December 12, 1938 – September 2, 2022. Rich was born to Henry and Lucille (Brown) Cook in St. Louis, MO. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Ann (Roussin). While Rich and Mary Ann were both only children, they have 7 children, Kathleen Erin Hurley (Steve), Michael Scott (Kathy), John Scott (Michele), Richard Scott (Carolyn), Kelly Scott (Michelle), Kerri Ann Helms (David), and Shannon Leigh Kalke (Jim). Rich was Grandfather to Sean, Ashley, Sara, Lauren, Tyler, Kaitlin, Erica, Drew, Shane, Elliston, Aidan, Mary Kate, Sydney and Jake. Rich was Great Grandfather to Weston, Camilla, and Myles.
He attended St. Mary’s High School (Class of 1954) and studied Criminal Justice at Saint Louis University. Rich was a marksman in the U.S. Army, both as active duty and reservist. He attended the police academy and worked as a police officer in the City of Saint Louis and both a police officer and detective in the Saint Louis County Police Department. In 1972, he transitioned to a civilian position in the County Police Department as a Computer Programmer Analyst. He was an avid techie and was building computers before most people knew what they were.
Rich’s favorite activities were reading gun magazines, collecting antique firearms, recreational marksmanship, science fiction, and photography. He was heavily involved in the Knights of Columbus where he held several leadership positions, including president, and was fully invested in philanthropic efforts. Everyone who knew Rich knew that during Lent, without fail, he could be found working the K of C fish fry. He was also very proud of his Irish and Native American heritage and was a member of the Cherokee Nation of Eastern Oklahoma.
Our father was happiest socializing with friends and family, enjoying a home-cooked meal, and drinking a Diet Pepsi (and occasionally a coffee with a splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream). He loved his family and always looked forward to major holidays when the whole clan would gather late into the night.
Services; Funeral from Kutis South County (5255 Lemay Ferry) on Fri. 9/9 9:30 for 10AM mass St. David Catholic Church to Sunset Cemetery. Visitation Thur. 9/8 from 4-8PM
I considered Rich my best friend. We enjoyed membership in Pope John XXIII Council 6018 in Arnold and being a group of weekly shooter (The Roundies) at Topgun shooting range. I will truly miss him and our weekly chats. Rest in pease brother.
Mr. Cook was such a huge part of my childhood. I will continue to laugh and share the awkward moments i shared with him because they are just too funny. I was so intimidated by him as a kid and as an adult I realized he was a big softy. I always knew we were safe when he was around. Im so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all while you navigate this time of grief.
We have just learned of Rich’s passing and are saddened by it and sorry we hadn’t known sooner. Nevertheless . . .
Rich is a St. Mary’s High School Alumnus, Class of 1954. On behalf of St. Mary’s faculty, staff, and students, both past and present, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
Also know that we share in your sorrow and grieve for your loss. Special mention and offerings of condolences to Richs’ classmates and to those students, who at one time or another, were either upper classmates or under classmates of his, and who may have known him personally or “of him” as someone they passed in the hallways, shared a table with at lunchtime or maybe even participated in some of the same extra-curricular activities as “Gus” did from the time he enrolled as a Freshman in September of 1950 until the time he graduated as a Senior in June of 1954.
Although Rich is gone from this life, his spirit has been and always will be here on the Campus of St. Mary’s. And just as it was in life ever since the day he enrolled at St. Mary’s and became a “Son of Mary”, daily prayers will continue to be said and daily masses will continue to be offered for him by the Brothers of Mary.
Danny Slay
Class of ‘67
Executive Member – Board of Directors
St. Mary’s Alumni Association