Norman R. Cook

Norman Cook, 98, of Venice FL and previously East Tawas MI passed away at his home July 18, 2016. Born near Winnipeg, Canada he moved with his Mother and sister to Detroit MI at an early age. He went to Highland Park High School there he met the girl who would become his wife. Shortly after their graduation from high school they eloped and remained married for the next 65 years until her death in 2004. He worked at a small grocery store until he was inducted into the Army. After he was discharge he started working at ERB Lumber in Royal Oak MI. After many years there he left to work at Schreck Lumber in Tawas City MI. He and Evelyn owned and operated the ‘Village Shoppe’ just north of East Tawas. One winter while visiting friends in Venice they purchased the house across the street from where they were staying. Snowbirding for a few years and then moving permanently to Venice. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evelyn M Bridwell Cook; his parents George and Sarah Cooke, elder sister Laura Covington and two older brothers George and Clifford Cooke. He is survived by his daughter Norma E. Klisz (Richard Price) Troy MI., his son Gary D. Cook (Joanne) Tallahasse FL; and grandchildren Richard Klisz, St. Clair MI; Gregory Cook, Reno NV; James Cook (Alicia) Fort Mills SC; Daniel Cook, Atlanta GA. Also great grandchildren Tori and Jessie Klisz and Nora Cook and his favorite niece, Marlene Cook Smith, Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. He served in the Army right at the end of WWII where he was part of the occupation force in Northern Japan. A memorial service will be held later this year in East Tawas when he is laid to rest next to Evelyn. The family suggests memorial contributions to Tidewell Hospice of Venice, c/o 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238.