David L. Cook

David Leslie Cook, 86, passed away on October 8, 2018.

David was preceded in death by his parents Ivan and Beryl Cook, his brother Lee Cook and by his loving wife of 54 years, Maureen Cook.

He is survived by his 3 children, Michael, Steven and Theresa and by his 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Ian, Dylan, Christine and Kyle and by his 7 great grandchildren.

David was born in Sandwich, Illinois on September 23, 1932 to Ivan and Beryl Cook. David, his brother Lee and parents moved to Estherville, Iowa and at 18 years old, David enlisted in the Army and attained the rank of Sergeant. After attending Estherville Junior College to play football and join the Track Team, in late August, 1955, David was with a friend at Arnolds Park, Iowa on Lake Okoboji. This friend, Bill Doyle, introduced David to his Sister, Maureen. After a 3 month courtship, David found out that he had been accepted by Arizona State University and was to begin studies in January. Having met the love of his life, David proposed to Maureen in early December and they were wed on December 28, 1955. They moved to Phoenix and their first child, Michael was born 2 years later. After graduating with a Business Degree, while working for W. T. Grant Company, David was transferred to San Diego, California. David attended San Diego State University and while living there, their second son, Steven was born. David received his second College Degree in Foreign Trade at SDSU but not wanting to leave his family for long periods travelling abroad, David applied to the University of New Mexico and was accepted into The College of Pharmacy.  In December, 1964, their 3rd child, Theresa was born. By the late 60’s, David worked for Walgreens/Payless Drug Company during the day and at night, both David and Maureen worked at the Caravan East Night Club. David received his third College Degree in Pharmacy from UNM in 1969.  David left Walgreens/Payless shortly thereafter to work for a small family owned drug store called Super Rexall Drug.  A few years later, on January 1, 1973, David bought that drug store.  In the following years, David bought 6 more Albuquerque area drug stores and eventually consolidated them into two and competed successfully with the incoming chain store Pharmacies. Seeing the end of the “Ma & Pa” drug stores coming, David started a furniture manufacturing company called American Wood Products and after 20 years and tens of thousands of barstools made, David retired. Or so he thought. His wife Maureen loved to go to garage sales, auctions and flea markets. They decided they would sell the things they bought and began participating in the local flea market on the weekends. They had their “spot” under one of the few shade trees for almost 20 years.

David was a kind, generous and hard working man who loved trying new business ideas. He loved talking to people and in his later years, loved to chat with people walking by while he sat on his front porch.  He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

A private family celebration has taken place.