Robert “Bruce” Cook passed away peacefully at home on March 7th, 2019. Bruce was born on October 14, 1935 in Chouteau, Oklahoma and was the second oldest of four children. He was raised in Colton, California and met the love of his life, Nancy (nee Asmus) at UCLA; the two were married in 1958.
Bruce obtained his master’s degree from UCLA in 1961 with a secondary education teaching credential; additionally, he obtained a counseling and administrative credential. He taught in the Anaheim Union High School District for a total of 38 years where he also coached basketball football and track. During the summer months, he worked for the Coca Cola Bottling Company and Pacific Intermountain Express trucking company. He served in the US Army Reserve for over five years.
Bruce and Nancy retired to Bishop, California in September, 1999. Bruce enjoyed being in the outdoors, taking trips into the backcountry and fishing on the Owens river. He was Nancy’s number one fan and a big supporter of her horses. Bruce also enjoyed tracing his family’s European and Cherokee ancestry. Bruce will be missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Alma Cook. He is survived by twin sons, Steven and Michael, grandchildren Edward, Yoshiaki, Samantha, Charles, Erika and Rebekah, and great-grandchildren Clark and Yolanda.
Services to be held at Brune Mortuary, Bishop, California at 11:00 am on Friday, March 15th with reception immediately following at Hidden Creeks Ranch. Internment to be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to ICARE (Inyo County Animal Shelter).
Nancy and family….my sincerest condolences to all of you on the passing of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
No words can express the loss of someone as important as a Bruce was to all of you.
Sadly I will be unable to attend the services but will carry you all in my thoughts during these difficult days.
I didn’t find Bruce, my mother’s 2nd cousin, until later on in life. But, once I did, he quickly became a cousin to cherish. We exchanged many messages and were in touch again just 30 hours before his passing. I am really going to miss him. And I know that those in his closer family circle will miss him even more. But time heals all wounds, and what a great blessing to have photographs and wonderful memories of such an outstanding man!
Our heartfelt thoughts are with you Nancy and the entire Cook family. Bruce was a special person and I feel blessed to be able to call him a close and lifelong friend. He will be missed but never forgotten. With love and cherished memories – -Wayne and Patty Kurlak
Bruce / Coach Cook, had a major impact on my life. Bruce was my 9th grade basketball coach not only did we win a championship that year ( Bruce’s last year coaching) but more important he taught us how to act as men and the value of team play. Bruce was a John Wooden disciple and he weaved those values in at practice everyday. That year sparked a life long relationship that I cherish everyday. I am a better man for knowing Bruce Cook!
Bruce, thanks for being part of me life. You will be missed and I love you!
Joe Rennon – South Jr High Class of ’74
Bruce / Coach Cook, impacted my life in so many ways. Bruce was my 9th grade basketball coach not only did we win a championship that year (Bruce’s last year coaching) Bruce taught us to be men and the value of team play. I have always respected Bruce and Nancy for the love that they showed me over the years but more important the great example of a loving marriage. Yes he was a great supporter of Nancy and her horses. So many times when I called he would be in the barn picking up after the horses lol. I would say Bruce that is hard work and he would reply it’s for Nancy. That is Love!
I am a better man because of Bruce and I am blessed to of had him as a friend!
Bruce you will be missed, love ya
Joe Rennon – South Jr High class of ’74
Nancy,
Bruce enriched my life in such a special way.
Those mornings over our instant cream of wheat
while at Trident and the years of emails talking about
dogs, animals and airplanes will be treasured forever.
I miss him so much already.
Stay well.
Love,
Norm
Nancy and family..
When Steve called to inform me of Bruce’s passing, without any reservations, I cried. It was a total shock, and there are no words to express my feelings of your loss.
Bruce was a good/great friend..we shared many memorable moments during high school..the football team..student activities..and just plain living.
As the years flew by, we continued our friendship, and continued to laugh, pout, and share.
My sincere condolences to the Cook Family. You..no..we ..have lost a super individual.
Bruce will always be with us all.
My heart goes out to you Nancy, and the family.
Aloha nui loa..
Nick Sylvester
To Nancy and the Cook family..
There are no words to express the sadness Barbara and I feel at the passing of Bruce.
When Steve called me and told me of his dad’s death, unabashedly I cried!
Bruce was a life long friend, teammate and one of the most honorable
Persons I have ever known.
My sincere condolences.
Aloha nui loa
Nick and Barbara sylvester
Nancy and all of the family. I am so sorry for this sadness for you and me too. He was very special in my life. A favorite cousin from way back.