Arthur Stevens Cook

Arthur Stevens Cook

April 04, 1936 - May 19, 2021
Mission Viejo California

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

  1. Tom Cook says:

    Through 1995, Art Cook was the Director of Community Relations with Mission Viejo Company, which planned and developed Mission Viejo, CA, Aliso Viejo, CA, and Highlands Ranch, CO. Mr. Cook also held the position of Ranch Manager on Highlands Ranch, CO in the 1980’s.

  2. Tom Cook says:

    Even after Art retired from his community relations roles. He still desired to keep his eyes and ears on the community. He enjoyed being a Limousine driver and taking friends and locals to appointments and the Airport. Chances are you are one of the lucky ones to be delivered to your destination in style and class by Art Cook.

  3. Tom Cook says:

    Black and white photograph of Mission Viejo’s parade float titled Day of the Fiesta in the 1978 Rose Parade Tournament. The float salutes California’s Hispanic heritage with a mariachi band and flowered re-creations of toucans, parrots and serapes. Next to the mariachi band on the float stands a local homecoming queen from the Mission Viejo area. On the back of the photograph is “1978” written in blue ink. On the side of the float is “Mission Viejo, California” in white letters. Dad was so into the Rose Bowl Parade, with the Mission Viejo Activities Committee. I remember being with him on this new year’s morning 1978. We were sitting in the bleachers and when he came from the starting staging area to join us he wasn’t aware Mission Viejo won the Sweepstakes Award. The look on his face of total elation, when he saw the Sweepstakes (best float) banner in front of (his) float. It was a joy in my Dad that I will never forget.

  4. Tom Cook says:

    Through 1995, Art Cook was the Director of Community Relations with Mission Viejo Company, which planned and developed Mission Viejo, CA, Aliso Viejo, CA, and Highlands Ranch, CO. Mr. Cook also held the position of Ranch Manager on Highlands Ranch, CO in the 1980’s.

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