Gary Lee Cook

Gary Lee Cook, 85, formerly of Scottsbluff died peacefully on August 27 2021 after enduring six years of progressively failing health. Gary succumbed to multiple health issues in Kearney, NE where he had moved to assisted living care. Gary was born on May 2nd, 1936 to Glenn and Twila (Hager) Cook in York County, Nebraska. As a small child, Gary moved with his family to Gering, NE where his sister, Patricia (Tish) Ann was born. Gary was educated in the Gering Public School system where he graduated from Gering High School in 1954. After obtaining his HS diploma, he enrolled at Scottsbluff Junior College (now WNCC) where he received his Associate’s Degree in Business in 1956. In 1954, Gary met Sandra Henderson at a journalism conference. As their dating life started: family dinners, watching TV, riding through Mitchell Pass, and waiting for Sandy to finish her shift at the local Zesto took up a lot of his time. The young couple married on July 7, 1957 at the First United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff, NE. Gary started working in the clothing business for the J.M. McDonald Company the summer after his HS graduation. After his completion of his schooling, McDonald’s promoted Gary and the young couple moved to Longmont, Colorado where their elder son, Corey, was born. After 2 years in Longmont, the family was transferred to Colby, KS and while living in Colby, their family was made complete with the birth of son, David, and daughter, Julie. While still working in the J.M. Mc Donald Co, Gary and family lived in multiple towns: York, NE, Smith Center, KS and Concordia, KS. In June of 1978, Gary left the J.M. McDonald Co. and they purchased Porter’s Feminine Fashions in Scottsbluff, NE. Gary and Sandy ran this business from 1978 - 1987. With the decline in the valley economy, Gary went to work for Broadway Office Supply as a traveling salesman from 1987- 1989. Gary then returned to Porters to manage the family business until its closing in 1993. Gary then completed his working career as an “in house” employee for Broadway Office Supply until his retirement in 2006 at the age of 70. Gary was a very active and dedicated member of each community he had the pleasure of living in. Throughout his life, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shrine Club, the Concordia Lion’s Club, the Cosmopolitan Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Elk’s Lodge, the Chancel Choir, Scottsbluff American Legion Baseball (where he served as their game scheduler), and the First United Methodist Church. Gary also enjoyed gardening in the summer, NASCAR, reading, TV, and feeding the birds in the winter. Gary faithfully supported his kids in all of their activities whether sitting in the stands cheering, playing catcher for nightly little league pitching practice sessions, listening to band and choir concerts, or cheering at the finish line at Cross Country meets throughout the state of Kansas. The family fondly remembers Sunday morning sing-a-longs with Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot as well as, “hand wringing” excitement on Indy 500 days. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his sister. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sandy; and his children Corey (Lorraine) of Albuquerque, NM, David (Teresa) of Kearney, NE, and Julie (Mark Kuhlman), of Casper, WY. Gary is also survived by 4 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews throughout the western United States. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorials in honor of Gary Cook can be sent to the First United Methodist Church of Scottsbluff or Donor’s Choice.

Gary Lee Cook

May 2, 1936 - August 27, 2021