Obituary of Henry Cook

None Henry H. Cook Jul. 4, 1918 - Dec. 21, 2005 Henry (Heinie) Cook passed away on December 21, 2005. He died of complications associated with congestive heart failure. Born to German immigrant parents, George and Anna Marie Cook, in Tacoma Washington on the 4th of July, 1918. Heinie was beloved by all who knew him. It is fitting that he was born on that day, for his love of country was surpassed only by that for his family. When Tom Brokaw wrote the book "The Greatest Generation", it was men like Heinie that he was talking about. A decorated Army veteran of World War II, he served in the 100th Division as an interpreter and forward radio operator. He landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944 and took part in the advance across France and Germany. The Tacoma News Tribune printed an article in 2004 about his exploits as a part of its tribute to veterans of World War II. A few years after returning home, Heinie who had been in the grocery business prior to the war and for a short time after it, became a cement finisher for the George Madsen Company. His skill as a finisher was renown and a source of pride for him, earning him the respect of many in the construction industry. He left his "concrete fingerprints" throughout Western Washington. He worked as a finisher until his retirement at age 62. Heinie thoroughly enjoyed his retirement. His annual trek to Arizona with his wife of 57 years, Betty, enabled him to make new friends, while basking in the "winter sunshine". He loved baseball above all other sports and could often be heard rooting for his hometown Mariners. Besides bowling, and visits to Tacoma’s Clover Leaf Tavern, Heinie loved to fish at his lake property with great-grandson Ryan. "To know him is to love him" is an overused phrase but in this case it applies. He brightened the lives of everyone he knew. He always had something to say, whether it be to a friend of 50 years or someone in line behind him in a grocery store. Children absolutely adored this man and the same was true in reverse. Heinie had a gift that allowed him to bring a smile to the most grumpiest of faces. We know he has gone to a better place but that does little to ease the pain of his loss felt by family and friends. You will be sorely missed Mr. Cook and never forgotten. He is survived by his loving wife Betty; sisters, Pauline Wester, Mary Thomas, Lydia Foster; daughters, Rhonda Bell (Dave) and Denise Casseday (John). He is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at the Masonic Center, 521 North St. SE, Tumwater. You may leave memories or condolences by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.