Ken Cook, 78

Kenneth E. Cook, age 78, died peacefully on July 13, 2021 surrounded by his wife, children and sister.

He was born in Detroit, and grew up in Tennessee and Anderson, Indiana. He met his future wife at Purdue University, while studying chemical engineering. He and Pat (Priscilla Ogren) married in 1962. Children, Chris and Scott, soon followed. Ken and Pat raised their family in Three Rivers, then retired to Oak Island, NC.

Ken was a business owner and lifelong entrepreneur. He earned his private pilot license for fun, travel, and business. He was a city commissioner, bank director, and a member of the airport board, Jaycees, Rotary, and QBs. He loved golf. It was his goal to play on as many of the top courses in the country. He played many of them and could tell you every golf stroke he made on most courses! He also enjoyed playing tennis and watching auto racing. He and Pat loved to travel to new places. He especially enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren at the beach. In his retirement years, he was happiest spending his days tinkering in the garage (he could fix most anything), gardening, or sitting on his deck at the ocean.

Ken is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pat, children Chris (Gary) VanderMei and Scott (Kelly) Cook; sister, JoAnn Cook; and grandchildren Chad (Laura), Max & Sam VanderMei, Hannah, Sophia, Pierce & Ellie Cook.

Cremation has taken place. No public services are planned. Wilmington Funeral and Cremation (www.wilmingtoncares.com) have been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Ocean View United Methodist Church Music Fund (Oak Island, NC) or the American Heart Association.