George Phillip Cook

George grew up in a caring family and learned the values of hard work at a very early age. Construction skills were learned from his uncle who owned a large construction company. His uncle trusted him with his work skills and ethics enough to make him a foreman while still in high school. During this time, he also developed exceptional woodworking skills. In addition, while in high school, he participated in gymnastics and earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Nebraska for gymnastics. Before he could enroll at the University, he received his draft notice. His response was to join the Marines. Off to Vietnam he went quickly achieving the rank of sergeant. After his return he enrolled in engineering classes at the University of Nebraska while working full time. During this time motorcycle racing caught his interest so weekends were spent doing a sport he thoroughly loved. Racing was another thing he excelled at and soon he gained professional sponsorship and racing at national events. That continued until he had a crash. When he got up without a scratch on him, but leathers, helmet and bike were destroyed, that was a sign to him it was time to give up racing. Three quarters of the way through his engineering degree, there was a huge layoff occurring in the engineering field, so he switched gears and considered where he could apply his education. He stumbled on to the new field of nuclear medicine. That seemed like a good fit for him since it applied physics and his interest in medicine. During his studies he participated in some research projects which was something he thoroughly enjoyed. After graduation, he began working at a hospital in Fremont, Nebraska. There he met his wife, Beverly. They were married May 6, 1983. He said to her “Stick with me kid, we’re going places.” About a year later they relocated to Texas where his son Kevin was born. He continued in the nuclear medicine field, first at another hospital, but then transferring into sales. Again, he excelled at sales and before long he was asked to take on a regional manager position. Like all companies there were mergers and buyouts and he remained until he felt he wanted to return to sales. That led him to Methodist Hospital who at the time was looking for an individual to be manager of the nuclear cardiology and diagnostic CT department. It required managing people, patient care, research, technical knowledge, and a certification held by very few which uniquely qualified him for the job. He was always proud his achievements at the Methodist Hospital Medical Center. Next came retirement.

George always had to have a project. He had always loved the 1953 MG and searched for years to find one. However, a 1954 MG was found in good condition for a car of that age. He undertook its complete restoration and entered it in the British car class at the Keels and Wheels Concours d’elegance in Seabrook where he received a silver award of which he was extremely proud. The MG then became the car to take for a fun little drive with the top down. However, he needed another project. He had always loved an old Jeep he once had so the hunt was on for an old jeep in good enough condition to refurbish. One was found and work began. As with all projects there are always more things you find as you dig deeper thus occupying his time. Of course, it couldn’t be just good enough to get it running, it had to be up to “George Cook standards” and of course, he did a wonderful job inside and out.

While living a very busy and fulfilling life, he also took time to enjoy life through travel. Although having traveled to many places, his favorite destination was always somewhere in the Caribbean. Above all his first love was his family. George was a special person who will live on the hearts of his family and loved ones forever.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lucille Cook and a brother Leon Cook. He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Sandquist) Cook, son Kevin Cook (Donielle), grandson Harrison Cook, sisters Madonna (Sally) Pennington (Dick), Alice Schuette(David), and nieces and nephews.

Memorial service for George Phillip Cook will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home in The Woodlands, Texas on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:00am, with a reception following at the funeral home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the COOK family.