Life Sketch of Virgil Franklin Cook - Part Four

     

     His daughter-in-law, Monica will always remember Frank for is love and his acceptance of her.  He loved her as if she was his daughter and treated her as such.

     Frank was so very proud of his grandsons, Dustin, Braydon, and Andrew.  He loved them with all of his heart.  He mentioned to people many times how precious they were to him. This Christmas, knowing that he didn’t have much time left, he gave each one a very special book called Making Memories.  In each book he wrote a special message to each one telling of his love for them and that no matter what happened, he would always be with them.

     Besides his family, Frank also loved Steven’s dog, Eshva.  Eshva would set at Frank’s feet and was very protective of Frank.  Since Eshva is mostly wolf, Frank wondered if Eshva would howl at the moon.  One night Frank put it to the test.  Frank started howling and sure enough Eshva joined right in.  They became quite the duet and would sing and sing together.  Every time one of the families would go to the house, they would beg Frank and Eshva to sing for them because it was so funny.
     When Frank was in ICU at St Al's in Boise (he was there for a month) Eshva had sat on the sofa and looked out the window watching for Frank and Ilene.  Finally Steven called them and asked if his dad would visit with Eshva. So Frank started howling and Eshva was howling too. All the Doctors, Nurses an aids came running thinking that something was wrong with Frank. 

     Frank had an unconditional love for each of his boys.  Even though Frank was not always happy with the choices they made, he never gave up on them and always had faith and confidence that they would one day return.  Each made their own choices, but because of the example and love their parents have shown to them, they have returned.

Craig Richard Cook

David Virgil Cook

Steven Leon Cook

     During this time Frank’s mother became critically ill.  Even though it was so very hard for him to make the trip to Rexburg, with the help of his wonderful wife, he went to Rexburg to be with his family there.  His mother rallied for awhile but then in November, when Frank was really having a hard time, his mother passed away.  It didn’t look like Frank would be able to attend the funeral in Menan, but once again, his wonderful wife and son, Steven, helped him and they traveled to attend the funeral.  Frank had to spend the time in a wheel chair but he was there for his mother.

David, Ilene, Craig, Frank and Steven 1999

Frank and Ilene

     Monday, 31 January 2000, Frank seemed to be having one of his good days. He spent a lot of the day out shopping with Ilene and Steven.  He walked into the house from shopping and seemed to trip.  Ilene and Steven helped him into a chair.  Frank had quit breathing but they were able to get him to rally round.  Ilene called the doctor and Frank was even able to talk to the doctor.  He suggested that they take Frank to the hospital which they did.  Frank got progressively worse.  Finally after a very valiant fight, Frank went to be with his eternal family who were waiting for him on the other side.

     If any of us would ask Frank today, “Frank, how are you doing?”  Frank would reply, “I am doing superbly well.”

    

     Frank, you are missed by all.  Some day we will meet again and I will be able to tell you what a magnificent brother you are and what a great influence you have had on my life.  I love you more than words can even begin to express and wish I had told you more just how much you mean to me.  I love you, Frank.