Russell W. Cook
5-20-1915 - 1-17-2012
Russell William Cook, longtime resident of Montrose County, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Delta County Memorial Hospital at the age of 96. His funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Monday, January 23, at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel in Montrose, with visitation from 12:00 - 1:00 prior to the service.
Russ was the first child of six born to William and Esther (Hanson) Cook on May 20, 1915 in Metropolitan, Dickinson County Michigan, a little town that no longer exists. He graduated from eighth grade at Metropolitan Grade School, and forever regretted not attending high school. He used to say, "I thought I had to work and earn that 25 cents an hour and give half of it to my mother for room and board."
One of his various jobs was for the Ford Motor Company, working on the wooden doors for the station wagons built at the Kingsford, Michigan plant. In 1942, Russ joined the service, assigned to the Army Air Force Transport Command. He was first stationed at Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado, then served in Calcutta, India during WWII. Among honors he received were the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was discharged in March, 1946, remaining forever grateful to the government for the education and experiences he received in the service, as well as for his veteran's benefits later in life. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 784.
Following the war, Russ ventured west, ending up in a logging camp in the California redwoods working for the Pacific Lumber Company. He loved it there--good pay, a place to live and furnished meals. One of his best buddies was killed in an accident, leaving a widow and three children. Russ stepped in to help her out until she moved back to Redvale, Colorado. She started writing to Russ and about a year later he moved to Colorado and married Nellie Rose (Finnegan) Crisp on November 27, 1961 in the Catholic Church in Nucla. They moved to Montrose where Russ established the Culligan Water Softening plant. Russ and Nellie had many good years with trips in their campers, picnics, family times, fishing and gardening. "Toodie", as she was known to family and close friends, preceded Russ in death in 2004.
Russell had many hobbies, including gun collecting, shooting competitions ("expert" status) and gun shows. He met many friends and had countless experiences, becoming a Lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association. He had a part-time business with a friend, making bullets (Colorado Custom Bullets) and re-bluing guns.
Russell enjoyed amateur photography beginning during his military service where he scavenged scraps of unused film from discarded film canisters. He accumulated an amazingly diverse collection of photos, many that he processed himself.
Russell was an avid reader and gained a wealth of knowledge through his many books. One of the hardest things for him was losing his eyesight, as well as his hearing. Although he was no longer able to read, he enjoyed books on tape. His quest for learning and appreciating education never ended and at the age of 95, he learned it's never too late for dreams to come true. Thanks to Operation Recognition and RE-lJ School District, he dawned the red cap and gown of Montrose High School in order to receive his high school diploma.
Thanks to Melanie Hall and Montrose Community Foundation, Russ accomplished another one of his lifetime goals by setting up the Cook Educational Grant as well as establishing a donor advised fund to support local organizations. He received the coveted Cliff Baldridge Award for his contributions to his community. Memorial contributions in his name will be accepted by writing a check earmarked "Cook Memorial Gift" to Montrose Community Foundation, PO Box 3020, Montrose, CO 81402.
Russ was also an RSVP volunteer, serving most of his hours at the Montrose County Historical Museum. He was a very giving, gracious gentleman who constantly put others ahead of himself. For years to come, his sharp wit and amazing sense of humor will bring smiles and memories to those who knew and loved him.
He was grateful to the staff at Sunrise Creek Assisted Living Center for providing him with a comfortable, safe environment for the past several years. In recent months, he had special care from Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado. Contributions would be welcomed by them as well and can be sent to PO Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.
Russ is survived by his two brothers, Carlton (Betty) Cook of Felch, MI and Ed (Myrna) Cook of Iron River, MI; his sister Lorraine Cook of Iron Mountain; nephews William (Patti) Cook; Bernard (Brenda) Cook; Robert (Charlene) Cook; Paul Overacker; and nieces Ann-Louise (Jeff) Ebert; and Sharon (Steve) Opolka. His step-children are Lynda (Jeff) Ramage, Martinez, CA; Monte Crisp, Phoenix, AZ; and Steve (Tracey) Crisp, Winslow, AZ. Step-grandchildren are Michelle Mangham; Erica (Michael) Quinonez; Erin (Jeffrey) Fries; Chelsey Crisp; Jason Crisp and Andy (Samantha) Crisp. There are nine step-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and brother, Bernard, Russ was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Overacker.
Following the services conducted by pastor Mike Rime of the Zion Lutheran Church, burial will be at Grand View Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory of Montrose.
