It is with a shattered heart, the family of Kenneth Marlin Cook, Jr., announces his passing on April 22, 2024 at the age of 74. He will be missed more than any words could ever begin to express. 

Ken was born on October 10, 1949 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Kenneth Marlin Cook, Sr. and Helen Samuels Cook. The family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa when Ken was 5 years old. He attended Washington High School and graduated from Coe College in 1971. In 2011, he moved to Arizona with his wife, Gilda, to be near their children who had relocated there. Ken always wanted to retire near the ocean, but moving to the desert was a true testament to his belief that family is more important than anything.

A loving and devoted father, Ken dedicated his entire life to his family. He was a constant source of inspiration, unwavering support, profound wisdom, and genuine love for his family, always putting their needs before his own. Carolyn, Brad, and Lora have the great honor of having Ken as their father, a true role model.

Ken loved being a father, and was absolutely ecstatic when he became a Grandpa aka “Papa”. You would always find him doing whatever it took to make his 3 grandchildren smile and laugh, and ensure they felt loved at every moment. He even nicknamed his van the “Papa Mobile”. Coltyn, Maren, and Hudson love their Papa more than the moon and all the stars in the sky. 

Ken had a lengthy, successful career in sales, retiring as Vice President of Sales in 2015. His dedication and passion for his work, and to be an honorable sales person, were evident to all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of countless professional accomplishments and awards, including receiving top honors as a President’s Club honoree multiple times, and even winning a trip to the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. 

Ken’s kindness, generosity, and gentle sense of humor touched the lives of everyone he met. He had a warm smile that could brighten even the darkest days. Even if you didn’t know Ken, he was still making everyone smile by always holding doors for strangers, making the store clerk laugh with a corny Dad joke, putting away the shopping cart for the family with young children, paying for the person’s order in front of him who forgot their wallet, or smiling and waving if he caught your eye across the street. He had a unique way of making even the simplest moments memorable. 

Ken is survived by his wife, Gilda, of 43 years, who dedicated every ounce of her being to take the best care of him while he was sick; his daughter Carolyn Spencer; his son Brad Cook (fiance Monica and her son Jonathan), oldest grandson Coltyn and only granddaughter Maren; his daughter Lora Cook Schall (husband Matt) and youngest grandson Hudson. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Peterson in Minnesota, and several extended family members including several nieces and nephews. His beloved Golden Retriever, Maggie, was always by his side and will miss Ken’s chin scratches and sneaking her an extra treat.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Kenneth Marlin Cook, Sr. and Helen Cook, who both passed in 2002.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that donations be made to the Arizona Selah Carefarm in memory of Ken. The non-profit organization helps rescue and rehabilitate animals, and provides families who have lost a loved one a place to heal through animal grief therapy. Ken absolutely adored animals and it would make him so happy to know that a rescued animal is given an opportunity to live its best life at Selah, while also helping individuals through a difficult loss.

Ken will be remembered as a devoted spouse, a loving father, Papa, and uncle, a respected professional, and a cherished friend. His memory will live on in our hearts forever.