Aug. 16, 1939 ~ March 28, 2024
Thomas R. (Tom) Cook, 84, passed away at the Veteran’s Community Living Center in Rifle, Colorado, on March 28, 2024, after a battle with lung cancer.
Tom was born on Aug. 16, 1939, in Yuma, Colorado, to Robert James and Daisy (Smith) Cook. He was the 12th of 13 children born into the Cook family. Tom and his family moved to Meeker, Colorado, where he spent most of his life.
Tom graduated from Meeker High School in 1958. Tom enjoyed all sports, especially basketball, often reminiscing about playing city league basketball with friends.
Tom served his country in the U.S. Army as a military policeman where he was awarded the good conduct medal. Tom was honorably discharged in December 1963.
Tom was an avid outdoorsman, whether it was water skiing with family and friends at Rio Blanco Lake, hunting in the high country around Meeker or 4-wheeling in the mountains that he loved. Tom would always say, “Let’s go play,” and that meant you were in for a rewarding time.
Tom wore many hats during his life: contractor, carpenter, uranium miner and all-around handyman. Tom was always ready to help with about any project and appreciated being asked.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and six sisters. He is survived by one sister, Sally Ridings of Rangely, Colorado, and one sister-in-law, Roberta (Walter) Cook of Meeker, Colorado. Also several nephews and nieces, great-nephews and nieces, and great-great-nephews and nieces. Special thanks to Veteran’s Community Living Center in Rifle, Colorado. Cremation has taken place and a memorial is planned for summer 2024.
Rest in peace, Uncle Tom.
