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

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Lisa Marie Cook says:

June 3, 2021

I’m an outlaw ~.

Though I officially became a Cook nearly 17yrs ago, this rodeo has been going on most of my life. Art’s love and showing up for his kids didn’t stop at kid number 5 or at in-law #4 (or even after me). I’m the lucky kid that was raised around the Cook family since I was 8yo.
A few Art-ful thoughts….
– He made sure to give us kids his million dollar smile, a hug and a kiss hello or goodbye, and another and another. Forever the flirt.
– He cheered on my career and insisted I correct my email address shortly after getting married – Tanner to Cook. So there’s that.
– We bonded over the same obsessive travel organizing trait, as he and mom treated all of us to Hawaii again and again. We got our mutual fix.
– He showed me what a dedicated husband looks like – sorry babe, cats out of that bag, no pressure.
– His faith was strong and in the open yet close to the vest as many men do, or perhaps I wasn’t paying attention; pray for me Dad!
– As a provider, his time was his currency and he spent that freely and with abandon with each of us.
– His business acumen was simple, it’s about the people and community and everything else works itself out; the Mission Viejo Company and Highland’s Ranch Colorado were lucky to have him. Well done, Dad!
– He made me a Packers fan but I draw the line at drinking Miller beer. Fear not, Dad, I did enjoy saluting you with a tipple of 14yo Oban scotch.

On his last Sunday, I put both hands on his beard-shadowed cheeks and I said “I love you Dad and sang him a silly little song quietly.” He gave me that million dollar smile, twinkling eyes and all, and said, “I love you and I’m proud of you.”

So yes, I’m an outlaw that you want to be if you are an in-law by marriage; I am most wanted and a better person for it

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Liz Vaughn (Elizabeth 'Buchner) says:

June 3, 2021

I went to St. Joseph’s Grade School and Aquias High School with Art. .He was pleasant and a true gentleman at all times.. My sympathy to Pat and his family..

‘

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Marie Camire says:

June 3, 2021

I Love you Daddio! I know your soul is within each one of us! Thank you for being the best Dad a girl could ask for! Love you Mom! Thank you for blessing each one of us with your unconditional love & support.

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Tom Cook says:

June 3, 2021

Tom Cook

My fondest memories of Dad was when we would take horseback rides and the activity wasn’t about organizing for others. They were brief moments to see and be with my dad in the time of his own pleasure and the pusuit of riding his horse on the open range, whether it was early Aliso Viejo, Highlands Ranch or Roundup Riders of the Rockies My dad the community activities director was at peace with his own personal activity. I feel so blessed and cherish these special times that he shared with me. Growing up Dad was in charge of ALL the activities. Mission Viejo Days the Mission Viejo Nadadores the Rec. centers, the parades from St Patrick’s Day to the Rose bowl sweepstakes winner, Lake Mission Viejo, the Ranch cattleman brandings and the Mansion BBQs. Dad really didn’t know the difference between work and pleasure because his work consisted of all the activities that brought the community together and that was the job God suited him to do. I believe that God would be pleased with the work that you’ve done Dad. I’m looking forward to a good ride in heaven with you someday. Keep smiling Dad, I love you, Rest in Peace.

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Tom Cook says:

June 3, 2021

Tom Cook
Highlands Ranch Historical Society
Cattle ranching and social events in the ’80s

https://www.highlandsranchhistoricalsociety.org/20151021-Album-Cattle_Ranching_and_Social_Events_in_the_80s

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