Richard N. "Dick" Cook

Richard (Dick) N. Cook

September 18, 1940 – August 25, 2024

Dick Cook passed away quietly on August 25, 2024. He is survived by his wife Nadine Howard, sons Michael Cook and Mark Cook (Beverly), grandsons Simon Cook and Fisher Cook and siblings Arthur Cook and Cindy Mincks (Carlos) and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was proceeded in death by his father Richard A. Cook, mother Margaret Jean Cook (Holmes) and brother Steven H. Cook.

Dick graduated from Campbell County, Kentucky high school in 1958 where he excelled academically and in sports. After high school he was accepted into an apprenticeship program with GE Aviation. He went on to have a 37 year career with GE. For the last several years of his career he worked on military contracts. One highlight he remembered fondly was being able to spend time on an aircraft carrier and meet the Navy’s Blue Angels precision flying team. 

Dick continued his athleticism after high school. He became an avid runner, eventually running in 13 marathons. He enjoyed training for the marathons with a group of other runners. He made friendships with some in the group that lasted throughout the rest of his life.

Dick had a life-long love of nature and the great outdoors. He had been an avid fisherman, and he loved to camp and hike. He hiked several portions of the Appalachian Trail, sometimes with a group of other hikers and sometimes with just his beloved dog, Katie. Again, he forged friendships with other hikers that lasted the rest of his life.

After retirement he convinced Nadine to move to Benton, Kentucky, to be near Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area where he could pursue his love of the great outdoors. He volunteered for 20 years with the Friends of the LBL. He helped clear trails, served on their board, and was instrumental in many projects. He loved the Elk and Bison Prairie; and he volunteered for the bison roundup every year that he was able. Not surprisingly, he made many friends in this group, too.

Dick was an active member of the First Christian Church of Benton, Kentucky. Prior to retirement he was active at the Ft. Thomas First Presbyterian Church. He served varied roles while active in the churches. 

Dick had a generous spirit, a loving heart, and an outgoing personality. He made friends wherever he went. He participated fully in whatever activities he was involved in. He maintained a positive attitude throughout life, even while he battled cancer the last few years. He will be fondly remembered and missed by many.

A Celebration Of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Middendorf Funeral Home, 3312 Madison Pike, Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017. Visitation will be 11:00a – 12:00p, followed by the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The First Christian Church of Benton, Kentucky, 2515 Main St, Benton, KY 42025 or Friends of Land Between The Lakes, ATTN: Jim Tayor, Director, 345 Maintenance Rd, Golden Pond, KY 42211.