Richard M. Cook

Richard M. Cook passed away Thursday, December 5, 2019 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital with loving family by his side. Calling hours will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Garner Funeral Service. Immediately following calling hours, Joshua Cook will proceed with a memorial service at 3:00pm. Burial will be held at Bayside Cemetery in the spring.

Richard leaves behind two sons, Brian (Jorene) Cook, their children Evan and Brody Cook of Marcellus, NY, Joshua Cook of Beverly, MA and their mother Eileen Boots of Massena, NY. He leaves a brother David (Judy) Cook of Hannawa Falls, NY, along with nieces Renee (William) Seymour, Kelly (Anthony) Moores, Kara (Justin) Janaro, Jaquelin (Andrew) Warenius, and a nephew Kevin (Jenna) Talcott.

Dick was predeceased by sisters Cynthia (Dean) Talcott and Marcia James and a nephew David James.

Richard was born November 25, 1937, in Potsdam, NY, a son of the late Phillip and Dorothy (Morse) Cook. He graduated from Potsdam High School and after serving in the US Army, came back to the area to begin a career in radio broadcasting. He worked as an announcer in Massena, NY with WYBG and WPDM. He then moved to Plattsburgh, NY, where he worked for WPTZ from 1966 to 1969. Dick then moved to Troy, NY where he became a sports information director for RPI. His love for the North Country led him back to Potsdam, NY where he was alumni director and sports information director for Clarkson University. Following his time at Clarkson he was director and senior administrator at Wadham’s Hall in Ogdensburg, NY. Finally, he was the CEO for AAA Saint Lawrence in Ogdensburg, NY until his retirement. Dick was a former member of the American Legion, Canton-Potsdam Hospital Board, Rotary, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Democratic Committee.

Dick enjoyed reading, bird watching, golfing, painting, collecting and spending time with his family and friends. He had a love for animals, most notably his cat Slate and pug Clicker. Memorial donations can be made in Richard’s memory to the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad; 29 Elm Street; Potsdam, NY 13676 or the Potsdam Humane Society; 17 Madrid Avenue; Potsdam, NY 13676. Flowers can be sent to Garner Funeral Service for services on December 28th. Condolences, thoughts and fond memories may be shared online at www.garnerfh.com.