Richard Glade Cook

Funeral Recording - https://audio.funeralrecording.com/embed/44963ad8-9163-11ee-bfbf-0a0a8901036b

Richard Glade Cook rode into the sunset on November 17, 2023, surrounded by family underneath the shadows of the Wasatch mountains in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. He left behind a legacy of cowboy spirit, an emphasis on lifelong learning, legal professionalism, athletic passion, and foremost a vibrant family.

Born to adoring parents, Glade Lester and Loree Farnes Cook, Richard saddled up for life's journey on June 3, 1943, in the town of Craig, Colorado. In Stetson hat and cowboy boots, his childhood ran through the White River of Meeker and the Book Cliffs of Rifle. A young cowboy in the making, he took the reins of life, excelling in the classroom, on high school basketball courts, and on the football fields of Rifle High School.

After graduating, Richard spent two years in his ancestral homeland of Scotland serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a part of the North Scottish Mission. On cobblestone streets of Edinburgh and in the coastal winds of Kirkcaldy he confirmed his spiritual convictions that would guide him as he navigated ever-changing life. With great love and compassion, he shared his convictions with the people of Scotland, and most importantly in letters home to his father.

Returning to the homefront, Richard roped in his childhood sweetheart, Patricia Ann Peterson, marrying her on September 17, 1965, at the Salt Lake City Temple. His parents were sealed the same day.  Richard and Patricia went on to rear seven children of their own.

Richard built his professional foundation at the University of Denver,  securing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA. He also earned his branding as a Certified Public Accountant in San Francisco California. His accounting trail led him through Denver, Colorado Springs, Sunnyvale, and Aspen before settling in Salt Lake City where he taught accounting at the University of Utah.

Later, Richard traded his accountant's ledger for legal textbooks, graduating from the University of Utah Law School in 1972. For 36 years, he practiced law with integrity, specializing in estate planning and litigation.

Beyond the courtroom, Richard was active on courts, fields, and slopes. Whether saddled up for team roping, sinking hoops, serving aces on the tennis court, or carving through the snow-covered Rockies, he lived life to the fullest in every arena.

Richard claimed his greatest victory to be the growing posterity he shares with Patricia: Carl, Chris (Rima), Stephen (Luciene), Ann (Matthew), Lisa (Adam) Petersen, Nicholas (Ashley), and Cheri (Kenny) Evans. His 18 grandchildren, 2 great-granddaughters, and twin boys due in January, represent the next generation of trailblazers in the Cook family.  Grandchildren: Nathan, Jesse, Corbin (Emily), Rachel (Tyler), Joshua, Madison (Colton), Brookelle, Anna (Nelson), Annika, Kegan, Nicole, Faith, Layla, Garrett (Belle), Christian, McKinley, Haley, Brenna.  Great Grandchildren: Claire, Emberly.

As the sun sets on Richard Glade Cook's earthly ride, we tip our hats in deep love and gratitude. Happy trails. 

Celebration of Richard’s life will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2895 E. Creek Rd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84093.  The Viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, followed by a service from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.  Interment will begin at 12:45 PM at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. Dress: best or western dress welcome.

Click below to attend Richard's celebreation of life online.

Ricard Cook Funeral Service Live Stream