Romell Richard Cook

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend returned to his heavenly home on November 8, 2017. He was born on April 5th, 1944 to Berl Babcock Cook and Katie Ash Cook. He was number seven of eleven children. Richard grew up in Hood River, Oregon and the Union area in Midvale, Utah. He graduated from Hillcrest High School where he was in a capella choir and wrestled.

Richard proudly served his country in the 115th Engineer Group of the Utah Army National Guard for 9 years.

Richard married his eternal “sweetie” Sharlene Sylvia Cowan in the Salt Lake Temple on the 23rd of June 1966. They had been married 51 and ½ years. They were sweethearts from their first date. They had one son, 4 daughters, 15 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. He was known as Cuddle Bear. Richard loved BYU Football, family events, family history and gardening.

Richard worked for the US Forest Service just out of high school spraying trees in the surrounding forests. He was employed at Tooele Army Depot for 28 years before the Depot closed where he was a journeyman painter. He then went to work at McDonald’s for his daughters for 10 years then the FM Group for the LDS church where he retired in 2010.

Rich and Shar served a two-year service mission for the West Valley LDS Employment Center. He also spent his life serving in many capacities and callings for church. Richard especially loved his calling as Home Teacher. Richard and Sharlene enjoyed traveling together and with family. They enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Florida, Seattle, Yellowstone, and several trips to St. George and Disneyland. Richard loved the outdoors and spending time camping with his family. “Camp Cook” is a favorite annual event every 24th of July.

Richard loved and cherished his family. He also loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. He cherished his testimony and membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a friend to all who knew him. He spent his life working hard, serving others, and striving to emulate Jesus Christ. He has left a big hole in our hearts and family, but we look forward to our celebrated reunion! We will fill the hole by trying to focus on emulating our father’s legacy of serving and loving others.

Richard is survived by his wife, son: Matt (Jerie) Cook, daughters: Heidi (Jeff) Reeve, Heather (Ron) Woodman, Hailey (Nick) Foster and son in law: Terry Birch. He is also survived by sisters: Marva Hall, Myrna (Neldon) Hogan, Velma Glad, and brothers: Wayne(Karen), Ross (Pat), Marven (Suzanne), and Ernie (Nyla) and sister in law: Karen. He is also missed by his mother in law: Luana Cowan, and Paula Kopcho, Karalee Taylor, Kevin & Sue Cowan, Julie & Kevin Yeanoplos, Denise White, and Debbie & Dale Hendrickson. He has joined his daughter: Holli, parents, sisters: Norinne, Lovenna and brother: Alan. He is also enjoying a happy reunion with father in law: Robert Cowan, brother in laws: Kevin Taylor, Howard Glad, Dutch Hall, and mother in law: Eleanor McAllister.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 11 AM at the Granger South Stake Center located at 4251 South 4800 West in West Valley City, Utah. Viewings will be held on Monday, November 13, 2017 from 6PM to 8PM and on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 from 9:30AM to 10:30 AM at the same location. Interment will be at the Valley View Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Family Funeral Care, Riverton, UT.