Curtis R. Cook

Torrey, Utah - Curtis Rudolph Cook rejoined his heavenly father after celebrating life on Earth for a full and joyous eighty-eight years. Born the first son to Rudolph and Ivie Cook after seven girls, he was gifted the name of his mother’s maiden name, Curtis, after Ivie was bribed with a cow by her mother to name him after his mother’s family line. The name Curtis originates from Latin and means “courteous”. Curtis upheld his name, as he always had a kind thought, word, or gesture for everyone around him. Anyone who knew him would describe him as patient, kind, loving, and yes, courteous. Curtis grew up on Floral Ranch in Torrey, Utah where his father owned and operated the family farm with the help of Curtis and his nine siblings, attending school in Torrey during the winter when there was less to do on the farm. Curtis grew up in a time before automobiles. Before people locked their doors and feared the motives of strangers. He grew up with tire swings, bathing by skinny dipping in the creek, and trips to the post office on horseback. He lost his father at seven years old and watched his mother demonstrate great strength as she worked to feed her ten children. She moved to Salt Lake City for her work, where she would find love again and where Curtis gained a step-father. Late in his life, Curtis would also become a step-father. Kind, helpful, and un-assuming, he gained a place in the hearts of all those who became family to him, and their children, and even their children’s children. His great-grandsons Jasper and Kieran became a major part of his life, spending hours with them near daily, teaching them in the quiet manner that was his way. He loved spending time with those boys and looked forward to each of their visits. Curtis joined the Marine Corp in December 1948 to serve his country. He was called back to active duty at the start of the Korean War in 1950. Before his deployment, he married his first wife, Rebecca. After the Korean War, he started working at Kennecott Copper Mine. He worked for a few other companies as a welder before moving his family to Reno, Nevada to work at Reno Iron Works where he remained for thirty-five years. Curtis is survived by his loving wife of eleven years, Lewellyn. He is also survived by his children: Michael (Tiffany), Angela, and Becky, his step-children: Janeen (Bob), and Joni (Herb), his grandchildren (from both marriages): Curt, Aaron (Becky), Brandon (Tiffany), Gregg (Randi), Sydnie, Laura (Michael), and Collin. He also is survived by his great-grandchildren: Riley, Hayden, Caden, Lexi, Tatum, Sage, Kai, Connor, Jasper, Kieran and Logan. Curtis will be missed. He will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and hero. Funeral services with military honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 will be held Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. in the Torrey LDS Ward Chapel, where friends may call for viewing Saturday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services. Graveside services and burial will be Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. in the Valley View Memorial Park Cemetery, 4335 West 4100 South in West Valley City under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.