Birth date: Jan 21, 1928 Death date: Jan 1, 2008
Bob Cook, Sr. (Big Bob or Grandpa Bob) passed away peacefully on New Years Day with family by his side, just shy of his 80th birthday. The youngest of nine children, Bob was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While attend Read Obituary
I grow-up across the street from the Cooks. I Didn't know Bob had passed away intill just know and I'm surprized. He was always smiling and truely seemed to enjoy life. I remeber when I was about 10 My mom and I ran into the Cooks at the Coast Gaurd carnival he was trying to get his wife on the double ferris wheel. Unable to do so I took her place and I've loved ferris wheels evey since. Thank-you Bob and good-bye.
Heidi##imported-begin##Heidi Essebaggers##imported-end##
Dear Aunt Ina, Bob, Rich, Ron, Spouses and Children - I was shocked and saddened to here of Uncle Bob's passing. Please know our thoughts, prayers and sincerest condolences go out to all of you. I have many fond memories of Uncle Bob. I always looked forward to visiting all of you whenever we made our way back to Michigan. Those visits were always special, and Uncle Bob was a big part of making it so. The picture of him is so appropriate because that's how I remember him. He was always happy and smiling. Although I hadn't seen Uncle Bob in many years, I can still clearly see him and hear his voice. I know he's touched many lives, and my memories of him will never fade away.
Sincerely,
Mark, Susie, Lauren, Jonathan and Chason##imported-begin##Mark Williams##imported-end##
I am so sorry to hear that Uncle Bob passed away. I remember many good times at Spring Lake when we were younger (much younger)He helped to make the visits fun.Our thoughts and sympathies are with you all. Love Jeff, Deb, Lindsay ,Kaitlin and Jessica##imported-begin##Jeff Williams##imported-end##
To: Mrs. Cook, Bobby, Ritchie, and Ron, and families
I was sorry to learn about Bob's death in a phone call from Ruth Mulder. I have lots of fond memories of Bob and your whole family.
Bob was always easy going and quick to smile or tell a joke. He was a great kidder. He was someone that you just liked to be around.
We first met the Cooks when they moved in next door to us on Ralph St. That was the start of a long family friendship and a lot of fun times.
Here are just a few of my favorite memories:
Watering the grass for Bob on Ralph Street for the princely sum of 10 cents.
Bob helping me to improve my baseball skills by playing catch with me in his front yard.
Burning leaves in the street in front of our houses.
Bob working at the Fire Department.
Bob was the first person I knew who invested in real estate; a lesson that I took notice of for later use.
Bob gave me my first real job, as a part-time janitor at the plumbing shop on Wealthy St., when I was 15. He would pick me up on Saturday mornings to work until noon at the rate of 85 cents per hour. That job kept me in gas money for a year or two, and was an early lesson in the world of work.
I remember baby sitting for the kids on 2 or 3 New Year's Eves when you lived on Hutchinson St.
I remember Laura and I staying with the Cooks several times when our folks went to Florida for a week or two when we were in high school.
When I got my first car (1954 Ford) at age 16, it had no radio. Bob suggested that I get a used radio at a junk yard, which I did. But when I asked if he would help install it, he said he could, but it would be better if I did it myself. With that encouragement and some assistance from Bob, I did, and thus learned an important lesson in self-reliance.
When I was a senior in engineering school, Bob asked me what I was going to do after graduation. I said I was thinking about going into technical sales. But after Bob explained some of the problems with that career, I changed my mind and went to grad school instead.
But some of my best memories are of our two families at Bills Lake, including fishing under the dock for 3" fish, water skiing, playing in the woods, doing projects my dad came up with, shooting BB guns, playing with the Mulders, sleeping 5 to a room, picnic meals, and, of course, the outhouse.
Bob was a role model, a family man, a friend, an employer, an encourager, an advisor, and a confidant when I was much younger. Although we hadn't seen him recently, we did enjoy our visit to Spring Lake with our kids and Laura and her kids a few years ago. We're always at Bills Lake for 3 weeks from about July 15 to August 7 each year. We'd love to get together again soon.##imported-begin##Russell Blake##imported-end##
We will miss your smiles & hugs
during SL sport events! Your love
of family was so evident & our lifes
are richer beacause we met you..rest in Peace! Mike & Lori Hankinson##imported-begin##Mike & Lori Hankinson##imported-end##
My condolences to the Cook family on Bob's passing. Like my sister noted, it was a true pleasure to grow up next door to the Cook family on Lake Avenue. I remember Mr. Cook, paid me five dollars for mowing his lawn and made a big deal out of it, by taping the bill on piece of paper and giving it to me. It stayed tacked on my bedroom wall for awhile, but then the desire for ice cream warranted the removal of the bill. I think I still have the piece of paper in a scrap book. I also remember that I would have to call him to come start the mower sometimes and he always came with a smile and would promptly give the rip cord a pull and be off.
The Spring Lake community lost a great person with Bob's passing. I know that I'm a better person for having been part of his neighborhood and having been touched by his generosity and great zest for life.
I wish I could attend the Service on Saturday, please know that my thoughts will be with all of you.##imported-begin##Greg Leech##imported-end##
Bob,("Senior") was one of the first persons in 1998, when we first moved to Spring Lake, and was inspirational in helping us to settle in. Dee is God mother to his grandson, Shawn, which she looks forward to her annual lunch with him. We will miss big Bob and remember his humor and kindness.##imported-begin##John & Dee Leavitt & family##imported-end##
I was so sorry to hear about big Bob's passing when my mom told me... He was such a wonderful man. Everyone who knew him loved him. I got to see him just last summer and he was exactly the same to me as when I was a child...with a cheerfull warmth about him and the ability to put a smile on anyone's face. He will be missed by this world. The next will be lucky to have his company! Love Nicky##imported-begin##Nicole Williams (Leavitt)##imported-end##
Bob;
I am very sorry to hear about your Dad. Everytime I met him he was always in good spirits. He brought instant laughter to the room. I'm sure he was proud of his sons and his grandchildren.
If there is anything I can do please let me know. I still think about my father and he has been gone for over 20 years. The good memories will never leave you.
Keith##imported-begin##Keith Weigelt##imported-end##
We never saw Bob without a smile and we are sure he has everybody smilin' in Heaven. We will truely miss him!!!
Your Friends,
Cindy, Judy, Nikki and
Dr. McDowell##imported-begin##Eye Care One##imported-end##
