Henry Thomas Cook M.D.

COOK Henry Thomas Cook, M.D., a man for all seasons, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2009 in Covington, Louisiana. Dr. Cook is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Camille Buras Cook. He is also survived by his children and their spouses: Barbara Cook Ruffin and husband Dan; Henry Thomas Cook, Jr. (Tom) and his wife Kimberly. He was the beloved grandfather of Leslie Pichon, Danielle Lewis and husband Brian, Beau Pichon and wife Kristin, William (TJ) Cook and wife Pam, Elizabeth (Liza) Cook and Henry T. (Tommy) Cook, III. He also leaves behind six deeply loved great-granchildren (Sadie, Wyatt, and Audry Lewis and Kayla, Hayden, and Landen Cook). Born in New Orleans in 1921 to the late Louise M. and Henry T. Cook, Dr. Cook graduated from Tulane Medical School, served with the U.S. Navy, then established a practice in the small town of Slidell, Louisiana in 1948. For the next 40 years, he practiced medicine in Slidell, caring for over 10,000 multi-generational patients as both the town and the field of medicine evolved. As one of the "Founders" of Slidell Memorial Hospital, he served as president of the Medical Staff and was notably instrumental in securing full-time Emergency Room coverage at the hospital. He often stated that he "lived through the golden age of medicine," citing as examples positive changes in the areas of cardiology and women's care. Having, as he put it, "grown up with the town," Dr. Cook was also active in the changing Slidell community. He noted that four of his most enjoyable roles were serving as team doctor for the Slidell High School football team during the 1950's, reigning as king of the seventh annual Slidell Women's Civic Club carnival ball, acting as Vice-President of the Board of Directors of South Savings and Loan Association, and serving as a member of the City of Slidell Planning and Zoning Commission. Even after retirement, Dr. Cook remained an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and maintained his Louisiana medical license. An avid fisherman, golfer, horseman, and history buff, Dr. Cook was also an accomplished photographer. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm and zest for life in addition to his compassion for his many patients and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Honaker Funeral Home in Slidell on Wednesday, February 4 from 4 to 9 P.M. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the Pearl River County SPCA (PRCSPCA) P.O. Box 191 in Picayune, Ms 39466 in memory of Henry Cook.