Dave and I received our Computer Science PhD's within 1 year of each other at Texas A&M (Dave 1991, then mine 1992). We worked hard, and we maintained our pride in those well earned degrees. We maintained contact through the years. Even through the end, Dave was always positive. He had a great outlook on life.

I recall we all took a trip from College Station to San Marcos in 1990 to go floating down the river in big inner tubes. It was before the internet. We just drove there, and we did the big float, and we had a great time. Really, it was more about the adventure and enjoying life, than it was about just floating down the river.

In more recent discussions, Dave was so proud of his family, and enjoyed his kids and his grandkids. He was proud of his academic accomplishments. What really came out of the discussions - Dave had a great attitude. I was about to exchange another email and discovered he was gone. A shining light in our world, taken way too soon. Somehow, still hard to believe. Rest in Peace dear friend. I will miss you.

I just learned of Cookie's passing a couple of days ago. My sincerest condolences to the family. 

I worked with Cookie while I was chair of the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission in 2007-08. He was one of our commissioners then. I fondly recall his having chaired an unusual accreditation visit, which was at Cal State San Bernardino. The visit was interrupted by wild fires. Cookie trooped on, however, and successfully completed the work with his team. At our summer commission meeting, I remarked about my poor choice of sending someone named "Cook" into a fire zone. He was recognized at the meeting for his diligence in the face of unusual circumstances, and presented with a Smores kit for his troubles.

Everyone appreciated the professionalism that Cookie always displayed and the care with which he exercised his responsibilities, no matter the situation.

I met David, his first wife, and his 2 daughters in 1987.  We were both Air Force Captains and were both students in the PhD program (Computer Science) at Texas A&M University.  I arrived a year before David and I graduated a year before David.  I was single at the time so I truly appreciated the way David and his family provided me with a very special "home away from home."  Being treated like family at that time  was just what I needed.  My deepest condolences to his entire family.  The last time I talked to David on the phone he expressed how proud he was that both daughters are happily married to their first husbands.  I will miss talking to him.  Again, deepest condolences.

Deb and family~ My heartfelt condolences  in the passing of such a wonderful gentleman as Dave was.  He was the most wonderful, open hearted and generous man.  His stories were legendary and his laughter so infectious.  It was an honor to know him for the short years we lived near each other in Albuquerque, NM.  He was so proud of his girls, wife, and his extended family.  He will forever live in our hearts. 

Sorry to hear this sad news.
David A. Cook was an honorable, cheerful, and optimistic colleague with high integrity.
He was a dear colleague, friend and dedicated President and Senior VP of Society for Modeling & Simulation Intentional, SCS.
Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
May God shower his soul with mercy.

Dr. Mohammad S. Obaidat


Ah, David.  What a sense of humor!  And what a quick wit.  I had the privilege of calling you my brother-in-law, although at times I felt more like your sister.  That in-law stuff didn't quite capture it.  If you read this from heaven, then know that I appreciate your loving my sister.  You were loyal to a fault at times!  But no one ever questioned your heart's motives.  Enjoy heaven.  There are no bad jokes there, you know!

We are so sorry to learn of Dave’s passing.  He was such a fun person to be around and share time with. We were stationed with David and his first wife at Keesler AFB in Biloxi MS. We were neighbors and we became more like family. Still remember that smile and laugh. He left many footprints across many hearts- ours included 
May God be with all of you. 
Sam and Barb Ratliff 

OBITUARY

Dr. David A. (Cookie) Cook

January 17, 1955 – May 28, 2020

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