The official word

Following is the obituary we will be submitting to the newspapers etc. Its creation was a collaboration of the entire family. I think we had 4 or 5 computers, a wireless network, google documents and three cell phones involved.


Bob Cook died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at his home on Separatist Rd. in Storrs Connecticut, on Monday afternoon, March 24,2008. Bob was born to Bill and Jean Cook, the second child of 5, on March 20 in Riverdale, NY. He was a loving husband, brother, grandfather, and friend, who will be remembered by everyone who knew him for his ever-present sense of humor, his generous spirit, and his love of life.
Guided by the skilled care of his wife of forty years, Merrill, as well as the dedication and knowledge of his oncologist Dr. Hong, and sustained by the prayers of many, he lived courageously with cancer for the last three years. He was able to experience the exhiliration and thrill of skiing the slopes of the world.
The Cook family moved to Storrs, CT in 1958 where Bob attended E.O.Smith high school and the University of CT. He married Merrill Swain in 1967, and together they raised three children; Joshua, Robert, and Sarah. After his father, Judge Cook, retired to FL, Bob and his family settled in to his home on Separatist Rd. Bob and Merrill continued to host the Judge’s legendary "Fourth of July Party" for many years. "A get together" with Bob, Merrill, and family meant a wide circle of friends, good food, warm companionship, laughter, and fond memories.
Bob taught computer programming training classes at Aetna, Travelers, L.L Bean, and other corporations. A mentor and model for his students; he always offered encouragement and inspiration for them to succeed in their goals in work and life. With his long white beard, his suit, and his sense of humor, Bob was a memorable figure.
He was a fixture for over four decades at St. Thomas Aquinas parish. His generous and humorous presence at yearly camping trips was a delight to many. His gourmet delicacies were favorites at church events and his recipes sought out. He was blessed by the prayers and love of his spiritual community.
Bob's life was a wonderful balance of work, family, community, church, and sport. His loss will be felt by many.
Bob is survived by Merrill Cook, his wife of 40 years, his son, Joshua Cook, of Chelsea MA; his daughter Sarah Curtis of Storrs, her husband Don Curtis and their children Robert and Mena; his siblings: Albert Cook, of Winchester, MA; Mauli Cook of Kalihiwai, HI; Maria Cook of Bainbridge Island WA; his sisters in law: Leslie Woodworth of Winchester MA, Christine Cook of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, his niece Nerissa Minnick of NYC, NY; and his nephew Liam Woodworth- Cook of Winchester MA. Bob is predeceased by his son Robert, his brother Bill, and his parents Bill and Jean.
Friends can pay respects at St Thomas Aquinas in Storrs on Friday between 6pm and 9pm. A service is planned for 10am on Sat. Friends can gather at the Cook home at 9am for a procession to the church, leaving at 9:15am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to St Thomas Aquinas, 46 N. Eagleville Rd., Storrs CT 06268; Forest Moon Celebrating Survivorship, www.forestmoon.org, Forest Moon, P.O. Box 164, Jacksonville, VT. 05342, or you can sponsor Albert Cook's ride in the Pan Mass Challenge www.pmc.org, rider ID# AC0077.
Stories about Bob can be found and shared at therojopelo.blogspot.com