Bill Cooke passed away on Wednesday, September 15 at his home in Elk, Washington. Bill Cooke was born on January 3rd, 1934, in Campbell, California to Ruth and Bill Cooke Sr. He had one brother; Richard, “Dick”, who was 2 years younger. They lived in the San Jose area until the end of WW2. His family then moved to a dairy farm in Pend Oreille County, Washington, where he attended Newport High School.
When Bill turned 18, he joined the Marines. He served with Charlie Company, First Marines in Korea. In February of 1953 he was flown home on compassionate leave, as his father was very sick in the hospital. One of the nurses caring for him was a student nurse named Beatrice Storm. He was instantly taken with her. Their first date was Valentine’s Day, 1953. Their 2nd date was the next night, when she took him to his first gospel meeting. They corresponded thereafter until Bill’s return from Korea in March of 1955.
Once home, Bill started further education at Whitworth College in the fall of 1955. He and Bea started a courtship at that time and married on June 18, 1956. His studies came to an end when he learned of the expected arrival of twins and joined the Spokane Fire Department on January 1, 1958. He felt the fire service was his calling and served for 25 years, rising to the rank of captain, before having to retire due to on-the-job injuries. After that, he opened a gun business, which he ran for more than 30 years.
Bill continued attending Gospel meetings with Bea and he made his choice to follow Christ shortly before they started a family. He continued in the Faith and honored his choice to serve God until he was called to his eternal home. Throughout the “ups and downs” of life he experienced God’s care. He enjoyed an increase in thankfulness, reassurance, peace and contentment that was very evident in his last years and days.
Bea and Bill lived their married life in the Spokane area and had a family of 3 boys. The twins, Steve and Stan were born in June of 1958, followed by Bart in May of 1960. They lived on the South Hill until the boys were in their early teens, and then moved to the farm on Eloika Lake, alongside Bea’s parents, Earl and Ruth Storm. In the mid 1990’s, Bea and Bill moved to the Wandermere area, where they spent 18 happy years, enjoying traveling and gardening. Bill also enjoyed working in his shop. Their last years were spent on a farm in Elk, Washington, with Steve and his wife, Laurie. Bill said goodbye to the love of his life, his dear Bea, “Missy”, wife of 63 years, on May 11, 2019.
Bill is survived by his boys; Steve (Laurie) Cooke, of Elk, Washington, Stan Cooke of Post Falls ID, and Bart (Molly) Cooke of Spokane, Washington. He is also survived by his brother Dick, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and many loving friends and extended family. He will be remembered for his spirit of service, generosity and helpfulness.
The family would like to thank the compassionate professionals from Dispatch Health, Apria Healthcare, Hospice of Spokane and Dr. Yang and his staff from Providence Family Medicine for their care and exceptional service in meeting Bill’s needs during his last days. We are grateful for Ball and Dodd, and Fairmont Memorial Park for their customer service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BallandDodd.com for the Cooke family.
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