Obituary of Richard Allen Cook

Richard Allen Cook died at the age of 98 on June 11, 2023 in Wilsonville, OR. He was born January 11, 1925 in Richmond, CA to Wilferd and Christena Cook and had one brother, Jack Cook.  They moved to Eugene when he was six months old.  He graduated from Springfield H.S. in 1942.  He served in the US Navy in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged in 1946.  He worked with his father and brother in the family greenhouse business until going to the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola) graduating in 1952.  He spent his summers traveling the US as part of the Biola quartet. In 1956 he graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master’s in Theology.   

He met Joan (JoAnn) Plaisted at 1st Baptist Church Eugene.  They were married June 24, 1955 and they were married 67 years. JoAnn preceded him in death on June 30, 2022.  They have three children.  Charlie and wife Mary from Atlanta, Georgia, children Alex and Andy,  Ken and wife Carolie from Lafayette, California, children Allison and Chad, and daughter Connie Milks and her husband Gregg, living in West Linn, Oregon, children Hayley Porter (husband Brian) and Kelsey Vasnik (husband Scott), and Great grandson Miles Vasnik. 

His life’s purpose was to glorify God through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ who came to seek and to save those who were lost.  He did this through a career as a pastor serving in Port Angeles, WA, Enumclaw, WA, Portland, OR and ending his career at 1st Baptist Church in Eugene, OR retiring in January 1995.  He was known for his shepherd's heart, discerning mind and quick witted sense of humor.  Celebration of Life service to be held at 1st Baptist Church Eugene  3550 Fox Meadow Road, Eugene Or 97402, Saturday, July 29th at 10:30 am.