Gary Scott Cook

Proud parent and Valley business owner
Gary Cook, 48, died Nov. 7, 2014, at
his Walla Walla family home. Gary was
born in Laramie, Wyo., and attended
Walla Walla Public Schools, Washington State University
and Walla Walla Community College.

After completing his irrigation degree at WWCC,
Gary purchased Water Watch Irrigation from his lifelong
mentor, Greg Farrens. Water Watch recently celebrated
its 30th anniversary.

Family and friends describe Gary as a devoted,
amazing father with a great smile and laugh. Some
say he was forgiving, an inspirational leader, generous
to those in need, fun, hard worker, and a dear
friend and confidant. Gary was an avid fisherman
and outdoorsman, who was competitive when it mattered,
and humble. He rarely talked about his life/
work accomplishments or his many contributions to
community causes. Only a few knew he was senior
class president, co-captain of his high school basketball
and football teams, and member of a football
team that won consecutive Big Nine Championships
(1983-84) and an all-state honoree.

Gary was preceded in death by grandparents, Dorothy/
Jay Cook and Paul/Leora Nice; aunt, Marlene
Pursley; nephew, Zachary Cook; and special friend,
Greg Farrens. Gary is survived by daughters, Taylor
Cook, Chelsea White (Jared Brown), Kaci Fleming
(Jimmy); grandson, James Scott Fleming; parents,
Cathy/Dick Cook; brother, Bob Cook; uncles, Larry
(Claudine) Nice and Bill (Diane) Cook; grandmother,
Jean Cook; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and
friends.

Gary was a dedicated, loving parent to his daughters,
Kaci, Chelsea and Taylor. Family and especially
his girls were always his number-one priority.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Memorial
Fund for Gary’s Daughters or a charity of your
choice in care of Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder,
Walla Walla, WA 99362. A service and sharing
time will be held at the Herring Funeral Chapel on
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, at 2 p.m.

Gary will be missed by all who knew him and remembered
as one “who inspired us to be better people.”