Charles David Cook

Charles David (Dave) Cook 45 of Arvada, CO passed away on August 27, 2012. Survived by his father, Robert Cook; son Josh Cook; beloved companion, Caroline Rhein; sisters, Robyn (David) Papadimitrio & Carla Cook; numerous family members and friends. Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Cook. Born Charles David Cook, on November 9, 1966, in Pueblo, CO., he always preferred to be called ""Dave."" While he never had the opportunity to meet his paternal grandfather, Robert E. Cook Sr., he certainly inherited his mechanical aptitude, natural athleticism, and love of the outdoors. This was demonstrated at an early age, and translated into a love of anything with tires, especially anything with four and later, two wheels. Whenever he could combine all these things, Dave was in his element, and it was obvious by the contagious enthusiasm he brought to everything he did, to those around him, and by the infectious, and at times mischievous smile radiating from his face. In passing we don't realize that many of Dave's accomplishments and achievements touch and enhance our everyday lives, these included but were not limited to: •Part of the team that set ""Home Plate"" at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, participating in the redevelopment of lower downtown Denver, and the move of Elitch Gardens to its new home. •Involved in the education, training and associated implementation of GPS based surveying equipment systems throughout the industry •This was translated into actual use and implementation at hard rock mining and reclamation sites, such as the Henderson Mine (Molybdenum) at Empire, CO •Laying out and being directly involved in the environmental mitigation, redevelopment and reclamation of the mine tailings ""that form Gold Hill Mesa- an eyesore visible from Downtown Colorado Springs for nearly 70 years."" The project converted a small mountain of hazardous mine tailings, into a place where families could live, build their homes and children could play. It included portions of the Fountain Creek Restoration effort, which reduced sedimentation and flooding between Colorado Springs and Pueblo •Always a self motivator, with a keen desire to learn new things, Dave's love for the outdoors and nature lead him to enroll in Front Range Community College's non-traditional energy program, focusing on the delivery of clean energy thru Photovoltaic Systems, and Solar Thermal Installations. Amazingly he found time to pursue his many personal interests which included rebuilding and enhancing 4WD vehicles, on and off road motorcycles, fishing and camping. These endeavors and exploits' prominently included Josh and Caroline. However, the most important event in Dave's life, which he vocally pronounced to family and friends alike, was the birth of his son Joshua David Cook; his most important and prominent tasking, to insure he passed life's most important learning's, ethics and values onto Josh. In that light, they have both been working on refurbishing a first vehicle for Josh, and putting together a snow plow business, which Dave intended as the vehicle to nurture, pass on and instill his entrepreneurial spirit, work ethics, social skills, ""what it takes to earn a buck"", and the ability to find fun even in hard work, to his beloved son Josh, who was his whole world. A son, father, brother, companion and friend who will be sorely missed by all those he touched, and those who are diminished by not knowing him. Visitation, Thursday, Sept. 6, 4-8 PM & Celebration of Life, Friday, Sept. 7, 10:30 AM; both at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 W. 80th Ave., Arvada. Please share your memories of Dave and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" option below.