Obituary of David W. Cook

David W. "Tike" Cook, 67, a lifelong resident of Westmoreland, died at home on June 16, 2010, in the arms of his wife, Barbara, after a long illness. David, known by all as "Tike", was born in Utica on March 10, 1943. He was an aircraft mechanic for Mohawk Airlines & National Airline for several years, and he worked for the Town of Westmoreland Highway Dept for 27 years, retiring in 1995 due to declining health. Tike's interests included his big garden & his love of cooking & canning much of his produce & his passion for making wine! He picked all the berries for his wine and had a variety of elderberry, grape, blueberry, blackberry & cherry wine. He loved to keep up on world politics and could debate with the best of them. He enjoyed his TV and loved the Discovery Channel and was a big History buff! He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Barbara, who was the love of his life. He leaves behind his two children, and ten grandchildren; his daughter, Dawn Marie Hayduk & husband Frank of Westmoreland and their four children, Justin, Jessica, Julie & Shelby; his son David Cook & wife Becky of Westmoreland and their six children, Monica, Kendra, Cassondra, Dawson, Nicholas and Elena; his mother, Mary H. Cook, age 91 of Westmoreland; sister, Candis Cesari & husband David of Rome; brother Dale Cook & significant other Judy Beach of Vernon Center. Tike was blessed with a loving and caring family, many wonderful friends and close neighbors, who were more or less an extended family for over 40 years. Tike was always proud of his children, Dawn Marie and David, whom he loved fiercely and who were a wonderful support throughout this ordeal. He always tried to instill a sense of integrity in his children, who loved him and respected his opinion and his hard work ethics. The family would like to thank the many nurses and doctors at St. Luke's ICU and Hospice for their excellent care. A special thank you to Phyllis Kitchen, Pastor of Hecla Church for her many weekly visits to Tike and for her love, support and caring to our family. For those wishing to do so, please consider donations to Hecla Union Congregational Church - the little church on the hill, for which Tike grew to love over the past several months. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Calling hours will be on Monday, June 21, 2010 from Noon - 2pm with services to follow at 2pm for those wishing to attend at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc, 35 College St, Clinton. Burial will be in Westmoreland Cemetery. DAD Your passion for life with out any fears, undying devotion to family all of your years, indispensable in so many ways, your clarity brought light that shone through the haze. Standing tall and proud, still able to bend, helping us in every way possible until the end. Through all of the laughter and countless tears, holding faith and confidence as your new beginning nears. Teaching us to love by your shining example, your time with us was precious but not nearly ample. Always having been our conscience, teacher, protector, father and many other unforgettable things, it's your turn now - may the Lord take your hand and give you wings. "I Love you, Love you, Love you Tike", as your mother would say, we are missing you now every night and day. But to talk, debate or ask for advice we only have to pray. With a change of order now through binoculars you would leer, "The Great White Hunter" who killed many more Beer than Deer. Trying to keep this short and sweet, you'll be with us forever until some day again we will meet. We Love You, Thank you, We will miss you! Dawn Marie & David