Stanley Cook Obituary

Born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada on August 13, 1921.Stan's family moved to North Tonawanda, New York where
he grew up working in the family landscaping business until he joined the army at age 20. He trained at Camp Carson where
he fell in love with the mountains.Stan's battalion arrived on Omaha Beach one week after D-Day. He fought in France until September 15, 1944 where he was shot, evacuated, and told he would never use his right arm again. Through determination, he regained full use of his arm. Stan earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his service in World War II. Stan married Arwilla Jones on June 2, 1945. He built a house across the street from his parents where his two children, George and Patricia, were born. In 1953, the Cooks sold their house and moved to Colorado.Upon arriving in Colorado Springs, Stan hand built a beautiful house on the west side. He landscaped the yard, keeping an immaculate lawn, flower and vegetable gardens. He was an organic garden and permaculture advocate long before it became fashionable. Stan is responsible for introducing his family to camping and hiking, sharing his love of nature. Nearly every summer weekend in the late 50's and early 60's, the family camped in the Colorado mountains.In New York, Stan worked as a chemist, but in Colorado he worked as a machinist before settling in as a carpenter. Over the years he became a fine finish carpenter. He honed his woodworking skills and made beautiful colonial furniture.Later he turned his talents to smaller wood carvings: small dogs, figurines and then incorporating high quality woods to make unique bowls and vases. Classical music played constantly from his workshop; Stan was a music lover and made sure that his children had formal lessons.Stan retired from working life the same year as Arwilla, and they spent the next few decades traveling together acrossAmerica. They cooked and gardened together and enjoyed a happy life. Stan enjoyed reading, especially about Colorado history and nature.On a recent doctor's visit, Stan said, "I'll be okay as long as I can hold onto my sense of humor." He did this, charming all of his care-workers until the end. Stan passed away on April 16, 2016. Stan is survived by his wife of 70+ years, Arwilla Cook. Sisters: Ruth Hall and Jane Bayer. Children: George Cook and Pat Gulya. Grandchildren: Nathaniel Feis, Jessica Lamirand, and Andrew Cook. "In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Trails and Open Space Coalition, Stanley Cook Memorial Fund, online at www.trailsandopenspaces.org/stanley-cook/ or send checks to TOSC, 1040 S. 8th St, Suite 101, Colorado Springs, CO 80905."