Cecil Bookout

      “Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Cecil Bookout, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

      Cecil was born on December 9, 1944 at Long Beach Community Hospital in Long Beach,California. He was the son of Louis and Pearlie Bookout. Raised in Southern California but moved around alot, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Cecil was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Cecil was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Cecil was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Cecil also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Cecil was raised with two brothers. He had Travis was eleven years older and Terry was four years older. Cecil was constantly involved in activities with his family. Cecil and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Growing up, Cecil was one of those children who didn't need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Cecil was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Cecil was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Cecil took part in a number of activities as a child. He took part in track. He was a he worked from age 12. First job was in a donut shop. He worked in a used car lot he worked hard and employers always requested that he return. In his spare time he liked he raised bunnies, roosters and chickens. Cecil's memorable achievements included he bought all his own clothes and was especially fond of Pendleton shirts.

      Cecil enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Cecil was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Cecil was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. He graduated from Paramount High School in 1963. Cecil enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Woodshop and Metal shop. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Fielding and became close friends with him after high school. The first in his family to graduate from High School.

      Most folks would say that Cecil was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Cecil was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Cecil best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, Cecil kept. While growing up, some of his best friends were Lloyd Moore Ricky, Teddy and Linda McCool. Later in life, he became friends with Mike Weeks, Dick and Sharon Vaughn and Kathy, Wayne and Ginger Lee.

      Love can't be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Cecil. On January 1, 1965 Cecil married Linda McCool. Linda was eight and Cecil was nine and he helped her find her way home. He won a goldfish at a school carnival for her when they were eleven and twelve years old at Gretna Green Wedding Chapel of Downey, California. It was as if Cecil naturally sensed his spouse's needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Cecil disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Cecil was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Cecil was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Cecil was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone's schedule. Cecil was blessed with Three children, Michelle, Christy and son Sean. They were also blessed with Seven grandchildren, Mikey and Adam. Nina and Chase. Malik,Cooper and Aysia.

      If you gave Cecil a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Cecil was always on task. Without hesitation, Cecil could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was superintendent of maintenance in a steel mill. He was employed for worked over twenty years at Carlton Forge work. Cecil worked a carpet layer right out of high school. During that time, Cecil excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Cecil was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Cecil had at true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Cecil liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Cecil's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Cecil preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were restoring Cars and collected Eagle statues. Cecil was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

      While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Cecil often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. In high school, Cecil played ran track. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Cecil had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included Camping trips to the redwoods, solvang and Jalama Ranch/ Beach.

      Cecil had first pet was Tobby. Cocker Spaniel and Pekinese mix, who was his best friend for 20 years. His family was rounded out by his rot weiller named Sarge, Boxer named Boozer,Cockateils:Fred and Barney and Wilma. Cecil was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

      When Cecil's retirement finally arrived in 1987, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. In retirement, he found new pleasure in collecting straight razors and kerosene glass lanterns and old farm tools. Even in retirement, Cecil continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Cecil passed away on June 21, 2008 at he received hospice care by Kaiser at home in Cypress,Ca. Cecil died of end-stage liver disease caused by diabetes and was upset when people assumed he was an alcoholic. He is survived by his wife Linda, Children Michelle, Christy and Sean, his Grandchildren Chase, Nina, Mike, Adam, Malik, Cooper and Aysia. Services were held at Whites Funeral Home. Cecil was laid to rest in Rose Hills Memorial Park.

      It is said that some people can't see the forest for the trees. Cecil was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Cecil was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Cecil Bookout was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Cecil. He will be missed.