Harvey A. Cook

Harvey Cook was a true gentleman who lived to reach out to others and make them feel special. Harvey was known for his natural grin and warm smile that he offered to anyone, along with a hug. His charm and wisdom, and sense of humor made it easy for Harvey to make and keep friends. He was a warm and loving man who enjoyed life by making sure others were enjoying life too.

Born April 14, 1917 to parents Ashel and Mamie (Camfield) Cook, Harvey entered the world during the ballroom decade. The 1910's was a time to enjoy music and dance. Some popular tunes of that era were, "Danny Boy" and "Alexander Ragtime Band". Young Americans were having so much fun dancing that many restaurants began equipping their dining areas with dance floors.

Harvey, his brother James and sisters Ellen and Cleo, all grew up with their parents in the Kalamazoo area. Harvey enjoyed his childhood days and connected with other boys by joining the Boy Scouts. He attended Kalamazoo Central High School and was an athletic teenager. Harvey was on the Baseball and Track team in high school before graduating in 1936. After high school, he began what was to be a 43-year career at the Brown Paper Company (KVP). He worked long hours and many weeks he worked into the weekend. The hard work took a toll on his knees later in life. Fortunately, he found time to relax and have fun by continuing to play ball. Harvey joined the company baseball team where he successfully held the position of pitcher. While in Kalamazoo he met Dorothy, the woman who was to become his wife, on September 6, 1941, in Lawton, Oklahoma. The couple welcomed their daughter, Kay, into their lives in Lawton, Oklahoma. The year 1941 was also when America was on the verge of entering World War II. Harvey was drafted into the United States Army. He dedicated himself to serving his country faithfully and was assigned to be a training instructor, an electrician and a tech instructor before serving in the signal corps in the South Pacific and Japan. On November 18, 1945, Harvey was honorably discharged from the armed forces.

After thirty-five faithful years of marriage, Harvey lost his wife Dorothy due to a heart condition. It was a sad time for him. He and Dorothy were living in their home, which Harvey had built himself after the war. After Dorothy passed away, Harvey sold their home and moved into an apartment complex. Harvey had been a long time friend with Wanda Davidson and in time, their friendship turned to love. They married and spent twenty-five beautiful years together before she passed away in 2001.

As a father, Harvey enjoyed taking his daughter, Kay out to the movies where they often enjoyed watching Westerns, while Dorothy spent many Tuesday evenings bowling. He enjoyed his life and had fun ice fishing with neighbors and his brother-in-law Gil. Harvey listened to big band and classical music. He genuinely had a love for music all together. Harvey loved the holidays and other family gatherings too. He was so happy when he was able to see all those he loved at one place and at one time. Harvey was a handy man and loved the challenge of having something to fix. He loved his beer, especially Stroh's. He also took the time enjoy reading things like the National Geographic and even liked studying maps. He traveled as often as possible; he and Wanda enjoyed seven marvelous trips to Hawaii together. Taking a drive to go enjoy a hot cup of espresso was a great time for Harvey too. While at the apartment, Harvey swam almost every day and took time to play in the water with the grand kids as well. He loved Wanda's family and became close to her sons William and Kenneth, as well as, their families. Their blended family became closely knit throughout the years. Harvey always held a special spot in the hearts of the women in the family because he was such a gentleman. He practically kept Siegel Jewelers in business because he loved to buy the women in the family jewelry. He always bought flowers for Wanda. A month wouldn't go by without the fragrance of fresh flowers in the Cook home.

Harvey Cook will be remembered for his sweet inviting smile, his love for his family and his ability to live life well. Harvey reached out to those around him with a grin and a hug, but for family, he wrapped them in security too. He looked ahead to their future and financially planned to provide for them. Harvey's love and friendship will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew him.

Harvey Cook, age 88 of Kalamazoo, died August 14, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Cook in 1976; a brother, James Cook; step mother, Hazel Cook; a sister, Ellen Kik; and by his second wife, Wanda Curtis-Cook in 2001. Members of Harvey's family include his daughter Kay (Bill) Hanson of Portage; two step-sons: William Davidson (Kay Yeckley) of Portage and Kenneth Davidson (Mary Thrasher) of Augusta; five grandsons: Michael (Christine) Davidson of Mattawan, Thomas (Heather) Davidson of Mattawan, Ken (Sue) Davidson of Mattawan, Jeff (Jody Stafford) Davidson of Plainwell, and Steve (Kari) Davidson of Mattawan; twelve great-grandchildren: Travis, Clay, Brennan, Mikenna, Nicholas, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Brandon, Jeffrey, Josh, Jake, and Jeremy; a sister, Cleo Wagner of Phoenix, AZ; and several nieces and nephews. Learn more about Harvey's life, visit with his family and friends on Tuesday from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at the BETZLER LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOMES, Stadium Drive West of US-131, 375-2900. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday 11:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours Church (2010 Nichols Road) with the Reverend Mary Perrin, officiating. Following the service, food and fellowship will be shared at the church hall. Private interment will take place in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. To read Harvey's complete Life Story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Heritage Community, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com