Gary Cook Sr.

Jan 12, 2024

In Memory of Gary

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Gary "Gus" Wayne Cook Sr., 75, of Cumberland, died Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at Bridging Life Hospice, Sinai Hospital. Born July 29, 1946, in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Richard T. Cook Sr. and Ethel (Cooper) Cook. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Pamela Rae (Humbertson) Cook, and his son, Gary W. Cook Jr. Gus was a graduate of Allegany High School, Class of 1964, and the Automotive Technology Program at Allegany College of Maryland. Gus proudly served as a sergeant in the Army National Guard. He had been employed at Kelly-Springfield Tire Company as a vendor. Gus, along with his brother, Rick, owned and operated Cook Brothers Automotive for over 40 years. Their first "shop" was in Rick's garage. They moved downtown and ran The Speed Shop. Cook Brothers Automotive was then located at Nave's Crossroads. He belonged to Queen City Lodge 131, A.F.&A.M.; 32nd. Degree Cumberland Scottish Rite Bodies; Ali Ghan Shrine, where he was a member of the Motor Corps; and, past director of Cumberland Court 117, R.O.J. Gus had also belonged to the Western Maryland Street Rod Association and Cresaptown F.O.E., Aerie 2883. Gus was always willing to support local fundraisers - especially if it involved playing some golf, too! For many years, he served on the Ali Ghan Shrine Golf Tournament Committee and always obtained the largest number of sponsors of any committee member. He also enjoyed playing in other local tournaments. Gus' greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. Whether it be lounging by the family pool, water skiing on the river or lake, going on vacation, or a game of blackjack or poker, these times were those he treasured. In his younger days, Gus enjoyed racing cars, competitive skiing, and snow mobile racing. His most recent project was working with family and friends to rebuild the famous "Cookie Crumbler" Corvette from the ground up, which was his pride and joy. Gus was also an avid recycler, always making sure that there was a marked and designated recycle can in every corner "cans only—only." Survivors include his daughter, Melissa "Missy" Cook and fiancé, Jason Merrill; three grandchildren, Laken E. Cook and significant other, Brandon Robertson, Tyler Boyken and fiancée, Morgan Snyder, and Brittany Rickelmann; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Cook and Roman Wayne Robertson; two brothers, Richard T. Cook Jr. and wife, Donna, and Michael Cook and wife, Bonnie. Friends will be received at Upchurch Funeral Home, P.A., Cumberland, on Friday, April 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Saturday at 1 p.m. Queen City Lodge 131, A.F.&A.M., will conduct memorial services at the funeral home on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Ali Ghan Shrine Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 1416, Cumberland, MD 21501-1416, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140.

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In Memory of GaryHow does it work?

Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?

ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

Order any time up till the day before

MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM

SAT & SUN Order by noon

TUES-SAT Order by 3:00PMThe day before

SAT & SUN Order by Saturday

Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine's Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.

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Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?

ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

Order any time up till the day before

MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM

SAT & SUN Order by noon

TUES-SAT Order by 3:00PMThe day before

SAT & SUN Order by Saturday

Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine's Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.

Plant a Living Memorial

In Memory of GaryHow does it work?

In Memory of Gary

When your purchase is complete, a post will be made on the tribute wall of the deceased signifying the planting of a memorial tree.

An official certificate recognizing your purchase will be included with your email receipt. You can then forward the email to the family or print it and give it to them personally.

After an order is placed, our forestry partners will plant the tree in the area of greatest need (nearest the funeral home), according to the planting schedule for the year.

Due to seasonal conditions, the tree planting takes place during the spring and summer.

Orders placed in:

Planting will take place in Spring or Summer of the same year.

Planting will take place in Spring of the following year.

In Memory of Gary

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