Donald Cook
September 7, 2017
Donald Cook of Gainesville, Florida, passed away at age 82 on September 7 in Gainesville, Florida. Don was born in 1935 in Brooklyn, NY to parents Irvin Lustig and Celia Cypress. His mother later married Isador Cook, who adopted Don at age 9. The family moved to Miami, Florida, and Don graduated from Miami High School. He obtained his Bachelor's and Masters degrees a the University of Florida and a PhD in mathematics form New Mexico State University in 1968. He married Marilyn Stimmel in 1960, and the couple celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary last year. Don taught mathematics at Virginia Tech, Hollins College, Kansas State University and Appalachian State University before settling at Albany Junior (later Darton) College in Albany, Georgia in 1976. Don and Marilyn considered Albany their home for the next 34 years before moving to Gainesville, Florida to be closer to their grandchildren.
When asked to describe out-of-the-ordinary events in life, he identified two: from 1968 to 1972, he was very active in trying to end the Vietnam War, and from 1998 to 2000, he helped to secure $1 million for Daugherty County, GA, to purchase land for Greenspace. He served as president of the Audubon Society and the Art Guild in Albany, positions he later said he was horswagled into. Donald enjoyed writing his own interpretations of situation in amusing manners, including annual holiday letters. As he approached retirement, he developed a passion for photography and produced work to display in local art galleries and exhibitions. Don enjoyed having annual birthday parties with his friend Fred Simmons, and he was committed to supporting education for his grandchildren, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Bob (Christa) Cook of Gainesville and Bill (Donna Utakis) Cook of Amherst, MA, sister Maxine Kitt, grandsons Cameron, Noah, and Christian Cook, several nieces and nephews, 4 cats, 1 dog, and several long standing friends.
View current weather.
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dad – we love you and will cherish your memories – you have rubbed off on me in many ways – you will be missed
Don was the best math teacher at Darton College and a good friend who always gave me good advice.
Don was a great fellow professor that made you think.
Our times together were inspiring for me. Peace, Marilyn.
Marilyn, Paul and I are saddened that the world will be less bright without Don. He was a special person who made us laugh and think and care. We will remember him as a kind and steady friend. Our love to you.
We loved Don and were lucky to know him. Quite a character and an intellect. A music lover and funny man, kind to animals, baked great bread, taught his sons to be brilliant, loved his lovely wife. So many more good things I could say. Godspeed, you old coot.
Dear Marilyn there are not enough words to tell you how sorry I am and hope you and the whole family can find some peace from the loss of your beloved Don…I cannot believe it as I was just talking to Don about our up coming 65th reunion in Sept, 2018 and how we could work things out….It was so nice to talk to him and now I am even happier that I had that chance…I am so sorry as the whole class of 1953 Miami Senior High School will be informed….May God help you through these tough days and know his deep love for you…We are all the same age and with different health issues…You two were totally devoted to your grandchildren and helping out your children to take care of the grandchildren during all these past recession days that is tough to recover from…I know your children appreciate all the time you gave and Don love those grandchildren as he did you and your children……Call me anytime you wish and we can talk…I will pray for your healing, but stay near your children as they are a great comfort to you… Love you Marilyn, Lewanda (Wanda) Fix and the whole Class of 1953 Miami Senior High
Marilyn, so sorry for your loss and did not realize you also lived in Gainesville. Blessings, Edith
Don was a fine man. He and his wife were kind to our family when we lived in Albany. May he rest in peace.
Condolences for the family and friends of Don from us and we are certain from the MHS Class of 1953.
Hello Marilyn So sorry to hear of Don’s passing but it sounds like you had a wonderful life together. The 1953 MHS class definitely prepared us for that. Hugs all around to your family and may you all remember the good things about Don. Barbara Gardner Wasser
Marilyn we were so very sad to hear about Don. I shared it in SS class & everyone prayed for you and your son that all of the things you have to do will go well and that the Lord will bring you comfort and peace. We will be glad to see you when you are able to return to class.
I always admired Don. He was a good man.
Mrs Cook and family I’m sorry for your loss. I often think of Mr Cook and you, and miss you very much. Knowing you all has been a pleasure. My condolences. Jocelyn & Alvin Moment and Jalaysia
DEAR MARILYN AND FAMILY, WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DON’S PASSING.. HE WAS A MAN OF GREAT INTEGRITY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS KINDNESS AND HUMOR THAT WE SHARED ON OUR DRIVE TO MIAMI TOGETHER TO ATTEND OUR PREVIOUS CLASS REUNION. HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. DOMINUS VOSBISUM LOVE BILL AND PAULETTE WRIGHT
My sincere condolences.
Oh Don……so sorry we didn’t touch base on the photography. It would have been a common ground after all these years that we could have shared the passion for. (sandersphotos.com) We couldn’t have done it with mathematics as I had problems after the tables of two. Rest in Peace………… Jerry​