Wayne Cooke

1931 - 2026

Wayne T. Cooke, born May 10, 1931, passed away after a short illness on January 16, 2026, at the age of 94. Wayne was born in Seattle, Washington and attended Queen Anne High School. He received his teaching degree from the University of Washington, launching his life-long passion as an educator. Early in his career he taught in Morocco and took exploratory trips across Europe. These trips ignited his love for the mountains, beginning a life-long love he never relinquished. He spent most of his adult life in Spanaway, Parkland, and Graham, teaching in the Bethel School District for 30 years, primarily at Thompson Elementary. During that time, he became a community activist, spearheading the design and construction of Spire Rock at Sprinker Recreation Center, his signature achievement. He was an avid mountaineer, summitting Mt. Rainier several times, while taking countless students on treks to Pinnacle Peak, sharing his passion with everyone. After retiring from Bethel, he continued changing lives as an educator, helping young adults at the Puyallup Tribe to obtain their GEDs. Once he reached full retirement, his activism increased, making an impact through the Graham community garden, the Graham Citizens projects, and projects to end homelessness. Wayne was the beloved husband of Barbara (d. 2012) and is survived by his son Joel Griesbach of San Diego and family. The service celebrating Wayne's life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 2:00pm at Spanaway United Methodist Church, on 163rd St. South. He is laid to rest at Fir Lane Memorial Park.