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Lonnie Howard Cook
06/08/1964 — 09/05/2009
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Richland, Washington
Lonnie Howard Cook
Lonnie Howard Cook Cookie 24 lost his courageous battle with cancer 9-05-09. His fight to the end was strong and took his last breath in the arms of his brother Greg and loving wife Lori in Hospice.
He was born 6-08-64 in Richland, WA, graduating from Richland High 1982 and after graduating from Western Baptist in Salem, Oregon in 1986. He went on to many adventures traveling and even as a white water rafting guide in Alaska. He was an avid adventure seeker, heliskiing, hunting, and fishing and there wasn't a sport he didn't like to try, basketball, soccer, golf, water skiing and softball. His favorite saying when playing softball with his buddies was "Whittle me a stick from the closet tree and I will go yard with it!" He was proud of his home runs. He was always a guy that met people and they were his friends for life. His sense of humor was like no other, had a line for everyone, a compliment for the ladies and had more friends than one person could ask for in one life time.
Lonnie waited 37 years to find the woman of his dreams and love of his life Lori Zoda and they married May 5, 2001 and had an instant family with her daughter Reily Thorington then 7. On May 31, 2005 their daughter Kamryn Jean was born to complete their family; a true reflection of her father. He loved his girls endlessly and told them daily.
His friends were his second family he would do anything for them and their kids. Children were his passion because he had the spirit of a child. Each one of his friends and family had a special place in his heart. At his last hours of his life he spent putting a smile ¬on each face that came to hold his hand and to say his classic "Lonnie line." He was a hero to many.
He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Merel Cook. He is survived by his wife of 8 years Lori; daughters Kamryn and Reily; Sister Lisa Moncrief and husband Capp; brother Greg Cook; Mom Judy Darden and husband Jim; Aunt Millie and Uncle Tom Kidwell; Aunt Helen and Lou Rancitelli; Aunt Janis and Nat Tames; and in-laws Don and Kay Zoda; sisters-in-law Khris Judy and Toni Butler; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends which he considered his family.
Through his 27 month fight, Lonnie and his family were touched by the constant support and outpouring of love received from his many devoted friends. To all the doctors, nurses, and other health care providers, we are forever grateful for your compassion, hope, and care. Special thanks to Dr. Luke Megna, Andrew Hansen PA and staff you are all very special to the Cook Family. Gloria Caine, our special nurse at Tri-City Cancer Center, we love you for your extra concern. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
As Lonnie desired, a celebration of his life will be held at Bethel Church Gymnasium, 600 Shockley Rd, Richland, at 11:00 AM Saturday September 12, 2009.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Fighting Children's Cancer Foundation P.O. Box 160 Eltopia, WA 99330.
Dear Cook Family,
I have so many fun childhood/young adult memories of Lonnie. The times we all shared with him were full of laughter! I only saw him a few times after high school but each time I did, it was like we no time had passed. I adored his warmth and humor. What a wonderful gift to have Lonnie touch our lives. He will never be forgotten. I am so sorry for your loss and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With love, Joani Ryals McGowen
Lori & family, I’m very sorry for your loss. At a loss for words. All the things you wrote about Lonnie are so true. He was a great person and friend to so many. His spirit was positive and I believe he made everyone smile. I, and we all, will miss him greatly.
Bill Frisbee
Lori, the hearts of all of us at TCT Computer Solutions are broken with sorrow at your loss. Lonnie was such a great guy and your long fight was so courageous.
Speaking personally now: if we didn’t already have a thousand reasons to be proud to know you for these past 15 years or so, the way you have handled these past 27 months would have certainly convinced anyone of your incredible strength of character and compassion. You are an inspiration, Lori – you truly are.
We are so sorry about the loss of Lonnie. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lori, Reiy, and sweet baby Kamryn,
We are at a loss for words to describe the sorrow we are feeling over Lonnie’s death. What an “inspiration: he was. It was always a”treat” to be around him. He never gave up hope and fought courageously.Our hearts are sad, but know that Lonnie is at peace. Trust in the Lord to get you through the days ahead.
Love,
Gene and Hilda Stewart
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls!!
Cook Family,
Words can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about Lonnie and how much he meant to me. He will be greatly missed and will be in our hearts forever!
Love you all,
Duck
I knew Lonnie as a kid and will always remember his sweet smile and his vivacious sense of humor whenever he came to our home. My condolences to the family
Our hearts go out to you at this time. Playing softball with Lonnie will always be some of my fondest memories. We will continue to pray for the family.
Wish all our hearts we love you forever
Dear Lori and girls…. Thank you for loving Lonnie so deeply as you do, and helping him fight so valiantly. You were exactly what he needed in his life when he met you. We will be eternally grateful to you for making his life so full with the love you gave him. We will always love you and Reilly and Kamyrn. Keep your faith in God and he will sustain you all. Love Aunt Janis and Uncle Jr.
Lisa and Family,
Words can not express the sorrow we are feeling for you and your family for the loss of your brother, Lonnie. Our hearts ache for you during this very difficult time.
Patti, Ronni Jo and Nick Hoglen
Lori, my condolences to you and the girls. I met Lonnie through work years ago and he was an instant friend. He was a very special person and will be deeply missed.
Dear Lori: We don’t know each other, but we knew Lonnie through our daughters, Susan and Karen, who went to high school with him. And we often saw him outside as we lived just up the hill on Newhaven Loop. We followed Lonnie’s courageous journey through Caring Bridge. Lonnie suffered so much, and one could wonder why it took God so long to take him home. But I think that Lonnie’s life inspired all of us to persevere even through the tough times. And that is his legacy to me. God bless you and your family. The Thompsons
Family of Lonnie Cook: I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss of Lonnie. From such a good man comes great memories to cherish. He will stay in your heart forever. Many thoughts and prayers are with you…
Our hearts pour out to you Lori, Reily and Kamryn. I’m not good with words, being a crusty old construction worker, and it takes a lot for me to write what I do. I will say, that Lonnie has had a most profound impact on my life, from our day’s at Morrison, to our times at Randolph, to his Marrage to a mutual friend… What a wonderful thing that he did get Married and enjoyed the love of such a wonderful person as Lori! “Nothing by chance”…this was truely ment to be, and is the greatest blessing that was ever gifted this wonderful character. Fatherhood creates a life fulfilled, and nothing compares to the power of that gift coupled with a dear and loving wife, like Lori.
I warned you that I suck at this kind of thing…
Lonnie, I hope there’s plenty of Zuchini bread in heaven…
We’re really gonna miss ya
Lori, Kam, Reiley, and family:
My deepest prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. I have known Lonnie my whole 21 years of life, and can honestly say hands down he’s one of the funniest, most caring loyal guys anyone would have ever met. His smile went miles. He could lift anyone up on a bad day. He was an all around awesome person, that could make you laugh in your worst mood. He loved his family and friends more then anything. and I know my Dad loved him like a brother. I always referred to him as “uncle Lonnie” growing up and would be SO excited when he’d come to visit us when we lived in Yakima. Memories like these we hold onto forever. May God bless you all with strength to get through this hard time. Team 24 will live on forever, never giving up faith and always believing. Knowing he is with us all always, and will still be there when we need him! Love you guys!!!
Dear Lori and family,
I was so saddened to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers continue for your family.
Haley Snell and family
Lori and Girls. We have such fond memories of Lonnie throughout our school years. At the Americans Game tribute to him this past year seeing and conversing with Lonnie for the first time in a long while, I will never forget the excitement on his face when he talked about his girls. He was truly a proud father and husband and love you all so dearly as you know. When Dan and Lonnie reconnected at the RCS Christmas Party a statement from Dan was oh my goodness Lonnie hasn’t changed one bit, he is still the awesome guy that I remember him from school days. Know that memories of Lonnie will never fade and you will be able to hold on to his memory through a lifetime of smiles and happiness. Even though he has moved on to what I believe are bigger and better things, Lonnie will be with you spiritually throughout your entire life time and I am sure watching over his girls with complete admiration. Take Care and God Bless.
Janis and Nat,
I was sorry to hear of the passing of your nephew. Please know all of your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lori and family, I was fortunate to have known Lonnie through one of his many basketball teams he played on. He was always a joy to be around and always made you feel like you were a dear friend even though the time spent with him was short. Is was one of those special people in this world and I am blessed to have known him. I am very sorry I am not able to attend the service but my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. I am sure you have many people to support you during these hard times but if you need anything please feel free to call. 521-8305. Dustin Mager
Guestbook for
Lonnie Howard Cook