My deepest sympathy goes out to the Cook family. I too worked with Jeff at the Recreation Dept. I am the last one from that era still working in the dept. We had many fun times and there were a lot of great stories told. Jeff was a good person and leader, he will be greatly missed.
Angie Turner
July 17, 2020
Thank you for a beautiful service and celebration of Jeff's life.
Elaine Fox
July 17, 2020
We were so sorry to hear of JF's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will be missed.
Don & Kathy Dorcas
July 17, 2020
To the Cook Family, You have my sincere sympathies. Jeff hired me to run the City Swimming Pools in 1984. My interview and first days still make me smile and taught me so much! First, in my interview, I was seated at a 6 foot table and those that were interviewing me at a second table 6-8 feet apart. When it came time for Jeff's question, he said, "Can you take that table down." That was all, just that. He waited. I was 25 and well, never had been asked that kind of question in a formal interview. I realized he was serious. So, I stood up in my suit and proceeded. When I went to collapse the table it smacked me in the shins as it came down. You could see the smirk and the signs of victory on his face as he said, you got things to learn kid! HA! I was given the job and he helped me learn the pools. My first week, I asked him for any files, manuals that he might have to share. He looked at me and said he'd get them to me. The next day, in a box on my desk was: 1900's Boy Scout Manual and a couple of manila file folders, empty. He had me! I was to DO THIS and DO THIS RIGHT and BUILD whatever I thought I should. He was great to work with. He was careful to know details that mattered and respected others with a sincere heart. I wanted to share this random story, it has been a part of my life lessons and although you know the depth of this fine man, I wanted you to know that there are many that share in respect for Jeff. I am sorry for your loss.
Joan Hackbarth
July 16, 2020
Tom & Sue, and the rest of the family: So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad/grandpa ...I have many fond memories growing up on Keith Dr and of Jeff and Bea....they were very nice people! My most memorable is when his grandson Tommy and I were walking up the driveway and his German shepherd came running down the drive and jumped on me and cutting the back of my ear with his toe nails...that required a few stitches (I can still feel the scar lol) and he felt so so bad! He wouldn’t let the dog out around any of us kids after that. He was always quick to say hi and visit with us kids when we were riding our bikes or playing out in the street. When he ran for Parks Commissioner, his sign was proudly displayed in our yard and I went door to door in our neighborhood for him. He was a great neighbor and long time friend of my parents, Darwin and Kathryn Bell.
Deb (Bell) Spies
July 15, 2020
The Cook Family: When I was growing up I remember spending time with Uncle Jeff on the evenings he would set up a screen in Bever Park for a movie when he worked for the City of CR. I loved spending time with him and Aunt Bee, they were both so wonderful and accepted me as one of their own. I spent a lot of time talking to Aunt Bee on the phone which always included a lot of laughter. One evening several years ago my son, Eric Thompson, was playing in a band during a 'Jazz Night' at Noelridge Park and who do I see coming over to me but Uncle Jeff and Aunt Bee, they had come out to hear Eric play, I was so happy to see them. I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your Dad/Grandpa. Our world was a lot better with both Uncle Jeff and Aunt Bee in it!
Sharon
(Aunt Bee's sister, Freddie, was my stepmom, loved them both so much!)
Sharon K Ullrick
July 15, 2020
Tom & Sue, and the rest of the family: So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad/grandpa ...I have many fond memories growing up on Keith Dr and of Jeff and Bea....they were very nice people! My most memorable is when his grandson Tommy and I were walking up the driveway and his German shepherd came running down the drive and jumped on me and cutting the back of my ear with his toe nails...that required a few stitches (I can still feel the scar lol) and he felt so so bad! He wouldn’t let the dog out around any of us kids after that. He was always quick to say hi and visit with us kids when we were riding our bikes or playing out in the street. When he ran for Parks Commissioner, his sign was proudly displayed in our yard and I went door to door in our neighborhood for him. He was a great neighbor and long time friend of my parents, Darwin and Kathryn Bell.
Deb (Bell) Spies
July 15, 2020
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of Jeff from our many years of working together at the Recreation Commission. You could always count on Jeff to get the job done and done well. He was a kind and good friend. He made a difference in the lives of many people.
Julie Sina
July 14, 2020
Jeff and Bee were a wonderful couple always seeing "good".Will miss Jeff at Salem and his caring thoughts
Barb Soukup
July 13, 2020
My smpathy to the Cook family.
I learned so much from your dad about the land our neighborhood was built on and our homes.He will be missed. Will always think of your parents when I drive by.
Marge Boeckenstedt
July 13, 2020
Our sympathies to Jeff's family. He will be remembered as a friendly neighbor. He is greatly missed in the neighborhood. - The Nixon's
Craig Nixon
July 13, 2020
I always appreciated Jeff's friendly smile and caring attitude--being willing to be involved in things as he was able! He will be greatly missed....
He and "B" (earrings & brownies ??) were a " very" special couple---to "many" people!!
God's comfort and peace to all of you.... ?? Janet Wilfong,
Salem U.M.C.
Janet Wilfong
July 13, 2020
Jeff was my boss at Ellis Park. Good guy. Sorry for your loss.
Carl Dye
July 13, 2020
All the great memories of Jeff and family when my brothers and I spent so much time at the Rec Center and Roundhouse.
Going camping with the cave explorers.
So sorry for your loss, Cook family.
Bruce Mayfield
July 13, 2020
My sympathy to all of Jeff's Family I remember him when I worked on the "Tardy Tot Lot" and Jeff would bring our supplies as well as a good joke.
Yours,
John A. Kuba
Podivin, Czech Republic
John A. Kuba
July 13, 2020
Knew Jeff and family for many years. When young I frequented the Riverside Recreation Center in my Penick & Ford neighborhood. I was given a lot of personal guidance by one of Jeff's sons Tom. I learned about model rocketry, slot cars and playing eight ball. I later worked for Jeff at Recreation when it was still a family cultured department. Many of my age group depended on the staff of Recreation for seasonal activities. I'll remember Jeff and family always for their contributions to our community and my life.
Charlie Visek
July 13, 2020
Just want to let you know your Dad's friendship to so many at Salem for many years didn't go unnoticed. Jeff would always be calling checking on others and Praying for anyone who needed Prayers. Or someone to talk to.
Blessed to have been one of the girl friends. What a Special Friend He was to so Many.
Prayers of Comfort to all of you.
Cindy MacLeod Girl Friend From Salem
Cindy MacLeod
July 12, 2020