Kenneth L. Cook

Kenneth Lane Cook, also known as Kenny Cook passed away at the age of 73 at his home in Williams, Oregon on Wednesday the 17th of June, 2015 from a short battle with cancer.

He was born on the 10th of December, 1941 in Grants Pass, Oregon to Charles and Alyce Cook. He was one of five boys, Conrad Cook, Roland Cook, Alan Cook, and Ronald Cook. He attended Lincoln Elementary School and Fruitdale School, completing eighth grade in the class of 1956. He attended Grants Pass High School, graduating in the class of 1960.

Ken participated in Eagle Scouts as a boy, and enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve in 1958 before completing high school. Upon completion of high school entered into the U.S. Navy in January of 1961. He was stationed at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and deployed for active duty serving in the Vietnam War for approximately two years. He was honorably discharged in December of 1964. In May of 1965, Ken entered into the Oregon National Guard Reserve. He served for two years. Rank: Second Lieutenant, Infantry.

Ken was married twice, his first marriage was in 1964 to Linda Marie Wilson, and they had three children. Caroline, Kimberly, and Christina. He remarried in 1971 to Sharon Rae Blair. They had two children, Joshua, and Jennifer. Ken had twelve grandchildren, Kenneth, David, Joshua, Molly, Jacob, Michael, Heather, Mia, Hannah, Kayla, Cody, Mackenna and four great grandchildren, Thomas, Fiona, Charley, and Ada.

Ken was always an avid outdoors man, enjoying hunting, fishing, camping, shooting, and later in life he enjoyed prospecting for gold. He had an adventurous spirit and was never afraid to take risks. He had a love for Ford pickup trucks, motorcycles, and NASCAR. He loved his animals, Gizmo and Mickey like they were his children.

Ken had a love for life, a youthful exuberance and a feisty spirit. He had an off colored sense of humor, and was head strong till the end. He was always a leader, never a follower. Ken loved his family and friends, keeping in contact with many childhood friends throughout his life. He was loved and will be missed by many.

Memorial Services will be held at Hull & Hull funeral directors in Grants Pass Monday June 29 at 10am. Graveside service will follow immediately after.