Craig "Cookieman" Cook

It is a rare gift to meet a person who can always think of a kind word to say about another, a person who sees the best in others, a person who goes out of their way to help someone. Craig Lee “Cookieman” Cook was just such a person. With a wide grin and a hearty greeting, Craig put others at ease and made friends quickly. Although he could be quiet and reserved when the occasion called for it, he was fun-loving and enjoyed being with people. A proud father, he cherished his sons and grandchildren, spending as much time with them as he could.

During the summer of 1953, the world was relieved to watch the Korean War winding down to a close. At the same time, Raymond and Geraldine (Lucas) Cook of St. Johns, Michigan, were counting down the days until the arrival of their firstborn. For Geraldine, the summer seemed longer and hotter than usual, but finally on August 19, 1953, their beautiful little bundle of a boy arrived. Raymond was proud to show off his son to friends and family. Craig was a little fussy, but not for long. He grew to be outgoing and good-natured.

As the oldest in a family that would eventually include eight children, Craig learned quickly that it was important for everyone to pitch in. He developed a sense of responsibility and hard work that remained with him throughout his life. Such a busy home also meant that life was unpredictable. With so many little kids around, Craig had to learn to roll with the punches. Growing up with such a flexible and fun-loving family, he learned to face life with humor and optimism. Craig’s father provided for the growing family by working at Motor Wheel while Geraldine managed the bustling household.

Craig attended Rodney B. Wilson Elementary School in St. Johns. He was a good student and did what he was asked, but his favorite part of school was being with his buddies. Nothing was better than recess, and he was always ready to make new friends on the playground. In high school, Craig still maintained his friendships, but also spent time working on his family’s farm driving truck.

Craig had a serious girlfriend in high school named Diane. They married while they were quite young, when Craig was seventeen and Diane was sixteen. Nervous but excited, they shared a wonderful baby boy, Doug, born in 1971. The young couple enjoyed being together and had several fond memories of motorcycle road trips. They were only married for four years, but they remained friends after their divorce.

In 1973, Craig started working for General Motors as a truck driver. His employers and co-workers appreciated his strong work ethic and loyalty. A member of UAW Local #602, Craig remained at GM until his retirement.

Craig later married a woman named Penny Prince. In 1988, they had a son named Corey. Although they later divorced, Craig adored Corey and worked hard to be a good father to both of his boys. He always made time to be active with his children and supported them in their endeavors.

Never one to sit around, Craig quickly got bored after retiring from GM. He began hauling sugar beets and driving for local farmers. When he had a choice, he spent his time outdoors. He loved fishing, bike riding, and baseball, as well as relaxing on long walks. He was competitive, playing as hard as he worked, and liked racquetball. He enjoyed many vacations with family and treasured the special time to connect and share with his kids. His compassionate nature was also seen in the way he cared for his pets.

In 2007, Craig and his family were devastated to learn that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Despite the frightening news, Craig remained positive and successfully beat his first diagnosis. Later, however, it was discovered that he had inoperable cancerous brain tumors. His health began to deteriorate and Penny moved in to help care for him. Craig died on Thursday, May 20, 2010.

Craig loved his family more than his own life and although he had to leave them, he made sure they knew how much he loved them, especially his sons. Although his time with them was much too short, his example will continue to influence those who knew and loved him.

Craig is survived by his sons, Douglas (Tammy) Cook of St. Johns and Corey Cook of Potterville; his parents, Raymond and Janice Cook of Lyons; four sisters, Lorie French, Connie Thelen, Pamela Thelen, and Tina Theis; a brother, Kevin Cook; a brother-in-law, Herb Trent; two grandchildren, Codey Cook and Cortney Cook; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine, a brother, Jeff Cook, and a sister, Mary Trent.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 PM, Monday, May 24, 2010, at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, with burial to follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Saturday, May 22, and from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Sunday, May 23. Please visit Craig’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a favorite photo or memory and sign his online guest register.