LONNIE HOWARD "COOKIE" COOK ~ Class of 1982
June 6, 1964 - September 5, 2009



Cookie, 42, lost his 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, graduating from Columbia High 1982 and after graduating from Western Baptist in Salem, OR 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 Cook Moncrief ('81) and husband Capp; brother Greg Cook ('86); Mom Judy Darden and husband Jim; Aunt Millie and Uncle Tom Kidwell; Aunt Helen Lamden Rancitelli ('63) and Uncle Lou Rancitelli; Aunt Janis Cook Tames ('68) and Uncle 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.

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