Gardner Chapin Cook, age 94, died October 25, 2013, with his daughters by his side in Flint, Michigan. Gardner was born June 30, 1919, in Iowa to the late Rollin J. and Elizabeth Allen Cook. He attended Culver Military Academy as a youth. He then attended Dartmouth College and later served in the Air Force during WW II in Roswell New Mexico where he met his wife of 64 years, Edith, who was also in the military. After leaving the military, Gardner and Edith moved to Flint, Michigan where Gardner began working for the Buick Motor Company. Gardner and Edith and their two daughters, Elizabeth and Virginia (Ginny) later moved to Grand Blanc and spent many wonderful summers at the family cottage on Lake Fenton enjoying swimming, fishing, and the serenity of lake living.
Gardner enjoyed downhill skiing in the winter and took the family to Boyne Mountain each year for a skiing vacation. In addition, Gardner and Edith were avid golfers and both had the thrill of achieving a hole-in-one at one point during their matches. With their love for golf, Gardner and Edith moved to Florida in the 1970’s so that they could escape the cold and enjoy golfing year round. They also purchased a house near Traverse City Michigan where they spent many wonderful summers enjoying the beauty of northern Michigan.
Gardner was a very kind and loving husband to his wife Edith and a wonderful father to his daughters. Gardner loved life to the fullest and he will be missed by his family and friends.
Gardner is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Longton from Flint; his daughter, Virginia (Ginny) Himich and husband Mike from Howell, Michigan; his grandchild, Tamara Halvorsen, her husband, Larry and their three children from Port St. Lucie Florida; his grandchild, Amy Stamm and her daughter, Kylie from Port Salerno, Florida; his grandchild, Amanda Jones and husband, Greg from Lapeer; and his nephews Chapin Cook and wife, Gail from Grand Blanc and Peter Cook and his friend, JoAnn from Maine. Gardner was preceded in death by his wife Edith Cook who passed away in 2006, by his older brother George Allen Cook who passed away in 2010 and by his nephew George Allen Cook Jr. who passed away in 2011.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be directed to Gentiva Hospice at 2360 Stonebridge Drive, Flint, MI 48532. The family thanks Gentiva Hospice for their loving care of Gardner during his final days. The date and time for memorial service will be announced in the Flint Journal soon. Arrangements provided by Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc. Please share condolences at www.hillfh.com
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