Robert E. Cook

Robert E. Cook, 89, of Gray Maine, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, November 4th with his loving daughter, Barbara Farren by his side.

He was born in Everett, MA., on November 4th, 1932  and was the youngest son of the late Horatio and Alice (Day) Cook. He attended Everett High School where he met a special young lady named Mary McCool, who would end up being his life long love for the next 70+ years. 

Starting out early in life, Bob always knew the value of hard work and would at times have up to three full time jobs at once. His many [mastered] trades ranged from; driving the daily a bread truck in the early hours in Everett, MA., owning his own dinner in Wakefield MA., building the family camp, reelected presidencies for both the North Cove Road, Pleasant Pond and Harrington Lake Associations spanning over decades, leading to and his successful career at Polaroid Corporation as Plant Manager for over 40 years, many of those years in tandem going to Northeastern University at night completing his BA and Masters. 

During his time at Polaroid, Bob always said one of greatest parts working there was developing one of his closest friendship with Jim and Mary Rexford. Bob and Mary spent many wonderful times with Jim and Mary and a bond between the families still continues through following generations. 

One of his signature sayings was, “if people want to complain about issues, then get involved and try to make a change” and he would. When Bob put his mind to it, he did it, did it well, then reinforced it to make it stronger. Lucky for those who were loved by him, he did that with relationships as well. 

After his retirement, Bob, with his Mary enjoyed 25+ years in Venice Florida after during the winter seasons. There they made wonderful friends included extended family friends, Dee and Jerry Sneed and their sons of Royal Palm Beach, FL., played endless rounds of golf and enjoyed the early bird specials. Bob and Mary also enjoyed researching their families’ ancestry, touring battlegrounds through the county, taking trips including favorites, Ireland and Branson, MO., as well as attending as many concerts they could of their favorite artists. 

In addition to his favorite pastimes, Papa, as he was known by many, was happiest spending time with family and treasured friends at his camp on Pleasant Pond. You’d usually find him tinkering in the workshop crafting a project for the family to do or redoing a previous project because he figured out a better way to do it. If you weren’t up early enough, you may end up with firecrackers under your bed. 

Although very modest, his astonishing knowledge ranged through endless topics and he was always willing to share, teach and assist anyone willing to learn; No truer words could be said if “Bob was jack of all trades” was stated. 

In his seldom down time, you could find Papa playing cribbage, telling stories - including his favorite, when he saw Nana for the first time - cooking baked beans, watching the Red Sox or a Turner Classic Movie. He enjoyed relaxing on the porch which he sketched and built; watching, singing, and monkey biting his great-grandkids in the same spot and with the same songs he did with his children and grandchildren. 

Everyone passing by the Cook Camp knew Papa and knew if they stopped long enough, Papa would be put them to work. They always stopped, they always were put to work and they ALWAYS came back. The work was hard and never fun but it was always worth the time with Papa. 

He is predeceased by his one and only love, his Mary “Mighty Mouse” Cook, their eldest son, David Michael Cook, both his parents, sisters, Evelyn and husband Clyde Russell, Ruthie and Charles Hamlin, brothers, Jack and Dorothy Cook and William and Madeline Cook. 

A graveside service will be held at Spring Street Cemetery, on Spring Street in Essex, Massachusetts at 1:30pm Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Face coverings and social distancing per current state guidelines will be required.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to The North Cove Road Association:  6 Snap Hook Drive York, Maine 03909.