Kenneth Burr Cook

Kenneth B. Cook of Mesa, AZ passed away on Monday, April 19th, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. He was 80 years old. Kenneth was born on January 17, 1930 in Watonga, Oklahoma. He and his father owned and operated Valley Cotton Sampling in Gilbert, AZ from 1962 until 1979. He then started ABack Welding in 1979 and ran this business until his retirement. Kenneth was a past Commander of the Gilbert American Legion. He had a passionate love for horses and horseback riding. He was the Founder of the Color Guard and drill team on horseback for the Gilbert Days Parade and other parades throughout the East Valley. He was proud to have been the first Pony Express rider from Gilbert, AZ to Las Vegas, NV for Jerry"s Kids. His interests were golfing, creating original metal art works, exquisite stained glass creations, gardening and raising the sweetest yellow watermelons and bowling. For the past two years he lovingly and devotedly cared for his wife Eileen, after she suffered two major life challenging strokes. He was very grateful to his daughter Debbie and granddaughter Alicia for assisting him these last two years. He had a strong independent spirit that he encouraged in his children. He was very proud that all four of his children and their families followed the family tradition of owning and operating family businesses from owning and operating an automotive repair shop (Debbie and Carl), raising almonds and retailing (Brian and Linda), horseshoeing and Feed Store Owners in Gilbert (Patrick and family), and real estate sign post installations (Joe and his children). He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eileen; 4 children, daughter Debbie Brown of Payson, AZ, son Brian (Linda) Cook of Chowchilla, CA, Joe (Margaret M.) of Gilbert, AZ, and Patrick (Lynn) of Apache Junction, AZ; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren with one on the way. Mass of Catholic Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 26th 2010, 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S. Power Rd, Mesa, AZ.