Richard Cook

Richard Cook was an inventor, a hunter, and an enthusiastic Spartans fan. More importantly, however, he was a thoughtful and compassionate man, a wonderful husband and father, teacher and friend. One of those rare people who never make an enemy, Rich Cook had a kind word and smile for everyone he met.

Richard was born on April 24, 1951, in Lansing, Michigan. His proud parents were Vernon and Goldie Mae (Earls) Cook, and he was the second oldest of four children. Vernon supported the family by working for the State Liquor Control, and Goldie Mae stayed at home to raise the children. Bright and inquisitive, some of Rich’s most treasured possessions as a child were his chemistry set and a special toy dinosaur. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. As he grew older and passed the sixteen-year old milestone, his pride and joy became his bright yellow Camaro. Rich attended Everett High School in Lansing, and was an excellent student. He believed that he could conquer anything with hard work and persistence, his efforts were rewarded when he was offered college scholarships after graduation.

Rich successfully completed a college degree, supporting himself by working at Burger King and as a janitor at the Michigan State Police in addition to being a full-time student. After graduation, his first job was with Detroit Edison. Soon after, however, he moved on to work for the State of Michigan as an industrial hygienist at MIOSHA, where he would stay until his retirement. Around this time, Richard met and married his first wife, gaining four step-children as well. In 1982, they were blessed with the birth of a son, whom they named Richie. Rich was a great father, fun-loving and supportive. He loved spending time with his kids, and was always around when they needed him.

Unfortunately, after several years of marriage Rich and his first wife decided they weren’t meant to be together, and filed for divorce.

In addition to his work at MIOSHA, Rich was a substitute teacher for Clinton County. His sense of humor and youthful energy served him well in the classroom, and he was a popular substitute. Rich was also an active member of the National Rifle Association, and a dedicated advocate for safe firearm use.

In the early nineties, Rich started seeing a longtime friend and colleague, Diane Gillespie. After dating for six months, the couple became engaged, and was married on November 12, 1993. Rich was delighted to welcome two new sons into his family at the same time, Chris and Dominic Gillespie. The Cook family moved to St. Johns, where they bought a house with some property. Rich loved spending time outdoors, and often went hunting with his boys. He was a natural role model, and his children learned how to treat others with patience and compassion from his example.

Starting a few years ago, Rich’s health began to decline, especially his liver. Although a liver transplant could have helped him, Rich refused to accept a donation from his family members because of the risk to their own health. He was on the waiting list for a liver transplant, but sadly one did not come in time. He passed away on August 24, 2011.

Although he died with sixty years worth of life experience and memories, people close to Rich Cook remember that he acted “like a twelve-year-old.” They didn’t mean that he was immature or thoughtless; on the contrary, Rich was an unusually wise and considerate man, who always put the needs of others before his own. They were referring to his ability to find fun in everything, to his mischievous sense of humor, and to his inexhaustible joy in life. Rich was truly a happy man, and in being so made those around him happy as well. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Richard’s family includes his wife, Diane; his sons, Richard (Ashley Oswald) Cook II, Chris (Casey J.) Gillespie and Dominic (Mallorie) Gillespie; his grandson, Lennon Warner Gillespie, and members of the Manshum, Nurenburg and Sims families; his sister, Donna (Steve) Burghdoff; his brother, Lyle Cook; his sisters-in-law, Lynn (Mike) Kavanagh and Laurie (Al) Pennell; his brother-in-law, Bob Middaugh; and many nieces and nephews. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Goldie Mae, and his sister, Linda Middaugh.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. on Monday. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions to the Gift of Life Foundation or the National Rifle Association. Please visit Rich’s personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/73096, where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign his memory book. The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.