1932 – 2015

JAY — Gilbert Donald Cook, 83, of Jay, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, at his home with his family at his side.

He was born in Old Town on March 11, 1932, to Kenneth and Zelie (Cyr) Cook. He graduated from Old Town High School in 1951, where he was a star football player. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean War. On Feb. 23, 1952, in Bradley, he married Donna Petrie.

His greatest joy, besides his family, was the creativity and skill he displayed while operating construction equipment. He began working with his father in his teen years for H.E. Sargent, where he traveled the state on various projects. As his family grew, he wanted to stay closer to home, so he accepted a job at the International Paper mill in Jay. He worked there for 27 years, until his retirement in 1992.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna Cook of Jay; his children, Donald Cook and wife, Autumn, of Kitty Hawk, N.C., David Cook and wife, Kim, of Jay, Lisa Gabarra and husband, John, of Orrington, and Daniel Cook of Portsmouth, N.H.; grandchildren, Scott, Ryan, Kris, Morgan and Allyson.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.