The world bids a temporary farewell to a great man.  Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, coach, scoutmaster and dear friend, Ronald Jess Cook, age 87, passed away peacefully in his own home surrounded by family on December 18, 2020.

Ron was born on a beautiful spring afternoon on May 31, 1933, in a farmhouse in Price, Utah.  Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Bonita, Duchesne County.  Ron was the oldest of five boys born to Kenneth Martin and Pearl White Cook

While growing up, Ron’s grandpa William Neuman Cook, often took Ron with him to work in his blacksmith shop where he would pump the bellows for the fire.  Ron’s father had to work away from home frequently to help provide for the family.  This increased Ron’s responsibility to spend a lot of time working on the farm.  He and his brother Jay milked six cows every morning before going to school and then again when they returned home.  These early years taught Ron the value of hard work and duty to family.

Ron loved playing sports in high school.  To play, he had to attend practices after school, which caused him to miss the bus and he had to walk six miles home.  In addition to playing sports, the family radio would broadcast the Yankee baseball games which Ron loved. Ron remained a Yankee’s fan all his life.

Ron graduated from Carbon High School with 32 kids in his graduating class.  Soon after graduation Ron was drafted into the Army in May 1953 and served until 1955.  All of Ron’s brothers served in the military, this, together with his service, solidified his duty to the country.

Ron married the love of his life on January 14, 1956.  Ron and Carol had six children together, which became their most prized possessions.  Ron was always involved in his kids’ lives.  He never missed his children’s sporting events.  This was also true later with his grandchildren.  As a serious fan, he would sometimes let his emotions get the best of him and become quite vocal.  He not only attended the games but volunteered to cook for the teams to help them earn money to support the programs.  Cooking for different groups was something Ron did during most of his life. Serving his community, especially when it involved his family, was Ron’s passion and life’s mission.

Ron was a big scouter and served as scoutmaster, helping many young men earn their Eagle rank.  For all his service in scouting, he was awarded the “Silver Beaver” as well as the Distinguished Service Award in Scouting.  Because of his example, all his sons earned their Eagle Scout. It was during scouts he learned the Scout Oath: “On my honor I will do my best to God and my country… and help other people at all times…,” an oath that he would live by all his life.

Ron was a religious person, serving in his church in various volunteer positions. As part of his service, Ron and Carol served a full-time mission in Cherry Hills, New Jersey for 18 months.  One of his favorite assignments was overseeing the bishop’s storehouse, which provides food to those in need, for over 10 years.  Ron loved watching western movies and sports on TV.  He also loved fishing and enjoying a Diet Coke with his good friends.  Ron’s riches in life are found in his family and his friends.

Ron and Carol had six children: Randy J. Cook, Renee Cook (deceased), Cherie Jean Jolly, Ricky Alan Cook, Roger Alan Cook and Curtis Raymond Cook; 25 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

The history books may not write about Ron and in the world’s eyes, and he may not be known as a successful man.  He never had much money, he wasn’t a polished orator, writer, or scholar, and he never made any scientific discoveries.  However, he was truly a good, honorable man that made a real difference in his family and in the lives of all who knew him.  This world needs more men like Ronald Jess Cook.

Funeral service, Wednesday, December 23, 2020, 11:00 a.m., Price Seventh Ward Chapel.  Family will receive friends Tuesday evening at Mitchell Funeral Home from 5-7:00 p.m.  Interment, Cliffview Cemetery, Price.  Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.