Kevin Cook

Kevin David Cook, 58, of Cle Elum, passed away at his home on October 24, 2017 from natural causes. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday November 10, 2017 at Steward & Williams Tribute Center in Ellensburg. Burial will follow at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Cle Elum.

Kevin was born on January 19, 1959 in Denver, Colorado to Ronald & Donna (Adrian) Cook. He grew up on the western slope of Colorado in Glenwood Springs and attended high school there. After graduation, Kevin made his way in life working for 27 in years in Alaska, working in various capacities in industrial maintenance, construction and woodworking. This, of course, could be traced to his childhood when he asked for a toolbelt for Christmas when he was seven years old.

He was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed taking a piece of wood and turning it into something beautiful - including building a 28' commercial fishing vessel for a friend. In addition to being a perfectionist, Kevin was a very analytical person and could easily look at a complicated problem, think on it for a while and then arrive at a solution.

He loved the outdoors and felt his best when he was one with nature. He hated shoes and preferred to be barefoot as much as he could. He enjoyed gardening and growing many fruits and vegetables, all of which he gave to others. He loved animals - including adopting many stray kittens over the years and, although he often did many things that nobody understood, was a kind, caring and gentle person.

The best way to sum up Kevin's life is through a quote from Henry David Thoreau, which reads "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."

Kevin is survived by his parents, Ron & Donna Cook of Ellensburg; sisters Terri (Michael) Parsons of Glenwood Springs, Colorado and Diana (Art) Moriellio of Anchorage, Alaska; brothers Mark (Shelia) Cook of Puyallup and Robert-Kelly Cook of Cle Elum; son Kristopher Hutson of Casper, Wyoming and longtime friend and companion Shelia Thompson also of Casper. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as his many friends. Memorial contributions in Kevin's honor are suggested to any cause that betters the beauty and preservation of the outdoors. Steward & Williams Tribute Center has been entrusted with caring for Kevin's family.