Ricky Lynn Cook, a 1968 graduate of Sitka High, died Dec. 17, 2017, at his home in Raymond, Wash., at the age of 67.
He was born July 25, 1950, in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, oldest son of William Clyde and Thora Mae (Jolley) Cook.
He lived with his grandparents, Homer and Gladys Cook, during first grade in Sequim, Wash., and had fond memories of watching Gunsmoke on TV and sneaking downstairs for candy.
He also went to elementary schools in Port Angeles, Forks and Everett, Wash. Most of his pre-teen and teen years were spent in logging camps in Southeast Alaska, and he attended Blatchley and Sitka High.
In 1968 he entered the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Ulhman DD-687 and the USS Chicago CG-11. He received three medals: National Defense Service, Vietnam Service and Republic, and Vietnam Service Campaign. Released from active duty he was trasferred to Naval Reserves in 1971-1974 with an honorable discharge.
In 1969, while on a leave, he met Kris Schott from Sequim, Wash. They married Dec. 4, 1971, and became the proud parents of two healthy boys, Tim and Ted.
Rick worked for numerous logging outfits in the Sequim area for about six years, then in 1977 moved to Menlo, Wash., where he continued logging and started in the heavy construction world.
After 20 years of marriage Rick and Kris took a short break, divorced in 1992 only to remarry in 1999.
Co-workers have said, “Rick was a man’s man, the John Wayne of my time. He was good at everything, most enjoyable to work with, there was no quit in the man.” “He brought joy and laughter to the workplace along with an incredible talent to accomplish most difficult tasks.” “He was smart, he was funny, a great crane operator and a natural leader.”
After retiring in 2010, he continued his adventures and bought a Harley Davidson, fished mainly in the Willapa and hunted in Eastern Wa. with his band of brothers. He bought and worked on his own man cave in the house next door, where he enjoyed time with his buddies.
He had traveled to 48 states, enjoyed foraging for mushrooms, rockhounding, golfing, boating, or just watching old westerns while keeping an eye on the neighborhood or trying to take naps while the kids played in the back yard.
“He filled every room he entered, not just with his size but his ability to put all at ease. He gave of himself to all who knew him; if something needed fixing or someone needed help, he was there, asked or not!” his family said.
His greatest heartbreak was the loss of his dear sons, Timothy Neal and Tedy William, in 2008. They thought their dad hung the moon and the stars.
Rick also was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Timothy W.Cook, and his mom Tootie, who died in 1999.
Those left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Sabrina and Cole, (Ted’s children) and Mariah (Tim’s daughter) and her mother Marisa; brother and best friend, Charles W. Cook; his wife, Kris; his father, William Clyde; Auntie Sheralyn; numerous Cook cousins; and an extended family, numerous neices and nephews, and friends who gave him joy and companionship.
Rick didn’t want a funeral, memorial or celebration of life service. “I have already celebrated my life with those I know and those I love,” he said.
His ashes will be scattered at his requests. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations in his name to a local Home health/Hospice service, Helping Hands, or the POOL fund in Raymond, Wash. Condolences and cards may be sent to 5706 School St. Raymond, WA 98577.
