Jon Cook Work Hard and Go Forth to Serve

Jon Robert Cook is a beloved husband and father who died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease in January 2026. His vibrant smile and persevering strength will be remembered and missed by the many friends and family who had the joy and honor of sharing this life with him. His wife and children want to honor his legacy and values with this scholarship fund and invite all of his friends and family to join us. Jon was born in 1950 in St. Ignatius, Montana. He played football, ran track, and was a high achiever in academics and as a trombone player. He loved singing, fishing, mischief. He learned to fly small planes under his father’s tutelage. A scholarship to Brigham Young University and later the opportunity for a mission prompted him to explore and develop his faith in Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Brigham Young University’s motto is “Enter to learn, go forth to serve” which he exemplified. During his college years, he enjoyed a scholarship that covered his tuition, but supported much of his living expenses through various jobs. Jon served active duty in the US Navy as an instructor in the Nuclear Power School; earned his MBA from the University of Central Florida. Jon worked hard to maintain his fitness and outdoor activities. He was proud to complete a marathon within his goal time of 3:45:30. He coached soccer, basketball, and T-ball for his kiddos’ dozens of sports teams over the years, and was a Boy Scout leader. Church service was a constant, and he served with generosity of heart, time, and material resources. He served as a Home Teacher, as branch president, in bishoprics, as a high councilman, was a youth leader, and did family history research. Whenever there was a call to serve, he answered. As his active body was forced to accept Parkinsons’ progressive limitations, his curious mind explored even more avidly. He enrolled in independent study courses on a myriad of subjects relating to science, religion and politics. Jon wanted “death with dignity,” something that can mean something different to everyone. Paramedics and EMT’s came to his home to pick him up after falls several times and transport him to the hospital a few times. The last several months of his life, he was bed bound and needed full care from personal caregivers and CNAs. We saw his definition of dignity was in enduring to the end and maintaining the most socially, mentally, and physically active life possible for him at any given time, maintaining a “work hard play hard” example.