred and I send our deepest sympathy and love. May your many wonderful memories of Mike's wonderful life be a comfort to you. Fred & Marty Brantingham
Harold & Everna worthen
December 21, 2011
Dear Betty and Family, our prayers are with you at this time
Jon Simmons
December 21, 2011
My condolences to the entire family. Peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Deanna Miles
December 20, 2011
Dad made a commitment to have joy in his life and his energy was apparent to all that were around him. He was continuously excited about a new idea, an invention, or a screen play. He made wine from dandelions and rosehips, played the drums with passion, painted pictures from dreams he had, and believed in finding his true love. He was in love with life and was able to find beauty in all things. He never grew out of the ability to see the world through the eyes of a child and he was never opposed to taking the time to dance in his living room or sing his greeting when he answered my phone calls. He was patient, generous, creative, strong, fearless, and odd. He was so loved and will forever be an inspiration to all that really knew him.
Lynn Hines
December 20, 2011
To Mike's family... So sorry to hear of Mike's suffering with cancer, but now he is at rest in the arms of Jesus. He will be waiting at heaven's door when it is your turn to leave this earth for your heavenly home. Keep holding on to the precious memories of Mike. God bless.
Shirley & Bob Warnock
December 20, 2011
My heart goes out to you, Betty, and the rest of the family at this time. You are in our prayers and our hearts. We love you.
Shirley and Bob Warnock
Dana Stonesifer
December 20, 2011
Aunt Betty, Patsy, Kim and Sam, I am so very sorry. He will be missed by all. He was truly a wonderful man.
Lynn Whitney
December 20, 2011
Remembering Mike and all of the Cook family. Our love to you all as you say goodbye to such a special man.
Stephanie Pardun
December 20, 2011
To Patsy, Betty, Daniel, David, Kalen and Deanna. My heart goes out to you. Your brother, son and father was a great guy who always had a warm smile on his face and was always kind to me. He is with his Dad and Grammy from England now. No more pain, rest in peace friend. Stephanie Pardun
Lynn Simmons
December 20, 2011
My sincere sympathies for the family.
Mike was a true friend to Tom and me. The stories of the risks that he and Tom took are great entertainment. We have a goat and a Dahl sheep on our wall that remind us of a couple of the adventures. Our families faced some faith-stretching times in our younger years. It was always such a time of rejoicing to hear of how God met our needs. Sometimes it seemed as though we were in a game show called, "Can you top this Blessing." Mike has won again, and taken his journey to Heaven first. We are glad that his suffering is over. We are comforted to know that our tears will be wiped away one day.
Sam Cook
December 20, 2011
My brother was my hero. He taught me how to do hard things, gave me a spirit of adventure, and taught me how to be a man. I will never forget him taking me to the most beautiful spot in Alaska and sheep hunting with me for 5 days just before I started my freshman year of high school. I even missed a day of school, but it was worth it for what I experienced with him on those mountain tops. We will do it again someday, bro! I am sure you are getting your share of mountain-top experiences with dad right now. Give him a hug for me. See you soon!
Jeff Turkel
December 20, 2011
To Betty and family...My heart goes out to you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Arriaga
December 20, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss Cook Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. RIP Mike
Patsy Westcott
December 20, 2011
Michael was a fearless adventurer, but more importantly an awesome big brother. Thank you Mike for having strengths that I don't have and for giving me two beautiful nieces and two wonderful nephews. I love you brother and I'm glad you are resting in peace.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Cook's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Cook
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Cook's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
