G. Edward Cook M.D.
February 27, 1942 ~ February 20, 2009
Cook, G. Edward, M.D., 66, born Feb. 27, 1942 in Russellville, AR, passed away on Feb. 20, 2009. A graduate of Russellville High School, Arkansas Tech, The University of Arkansas-Little Rock and The University of Arkansas School of Medicine, Ed spent 2 years in the USAF (McConnell AFB) before completing his radiology residency at Baptist Hospital, Little Rock. Upon moving to Wichita with Bernice in 1973, Ed joined St. Joseph Hospital as a radiologist, a position he held for 13 years. Ed then worked at the Medical Imaging Center in Wichita, retiring in 2003. After retirement, he worked part-time as a radiologist at the VA hospital in Wichita. Ed was an active member of East Heights United Methodist Church, where he served as a lay leader and teacher for many years. Ed is perhaps best remembered for his lifelong passion for learning and teaching in a wide range of subjects, including theology, philosophy, and climate change. He was also a gifted woodworker and nature photographer, as well as a classical organ music enthusiast. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Bernice (Stahl) Cook; daughter Cindy Cook (Kyle Hardwick, husband) of League City, TX; daughter Shayna Cook (Todd Ferguson, husband) of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Brayden and Brianna Cook Hardwick of League City, TX; and his beloved golden retriever, Sophie. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm, Monday, Feb. 23, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 East Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67218. Memorials have been established with East Heights United Methodist Church and the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29th N., Wichita, KS, 67220.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Caron and I send our condolences. Dr. Cook had a rare mix of kindness and generosity, a questioning and curious mind that was matched by his formidable intelligence, an effortless dry wit, and unwavering dedication to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. John Murphy and Caron Lee.
The mark of a good man is that his spirit resonates far beyond the reaches of his immediate surroundings and touches people who have never even met him. Ed Cook was one of these individuals. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I knew him through the love and care that have crystallized in the beautiful spirit of his daughter, Shayna. She is such a lovely person, that I always felt parents must be very special people to have nurtured such a beautiful offering of their love. Shayna is a joy, and because I work with her, I am the grateful recipient of the fruits of their labor on a daily basis. The more I heard Shayna speak about her father and his work on the environment, the more I came to admire him. A spirit like his is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, but even to those who have never met him because the kindness, devotion, and love he imbued in his family make this a better world for all of us. Therefore, let us take comfort in what remains, for he has left the best part of himself behind and left goodness in his wake for all to share. Thank you, Ed Cook, for making this a better world. You have left us with more than you have taken and have left the world as generously as you have served it.
Edward was a dear, old friend going all the way back to elementary school in Russellville, Arkansas. He was smart, witty and talented. I have many fond memories of Edward, Chris Witherspoon and me doing things together growing up. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I did not have the honor of meeting Ed. However, through his daughter Cindy, I know what a loving and good father he was. I also am very aware of how important the impact of climate change was to him. His influence touched many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with his loving family.
I met Ed in 1989, shortly after accompanying his 8th grade daughter, Shayna, (and her very animated friends) to a weekend youth retreat. My first conversation with Ed was a provocative, passing-in-halls-of-EHUMC, on the merits of using an existential approach to Christian theology. Bantering, I advised him that an existential approach missed the point…that Whitehead’s Process Philosophy was, ‘where it was happening!’ I didn’t know Ed well then. I’d just met him. I never guessed that he would collect a library’s worth of books and manuscripts on Process and that he would shortly (like within a couple of months) begin teaching a long-lasting Sunday school class on the topic. In fact, one of my own life regrets is that I wasn’t part of that class; I would have certainly been challenged and grown. In fact, you can read his thinking on process at his blog: http://ecook.typepad.com/integrity_blog/2006/06/god_and_the_wor.html. Those of you who know him, won’t be surprised to find that his articulation is brilliant and edgy. To Bernice, Cindy, & Shayna, (and our friends at EHUMC) our hearts go out to you. Indeed, Ed’s passing is a great loss. And we know that Ed’s legacy lives on through those of us he touched.
Bernice, Shayna & Cindy: I wish I could be there to give you all a hug and let you know that you are in my prayers. Ed was a real blessing in my life because we learned from each other. The time I spent with him in his library will never be forgotten as well as the time around the Disciple Bible Study table. Ed always challenged my thinking and I think of him as a real friend. He will be missed by me and my family. The Clayton family sends their love to you all!
My sincere condolences. Paul Valva The Climate Project, Oakland, CA
Though we are not able to be with you for the service, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ed has been such a wonderful influence in my life and I will always remember the kindness, the challenges, and the support he offered me. He did love to take an issue concerning the church or the faith tradition in general and discuss it thoroughly and then call me a day or two later with a few more thoughts on the subject! He has been a gift and blessing in our lives. Our love is with all of you. Anne, Randy and Lori Rosebrock
Bernice, Shayna & Cindy: John and I are so sorry to hear of Ed’s death. We can only imagine the loss you are feeling. We know that Ed was truly special and gifted and added so much to this world. His best legacy are the two beautiful daughters he left behind and his grandchildren. He was a gifted teacher…and that is what I will remember the most. Know that you are all in our prayers. Love, Mickey & John Howard
I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Cook. It is often said that a son or daughter is a reflection of their parents. If this is the case, Mr. Cook was a beautiful person. I am blessed to know his daughter, Cindy. Cindy is an incredible blessing to me and many others at League City United Methodist Church. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Cook.
I always considered Ed to be good student and a very cood classmate during our years together in medical school. My wife thought the world of Berniece, so you might say we were true ‘Cook Fans!’ Our condolences to the family, and best wishes for the future with the knowledge that Ed was considered a good Christian man. In the final analysis, what more can one ask for when leaving this life? Dr. Wallace Wayne & Helen Smith, Class of ’67
Berniece, even thought we haven’t been in touch for years, I have fond memories of my relationship with Ed. He was a true friend and colleague and we share in your loss. We are inspired by the fact that Ed was a believer in Jesus Christ. May God grant you peace and grace in this time of loss.