Fred Lee Cook

Fred L. Cook, 6/9/23-1/9/18 Fred passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on the afternoon of January 9, 2018 at his home on the farm fulfilling his final wishes to remain at home until he passed. Fred will be missed by many, but was lucky to have lived a full and productive life-too many accomplishments to list them all. Fred was born to and preceded in death by John Sherman Cook and Naomi Cook Smith. He was raised in the Tonasket and Loomis area often sharing stories of his youth: hunting, riding horses, and working. Fred had many accomplishments during his lifetime, but one of the most important highlights included marrying the love of his life, Bettie Todd. He and Bettie were married in May, 1948, by the Justice of the Peace in Ephrata, Washington. Fred and Bettie raised four children and celebrated nearly 57 years of marriage before Bettie passed away in 2005. Fred served in the Navy during WWII as a naval Under Water Demolition Team 6-UDT6 member (known as a Frogman). He helped to repair the drone boats that picked up water samples during the Bikini Atoll Island Atomic Bomb testing in the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific. To occupy his time while overseas, he carved small horses, smoking pipes, and nude women (he always had a great sense of humor!) that he sold for extra money. Fred turned those carving skills into a lifelong hobby as an artist, using a variety of mediums including carving, painting, and sculpting. His love of Arabian horses showed in much of his artwork, and his talents are still enjoyed by many, as he has a few pieces in the Charles Russell Museum, and had items displayed at Wanapum Dam for many years. Fred was a talented carpenter by trade, and received a 50 year pin for his work in the local Carpenter’s Union. He worked on a number of projects over the years, including work on the Hanford Nuclear Project, and most dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Fred used his carpentry skills to build the farmhouse that he and Bettie eventually resided in for over 60 years. He was active in helping out local kids, and served as a Boy Scout leader, a 4-H leader, and helped with local gymkhana events. He was known to donate a horse or miniature to a local 4-H member or a kid that was in need of a horse project. He always had a project going, usually in the middle of his living room. He loved tinkering with horse carts and wagons, horse tack, or anything related to horses. Fred was preceded in death by his lovely bride, Bettie; Siblings, Roy, Clarence, Glenn, and Nellie; Son in-law Scott Tripp (Sherri), and Donnie Wheeler (Susan). He is survived by one brother, Robert (Lorraine); Four children, Jim Cook-his only son (Claudia), Peggy Murray (Ted), Susan Cook (Doug McGrew-{Cook}), and Sherri Tripp; Grandchildren, Kim Lamb (Jamie), Robert Murray (Jocelyn), Brian Murray (Elisa), Christopher Cook (Ashley), Quincy Cook (Alexia), Brady Cook (Jessi). Fred is also survived by 20 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild that is due at any time. The family of Fred Cook are very grateful for the kind, patient, and caring heart of Lori Sorensen. Lori served as Fred’s professional guardian and advocate from 2016 until his passing, and went over and above in her care and protection of Fred. The family also is thankful for his special caregivers, Makenzie, Brandi, and Cheryl, who also treated Fred with dignity and care. A memorial in his honor will be held at Nicole’s Funeral Home, 156 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA on Friday, January 19th at 3:00 pm with Military Honors, followed by a reception at the American Legion Hall in Ephrata. A second service will be held at Gracepoint Church on Saturday, January 20 at 11 am. Interment will be held in the springtime at Eagle Cliff Cemetery. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata, Wa.

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Fred Lee Cook

June 9, 1923 - January 9, 2018