Howard L. Cook

Beloved husband, brother, uncle, and father figure to Terry’s children, her grand and great grandchildren, Howard passed away peacefully August 28, 2024.

Born in Cathlamet, WA in 1940 to Anna and Lester Cook, Howard grew up on a farm in Skamokawa, WA. He graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1959. Upon graduating, he joined the Coast Guard and served four years. He was dedicated to public service and went to work for the Dept. of Natural Resources in Forks, Washington. He bought property in Chelatchie Prairie, WA and lived there the rest of his life until moving to a care home. In Chelatchie, he served as a fire fighter and was the Fire Commissioner for Clark County District 10 for many years.

Howard married Terry Anderson and she and her family got him to be less of a “stay at home” person. He had made a trip to Poland in search of their family roots with his sister, niece, and two cousins before marrying. Later, he and Terry had many adventures together, including one to Alaska to visit his sister (Shirley) and her husband (Harry), and his niece (Patty) and her children Paloma and Diego.

Howard was very close to Terry’s son Ken Anderson, and they were best buddies.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, brother Darrell, and best buddy Ken. He is survived by his wife, Terry Cook, her extended family including Lori and her husband (Larry) Mansker, Lisa and her husband (Bill) Brill, 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, his sister (Shirley), his nieces (Jennifer Forquer and Patricia Forquer), and grandniece and grandnephew (Paloma and Diego). He also has many cousins in Washington and Oregon.

A memorial service will be held in October. He was interred at Fern Hill Cemetery in Skamokawa next to Ken. Both of these men are deeply missed.

In Howard’s honor, please consider a donation to the Ken Anderson scholarship fund.