Please share your favorite memory, a funny story, photos, or your condolences for Ken’s family.
Ken’s Memorial Wall
Please share your favorite memory, a funny story, photos, or your condolences for Ken’s family.
Ken, or Cookie as we called him, was a fraternity brother and friend of mine at Coe College. I was jolted today when I saw notice of his passing in a school publication. I haven’t seen him in decades, but memories of our times together came rushing back. I remember him in much the same way others talk about in earlier posts. He was always one of the nice guys; somewhat quiet and softspoken, at least in comparison to the rest of us more boisterous types, but so funny. He had a wonderful deadpan delivery that would always crack me up. Sounds like from the other posts that he retained his sense of humor and had a good life. I’m glad.
My condolences to the family.
We cousins spent our early years from birth to mid 50’s in the Pittsburgh area. Ken was quite the character as a youngster. We stayed in touch throughout the years no matter which state we moved to. We extend our condolences to all who knew and loved Ken. He will be missed.
I learned so much working with Ken. He had so much wisdom and was extremely kind and patient. My heart goes out to Ken’s family. We lost a great man.
Ken Cook and I had talked for hours on the phone about business and the occasional joke or story peppered into the conversation. We only met once in person, but by the time we did, it was like we were good friends. He was a man that transcended generations and was truly an honest, good soul. You will be missed.
Ken was an absolute legend, and well respected by colleagues and friends alike. The stories of how he’d “Cook” us are not exaggerated. His charisma, charm, and focus were unmatched in the places I’ve worked after Innflux, and he will be truly missed. Rest in Peace Ken.
Such an amazing and caring person … Very well respected and loved by all that were blessed to have known him. Even if he’d occasionally “Cook” us at 5:00 pm with an end of day call on a Friday as we tried escaping the office to go to Jak’s Tap … lol.
Thank you for all the memories and stories … you might be gone but you’ll never be forgotten.
I met Ken in 1968 at Coe College. He and Tommy Tydarek were my two cohorts during the legendary European Summer in 1969. After returning to Coe, Ken became my Pledge Son in Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. While distance often deprecated us, he remained my lifelong friend and “brother.” I was fortunate to visit him in February and shared laughs snd great memories. He was an irreplaceable friend and will be dearly missed by all of his “brothers” in Lambda Chi. Thanks for the memories, Ken, you were one of the best. So sorry Gilda and family.
Truly saddened that Ken is no longer with us. I have so many great memories working with Ken, especially traveling to hotel tech conferences around the country. He always had a kind soul, dad joke sense of humor, and a humble nature. Condolences to all the family. Ken will be dearly missed.
Gilda, Brad , and Lora –
So very sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. I’m remembering how as a kid being at your house he would always want to make sure we were having a fun time. Several times he took time out of his day and drove Brad and I to a baseball card show and wandered around with us to see what we could find. Good times and memories!
All the best to each of you as your mourn his passing.
This news breaks my heart. The world lost one of the great ones. If you asked me to describe Ken in three words: honorable, diligent, and trustworthy. I would have trusted Ken with my life. It was a true joy and honor to work with him for so many years. He will be missed and my deepest condolences go out to Gilda and Ken’s family.
I am so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I did not know him well, but did know Lora very well from our time together in college at UNI. Because I grew so close to Lora, and because family was so important to Lora, I was able to get to know Ken and her family in passing. Those moments were memorable and fond as the entire Cook family was always very kind, hospitable, open and caring to anyone they met. I love the testament to his love of his animals as well as his children, family and especially grandchildren. One memory comes to mind in particular – when Lora’s mom and dad snuck her cat into our dorm at UNI 🙂 That was a very fun day and very needed for all of us to have some snuggles with her furry friend. It just shows the compassion as well as sense of humor (I feel like ONLY the Cook family could somehow pull off sneaking an actual cat into a dorm .. shhhh :-)) the family all had for each other and my hope is that your love for one another – and the memories you all have together and apart – will carry you through this difficult time. My deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you.
Sincerely,
Jill (Crosby) Ironside
Ken fought a brave battle against Parkinsons and many other health issues the past three years. He loved his family and pets so much.
My Daddio had the most gentle sense of humor that I will miss the most. He would leave me goofy voicemails on a regular basis, many of which I have saved from over the years that I will treasure forever; my favorite being when he was pretending to be Willie Nelson.
My Dad had such a big heart. I am forever grateful for all the life lessons he taught me and I’m beyond lucky to have had him as my role model. Learning how to navigate without him will be the biggest challenge of my life.
Thank you to everyone for your support and your kind messages of support during this difficult time for our family.
Lora Cook Schall