2008 Woodie Awards
Trustee member Robert Cook dies (6/4/08)
Sarah Zeeck
Issue date: 6/18/08 Section: News
He wore a bow tie and a smile, the former frequently, the latter incessantly. 70-year-old Robert J. Cook, professor emeritus for Western Illinois University, passed away in his home at 7:18 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, a mere four days prior to his 71st birthday.
Jessie Kallman, Board of Trustees member, said, "Bob once told me 'You've got to pick out one thing to make yourself unique.' He said his was his bow tie, and mine was my hair." Kallman, who once sported short, spiky, bright-blonde locks, added Cook said that was necessary to remain memorable, especially in politics.
Cook was president of the McDonough County labor council, chairman of the McDonough County Democratic Central Committee, president of the Fellheimer Trust committee of Wesley United Methodist church and president of the BOT for Western's Wesley foundation.
In addition to this myriad of offices, he served as a BOT member at Western. Past and present BOT students who got to know Cook through BOT expressed their sorrow for Cook's passing.
"(Cook) was always a very witty and personable person," past BOT member Chris Thomas said. "He was always one of he first people to shake your hand and ask how you were doing when he entered a room."
Current BOT student Blake Antonides said "I think Bob Cook was a terrific guy who had a heart of gold, a sense of humor and was very intelligent."
Kallman added she had a special connection to Cook in terms of political science. "(Losing him) has been really difficult for me," she said. "His death was such a shock."
"He was always very passionate about and committed to the university," Thomas said.
Antonides added that condolences go out on behalf of the university and board to Cook's family, which consists of his wife, son, and daughter.
Kallman said, "He was a political guru who always knew who was running for what in every county (in Illinois)."
"He asked the most thought-provoking and critical questions I have ever heard," Antonides added.
Maybe Robert Cook often sported a bow tie in order to make himself stand out as a unique individual, but clearly his vivid and vivacious personality was just as eye-catching as his neckwear. His choice in attire will be remembered along with his outstanding personality.
Jessie Kallman, Board of Trustees member, said, "Bob once told me 'You've got to pick out one thing to make yourself unique.' He said his was his bow tie, and mine was my hair." Kallman, who once sported short, spiky, bright-blonde locks, added Cook said that was necessary to remain memorable, especially in politics.
Cook was president of the McDonough County labor council, chairman of the McDonough County Democratic Central Committee, president of the Fellheimer Trust committee of Wesley United Methodist church and president of the BOT for Western's Wesley foundation.
In addition to this myriad of offices, he served as a BOT member at Western. Past and present BOT students who got to know Cook through BOT expressed their sorrow for Cook's passing.
"(Cook) was always a very witty and personable person," past BOT member Chris Thomas said. "He was always one of he first people to shake your hand and ask how you were doing when he entered a room."
Current BOT student Blake Antonides said "I think Bob Cook was a terrific guy who had a heart of gold, a sense of humor and was very intelligent."
Kallman added she had a special connection to Cook in terms of political science. "(Losing him) has been really difficult for me," she said. "His death was such a shock."
"He was always very passionate about and committed to the university," Thomas said.
Antonides added that condolences go out on behalf of the university and board to Cook's family, which consists of his wife, son, and daughter.
Kallman said, "He was a political guru who always knew who was running for what in every county (in Illinois)."
"He asked the most thought-provoking and critical questions I have ever heard," Antonides added.
Maybe Robert Cook often sported a bow tie in order to make himself stand out as a unique individual, but clearly his vivid and vivacious personality was just as eye-catching as his neckwear. His choice in attire will be remembered along with his outstanding personality.
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