Co-founder of citizens group dies

“Extraordinary person, extraordinary mind, extraordinary contributions to the community,” said Jeff Briner, who knew Cook through Citizens for Wise Action Toward Environmental Resources (CF/Water).

Cook co-founded CF Water in the 1980s to monitor pollution near the landfill and “loaned them $35,000, so they could get the ... studies done,” Briner said.

Cook also served on the Clark County Medical Society’s Clean Water Committee in the 1950s and later as its president.

Born in Lansing, Mich., Cook graduated from Michigan State University and the University of Chicago Medical School, both with honors.

During World War II served as a captain in the U.S. Public Health Service in the West Indies.

He did post-doctoral studies at Columbia University and was a clinical instructor at New York University’s School of Medicine then later at Ohio State University.

Dr. Jerry Shell, who joined Cook’s practice in 1980, called him “kind of a legend in his own time. He was ahead of most ophthalmologists, doing procedures that we all do now, but doing them before ophthalmologists in Dayton or Columbus.”

Shell also remembers Cook’s tireless work schedule and methodical, objective nature.

In deciding where to retire, Cook listed the reasons for staying in town and the reasons for moving to Florida.

He was not, however, without a sense of humor.

Cook liked telling the story of a blind beggar in Haiti who refused an offer of free eye surgery for fear he’d lose his job.

And when a reporter asked Cook what he was thinking when his private Cessna lost power and began to come down near Urbana, he said: “Those thoughts aren’t printable.”

In 5,000 hours in the cockpit, Cook flew to all 50 states and abroad. He also played piano, trombone and tenor saxophone in musical groups and was president of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra board.

He donated his body to the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University.

Survivors include this third wife, Mary Ann, three children, seven step-children and numerous grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0368 or tstafford@coxohio.com.