Ronald Ray Cook
Ronald Ray Cook, 88, of Grandville, Michigan, and a winter resident of Anna Maria since 1964, died Dec. 7, 2021.
He was born in 1933 alongside his identical twin and best friend, Don. He graduated as a three-sport athlete from Wyoming Park High School, where he met his wife, Jo. He worked for the family block business, carrying the bricks that built what became Cook Funeral Home in Grandville.
After the death of his father at a young age, he wanted to serve grieving families with compassion and empathy.
Mr. Cook and his wife opened Cook Funeral Home in 1957 after his graduation from Grand Rapids Junior College and Wayne State University, his service in the U.S. Army, and the birth of his son.
The funeral home expanded under the leadership of Mr. Cook and his sons and, in 1989, he opened Byron Center Manor to provide a home for seniors.
He was a devoted husband, caring for his wife during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. After her death, he remarried and Dottie was a wonderful partner during the final chapter of his life. They enjoyed winters on Anna Maria Island.
Mr. Cook loved fishing at Barlow Lake and along the coast of Anna Maria Island and hunting at Cook’s Camp in the Upper Peninsula.
He made many friendships throughout his life with his charming, outgoing personality. He was loved dearly, and while he will be missed, his memory will live on through his family, friends and all the lives he touched.
Services were held in Grandville.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Reformed Church of Grandville Scholarship Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be made online at cookcaresgrandville.com.
Mr. Cook is survived by his wife of seven years, Dorothy; sister-in-law Donna Cook; children Fred and wife Kathy Van Zytveld, Brad and wife Jeanne Oosterbaan, Lee and wife Mary Goffe, and Jean Alice and husband Jon Van Den Beldt.