BRIDGEWATER – Robert F. Cook, 74, loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully June 14, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at a Houlton health care facility. He was born May 3, 1937, in Mars Hill, the son of Glen and Arvilla (Kingsbury) Cook.
Bob graduated as valedictorian of Bridgewater Classical Academy, Class of 1955. He then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from the University of Maine, Orono, where he was a member of Phi Etta Kappa fraternity. Bob married his grade-school sweetheart, Florence Burlock in 1959. During their early years together Bob was employed by the Army Corps of Engineers. When they returned to Bridgewater he became active in the potato farming industry and later owned and operated his own trucking company, J & J Trucking. Bob was well known and respected in this industry. He loved traveling and was an airplane pilot as well. He loved to take his family on trips on the ground, as well as in the air. Their journeys took them to all 50 states. An avid Yankees fan since 1948, Bob loved sports and was also a very good athlete in his own right. Spending time with his family meant a great deal to him, like building the family camp at East Grand Lake in 1962 with his father, where he made many happy memories with his family. He was a member of Aroostook Lodge No. 197 AF & AM, Mars Hill, and Anah Temple Shrine, where he was a past president of the Sauu Nessu Unit. Bob loved animals and he will be missed by his “favorite girl” Sheeba.
Surviving him is his wife of 52 years, Florence (Burlock) Cook of Bridgewater; a son, Joel and special friend, Terri; daughter, Janice and her husband, John Footer, all of Mars Hill; grandchildren, Ryan and Josh Cook, and Jack and Nicholas Footer; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Joanne and Jimmy Clark, Bonnie and Wesley Folsom, and Bud and Gerry Burlock; a special cousin, Llewellyn White and his wife, Avis; several other cousins and special friends. The family expresses their gratitude to Dr. Abouleish and the entire staff at Madigan Estates, Houlton, for the wonderful care given to Robert during his stay there.
Relatives and friends may call 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 17, at Duncan Funeral Home, Main Street, Mars Hill. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at Mars Hill United Methodist Church with Pastors Sue Brown, Lawrence Beals and Mark Carter officiating. Services will begin with a Masonic memorial service conducted by officers and members of Aroostook Lodge No. 197. Interment will be at Corner Cemetery, Bridgewater. Donations in his memory may be made to Anah Shrine Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 735, Bangor, ME 04402-0735 or Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074. Online condolences may be made at
www.duncan-graves.com.