Claude William "Bill" Cook

Our dear Dad, Claude William Cook, known fondly as "Bill", son of a rancher and "dirt farmer" from the Panhandle of Texas, lived 97 years and married to our Mom, Sally Johnston Cook, for 64 years, passed away peacefully and in good mind and heart, in his home as he slept in his favorite chair. Bill was born January 30th, 1913, to Sadie and Gordon Cook. He grew up in the farming community of Blackflat, Texas, near Dundee. He was the oldest son, with sisters, Lorine, Nadine, Billy Marie, Bobby, and brothers Bennett Gordon, and Bedford Cook. We know that he and our Mom are with God, and are having a foxtrot across the universe to their favorite big band tunes...

Bill was a person of dedication and old-time values, a true support to all his family, all his life long. His sister Janelle describes him as "the one we leaned on so many times thru the years - the one with broad shoulders." In the 1930's he dropped out of school, and hunted on horseback for fur animals to help support his brothers and sisters. In the 40's he learned to fly, and worked for Lockheed in Ireland during World War II. There he met and married Sally, whom he said was the most beautiful woman in the world. He served during the war as a Red Cross officer. After the war he realized one of his life's goals, and finished college on the GI bill.

Bill is remembered with love, respect, and joy by his children: Gordon Cook (Wendi) ofAtlanta, Georgia, Linda Mann ( Patrick) of N.Y.C, Karin McElhatton ( Russ) of Castaic, and Shelley Cook, of San Francisco. He and Sally were very active Grandparents, and helped to raise their grandchildren. He will be missed by his 6 grandkids, now grown into fine young people: Ayla, Lesley, David, Andrew, Summer, and Olivia.

Even though Dad himself was quite conservative, he somehow supported our individuality and uniqueness as people. He was a southerner, and a staunch Democrat. He believed you should stand up for what you believe and voted up to the last. He was sorely tested by the upheavals of the sixties, but instilled us all with a love of equality and human rights.

He was a Texas country boy at heart and loved being a family more than any other ambition. Bill was a generous father. He loved his family with a big heart, and overcame many of life's difficulties to create a stable, loving home. He would weep when he said grace at family dinners or when he would give his daughters in marriage. He was very proud of his kids. Still he excelled as an executive businessman for a large agricultural product firm. He was proud of his professional achievements, rose to prosperity, and owned beautiful homes in Georgia, and then California.

Dad taught us to love nature and know it as God's Creation. He loved to fly fish in Colorado, took us on wonderful family vacations to the Rockies and to the sea islands of Georgia. He was a very successful home gardener who grew the best tasting tomato you could ever want. His daughter Shelley remembers, " He had me shoveling Georgia red clay with him when I was no higher than his knee."

Even when he was old and sick, Dad's desire to live taught us to love with greater depth. He was loved by many who came into his life as caregivers, including his friends Louise Kurata, Leonore Cevallos, Jamie, Rennata and Carolyn. We feel very blessed to have witnessed such a full, courageous, and loving life.

Dad loved turquoise and blues so wear some in his memory!

Memorial service will be held Dec. 13th, at 2pm, Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 N. Sierra Highway, Newhall, Ca.

In honor of his love for this earth and all living things we ask that you donate to Defenders of Wildlife 1-800-385-9712, http://www.defenders.org rather than send flowers...Blessings to you all.