Surrounded by his children and immediate family, Michael R. Cook (Mike), age 65, passed away on June 8th, 2022.
True to his character, Mike fought a battle with pancreatic cancer until his last days, receiving a terminal diagnosis shortly before his passing. Although the diagnosis connected the dots on health challenges Mike had been facing, his cancer was ultimately discovered far too late. This sudden loss has been a reminder that life truly is too short, and that each new day is a gift.
After leaving Anchorage, AK in 2019, Mike divided his time between Colorado Springs, CO and his family ranch, Beaver Valley, in Lake George, CO.
Mike was a Mechanical Engineer by trade, who spent his career in the Oil and Gas Industry, working in Alaska, Louisiana, and Texas. After retirement, Mike dabbled in guest lecturing at the Colorado School of Mines where he thrived in teaching new engineering students about the field he committed his life to. As a mountain man and a cowboy at heart, he enjoyed fly fishing, football, and grilling.
Mike is survived by his children: Cara Babin, Audra Johnson, and Samuel Cook; his mother: Peggy (Cooper) Cook who then followed him in passing on November 3, 2022; his siblings: Terry Cook and William Cook; and his grandchildren: Lillian Johnson, Lexi Johnson, Avery Babin, Tucker Babin, Knute Johnson and Bowen Babin. He was preceded in death by his father Logan Cook.
A small funeral service was held on June 17th, 2022, at the Shrine of Remembrance in Colorado Springs, CO. As time has started to heal the pain of such sudden loss, Mike’s children felt it important that more be shared of his untimely passing so those who might wonder can know the truth and find peace themselves.
The clarity death provides has only further solidified how committed Mike was to his children and their wellbeing. He fiercely protected them in life and now watches over them in death. He is deeply missed and will be remembered as a dependable father, loyal friend, and a protector of those he loved.