Lewis Cook

LEW COOK Click here to view a video of Lew's life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Lewis Albern (Lew) Cook, of Idaho Falls, died December 3, 2007, at his home after a long and courageous battle with heart disease. He was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho and his wife, Judy. Lew was born September 12, 1930, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Albern Cook and Barbara Wright Cook. This has been his home except for the time he spent in the Navy and at college. After graduating from Idaho Falls High School with the class of 1948, he served his country for five years with the United States Navy and traveled throughout the world. Much of his time in the Navy was spent as an electronics technician flying on airplanes from aircraft carriers. In 1958 Lew graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's of science degree in electrical engineering. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and sang with the University of Utah Chorale. After graduation, Lew worked at the Naval Reactor Facility and the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory until 1991. Over his career he was one of the plant supervisors that proved many of the concepts of the S1W reactor. He also participated in the design and operation of the Loss of Fluid Test Facility. Near the end of his career, Lew became the first manager of the Stored Waste Examination Pilot Plant. In 1956 Lew married Faye Thomas. Together they had three children, Bart, Cathy, and Reed. He married his second wife, Judith Ann Scheideman Richards, in 1983, becoming the step-father of Kristen, Shanley, and Mark. Lew and Judy spent many happy times traveling across the country, Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe. One of his great passions was flying and at one time he owned his own airplane. He was happiest when he could fly among the clouds and experience the quiet of the day. Spending time in the out of doors – whether it be hunting, skiing, backpacking, hiking, golfing or gardening – also brought him great joy. Even though his heart condition took away many of the things that he loved to do, Lew always found something positive in every day and never complained. He was an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him. Lew is preceded in death by his mother and father and his sister, Donna Rasmussen. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children Bart (Jeanette) of Idaho Falls; Cathy (Eddie) Hughes of San Diego, CA; Reed (Sandy) of Idaho Falls; Kristen (Peter) Gangl of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota; Shanley (Michael) Mclaughlin of Tucson, AZ; and Mark (Ailing) Richards of the Dominican Republic. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and his sisters, Marcene Nielson, Linda Carpenter, and Jo Ann Moore. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2007, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 237 North Water Avenue, with Reverend Brenda Sene officiating. The family will visit with friends an hour before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Idaho Falls Arts Council, 498 “A” Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, or Hospice of Eastern Idaho, 1810 Moran, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. Private burial services will be held at Fielding Memorial Park under the direction of Wood Funeral Home with Military Rites by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team. ------------------------------------ Condolences received online: Ron and Suzanne McCafferty cronaldmccaffert@bellsouth.net Both Suzanne and I extend our deepest condolences to Lew's wife, Judy and to his entire family on hearing of his recent death. We especially extend our sympathy to Reed, his son (and to Sandy, Reed's wife) and Reed's family during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Ron and Suzanne McCafferty Wes & Luana Richardson w.j.rich@hotmail.com We were so sorry to hear of Lew's passing. Please know that we are thinking of you all at this time of sorrow. Sincerly, Wes and Luana Heidi Gainan heidi11856@yahoo.com Judy and Family...I am so sorry to hear about Lew's death, but I know how he struggled with his health and vision loss and feel that he must be at peace now. I enjoyed meeting him and you, Judy, and wish you all the best. Take care and God bless, Heidi (Idaho Commission for the Blind)