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Cook, Stephen R.
Stephen R. Cook, 69, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away May 7, 2011, surrounded by loved ones at his Fort Collins, Colo. home. Steve left to soar with the eagles, after his long and courageous battle with cancer. Throughout his many medical emergencies/long-term illnesses, Steve dumbfounded doctors and lived life on his own terms.
Steve was born Oct. 30, 1941, to Lawrence Cook and Jane (Hurlbut) Cook. He spent his childhood in Cedar Rapids, graduating Jefferson High School in 1960. From 1960 to 1963, Steve proudly served as a Spec IV, in the U.S. Army.
On Feb. 26, 1966, Steve married the love of his life, Kathleen (Hiner) Cook, with whom he shared his last 45 years. Two year later, Steve and Kathy welcomed/shared their passion for travel, learning, laughter and love with their only child, Cindy Cook.
Until he was unable to speak, Steve was still teaching us. He shared some of his life lessons, reminding us to “Above all, never forget to laugh. Throughout the best and worst of times, our family could always laugh,” “Learn something new at every opportunity … never lose the desire to learn,” “Travel while you are young enough to truly enjoy it … you never know what tomorrow brings,” “Smile and be kind, especially to those who least expect it … it may be all they need to help survive their day,” “Money is helpful, but it can never buy true happiness,” and “Whether blood relatives or friends, we have formed our blended family and I love you all.”
Steve is survived by his wife, Kathleen and daughter Cindy, Fort Collins, Colo.; mother, Jane Cook, Marion; brother, David Cook (Georgann), Cedar Rapids; sister Pamela (Cook) Looney, Shreveport, La.; brothers-in-law, Donald Hiner (Linda), Williamsburg and Duane Hiner (Cheryl), Conroy; sister-in-law Norma Imhoff, Cedar Rapids; 10 nieces; 10 nephews; and 21 great-nieces and great-nephews.
His father, mother-in-law and father-in-law preceded Steve in death.
In lieu of flowers and services, please make memorial contributions to the “Stephen R. Cook Memorial Fund”, via any Wells Fargo Bank.
Please send memorial fund questions and condolences to calmliving2@comcast.net.
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