William "Bill" Cooke

1940 - 2026

William "Bill" Cooke

November 30, 1940 - January 13, 2026

William Boyd Cooke, affectionately known as "Bill," passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 85, in Temperance, Michigan. Born on November 30, 1940, in LaGrange, Ohio, Bill led a life filled with adventure, passion, and profound connections with those he loved.

Bill dedicated 40 years of his life to being a Flight Instructor at local airports, a calling that not only fulfilled his deep-seated love for flying but also allowed him to share his expertise with countless aspiring pilots. His journey began when he was just 15 years old, learning to fly at Oberlin Airport with money painstakingly saved from his milk route earnings of $6 a week. A skilled pilot, Bill took great pride in obtaining his Pilot's License, a testament to his dedication to the skies. Among his proudest accomplishments were becoming a Skilled Pilot, achieving his Pilot's License, earning the title of Master Diver, and test flying many home-built planes for friends, including the Christen Eagle for Ken Schneider. He also spent significant time learning his trade as a sheet metal worker at DeVilbiss Company and later Ford, where he honed his craftsmanship.

His love for exploration extended beyond aviation; he was a master diver, fulfilling adventurous underwater escapades in places like Palau, the Galapagos Islands, Grand Cayman, Belize, and Bonaire. Bill's spirit was further fueled by a zest for motorcycling, sharing many exhilarating rides through Grayling, Michigan, with his first wife, Dorothy, and their children, Scott and Jodi.

In his personal life, Bill experienced two loving marriages. He was married to his first wife, Dorothy Deye, in 1961, and together they welcomed cherished moments filled with joy and adventure. Bill found love again and married Judy in 1990, with whom he shared 35 wonderful years.

Bill was a proud father to his children, Scott Cooke, Jodi (Chris) Barber, Kelly Christian, and Kerrie Mikolajczyk. His memory continues on through his four grandchildren, Erica, Christian, Nick, and Drew, who will forever cherish him. Also survived by his good friend and best man, Dave Heinl. Bill also leaves behind many other loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends who were touched by his generous spirit and warmth.

Bill now joins his mother, Maude Cooke; father, Boyd Cooke; and brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Jan Cooke, in eternal peace.

As he lived up to his nickname, "Wild Bill," Bill filled the lives of those around him with excitement, love, and a spirit of adventure that was truly infectious. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt, but his legacy of joy and exploration will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to pay tribute to Bill at Newcomer Funeral Home, Northwest Toledo, on January 20, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. May his adventurous spirit guide us, and may memories of his vibrant life always bring a smile to our faces.

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