OAK ISLAND — Kenneth E. Cook, 78, died peacefully Tuesday, July 13, 2021, surrounded by his wife, children and sister. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Tennessee and Anderson, Indiana. He met his future wife at Purdue University while studying chemical engineering. He and Pat (Priscilla Ogren) married in 1962. Children, Chris and Scott, soon followed. Ken and Pat raised their family in Three Rivers, Michigan, and then retired to Oak Island.
Ken was a business owner and lifelong entrepreneur. He earned his private pilot license for fun, travel and business. He was a city commissioner, bank director and member of the airport board, Jaycees, Rotary and Q.B.s. He loved golf. It was his goal to play on many of the top courses in the country. He played many of them and could tell you every golf stroke he made on most courses! He also enjoyed playing tennis and watching auto racing. He and Pat loved to travel to new places. He especially enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren at the beach. In his retirement years, he was happiest spending his days tinkering in the garage (he could fix most anything), gardening or sitting on his deck at the ocean.
Ken is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pat; children Chris (Gary) VanderMei and Scott (Kelly) Cook; sister, JoAnn Cook; and grandchildren Chad (Laura), Max and Sam VanderMei, and Hannah, Sophia, Pierce and Ellie Cook.
Cremation has taken place. No public services are planned.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Ocean View United Methodist Church Music Fund, Oak Island; or the American Heart Association.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
