Arthur Stevens Cook
April 04, 1936 - May 19, 2021
Mission Viejo California
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Arthur Stevens Cook
April 04, 1936 - May 19, 2021
Mission Viejo California
Obituary
Arthur Stevens Cook (aka “Art”), born in Fargo, North Dakota, peacefully went home to the Lord surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the age of 85. Raised in La Crosse Wisconsin, Art and his wife Pat of 62 yrs moved to California in 1959.
Art was born to Burton and Mary Cook (née Wadden) and the eldest of five boys; Dick, Father Bob, Gary, and Kevin. After meeting the lead actress of Showboat, he had eyes for no one but her. Art and Pat (née, Price) married after receiving his undergrad in Business Administration from Loras College, IA, then entered the Navy as an officer. Thereafter, Art completed his law degree from Pacific Coast University in Long Beach, CA.
A large family followed and the Cook’s were deeply involved in all things kids and community; recreation, sports and especially with the Catholic church. Art is survived by his devoted wife Pat, five children and spouses: Steve (Mary d. 2009, Sheryl), Mike (Laurie), Tom (Lisa), Marie (Rob), Chris (Lori) and seven grandchildren: Steven, Bremen, Sarah, Miranda, Robert, Dylan and Michael. He is also survived by his four brothers mentioned above.
As a known ‘community rustler’, Art Cook was ‘wanted’ in association with the development of the west’s most notorious planned communities: Mission Viejo, California, Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Aliso Viejo, California. This twenty seven year veteran of ‘special events’ is known for his quick wit, easy grin and smiling voice. Sources report he was last ‘heard’ to be masquerading as ‘the voice’ of Mission Viejo Company where he was known for many years as ‘golden throat’ the director of community relations. We all knew local developers were itchin’ to get this infamous organizer on their side!
During Art’s lifetime, he was steadfast in his love and generous of his time for his family and friends. He was loving, eloquent, fun, forgiving, fair, and patient. He was a fan of the Green Bay Packers, daily Mass, music, Sudoku, and travels far and wide with Pat. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but we know exactly where this ‘most wanted’ man will remain for all time.
Funeral Mass
- Date & Time: June 23, 2021 (10:00 AM)
- Venue: St. Kilian Catholic Church
- Location: 26872 Estanciero Drive Mission Viejo, CA 92691 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 586-4440
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28 responses to Arthur Stevens Cook
Bill Leonard says:
June 2, 2021
Art and I shared grade school, high school, and college years. I spent a lot of time in the house on South 9th Street, serving, and by turn saying, Mass in the attic at a homemade altar and then boxing in the basement, an odd juxtaposition of activities. Art’s father Burton was a dignified Mr. Peepers kind of guy and Mother Mary was the creme de la creme of mothers. I was from a much more hardscrabble background and always found peace at the Cook house. Once past college we saw very little of each other, a continent apart. He was a bright light, a smiling presence, and a good guy. Pat, my deepest condolences. I could choose to remember a lot of things around Art. We both would remember Gloria Vingers ears being tied to her desk, but I can’t bring that up because I promised her I would not. I think I will remember instead Art’s role in Oklahoma on the Loras stage. May the angels lead him into paradise.
Bill Leonard
Patrick McMenamy says:
June 2, 2021
Dear Pat and Family,
We’re so sorry to learn of Art’s passing and want to extend to you our deepest sympathy.
I’ve known Art since our Paper Boy days together delivering the La Crosse Tribune. We attended Aquinas High School with me being in Fr. Bob’s class. After our move to California, Fr. Bob was instrumental in connecting us together.
We were members of the Aquinas Alumni assoc. for Southern CA. sharing fun times and creating fond memories, before our move to the CA Central Coast
Be assured Art and the entire Cook family will be remembered in our thoughts and prayers at daily mass.
Patrick and Elaine McMenamy
Terry Cooper says:
June 2, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear of Art’s passing. He was heavily involved in Highlands Ranch. Dave and I were part of the Community Activities Group and enjoyed many of the activities he “wrangled” up for us. I will always remember his voice and his can do attitude. I hope he reconnects with Dave in the afterlife.
Chris Cook says:
June 3, 2021
CHRISTOPHER COOK:
Art Cook was a brave dignified hero who, last week, taught us how to pass away. His most dominant trait, that his family strives to emulate, is his ability to recognize a good time. Not only were his smiling eyes contagious, he also spread happiness with his smiling voice. We celebrate his successful life and his positive influence on all he encountered.
Jim Duncan says:
June 3, 2021
Art had class, composure, and many talents. I was envious, but appreciative. I first met and got to know him in Dubuque, Iowa at Loras College, then a mens only school. We palled around together there, often with Patrick Wallace, who was one of the few students who had a car (a 1950s era Studebaker). After Loras it took several years before we found out we were both living in Orange County in California. We’ve kept in touch since then and deepened our friendship. I, like so many others who knew Art and know Pat, was saddened to learn that he had contracted the tough disease that finally has brought all of us to this time of recollection and reflection. My wife, Katie, and I extend our condolences to Pat and all of Art’s closest family members and friends. He was indeed a great example of God’s best work.