Darrell James Cook-Journal Part 5

Darrell James Cook, Ruth Elizabeth Proctor Cook, Becky Sue Walker Cook
14 June 1975

Tuesday 8 January 1974

School has finally started.  I have been going now for two days and it seems like 2 months.  I sure do hate to start studying again.  I sure did like the vacation.  I will be glad when I’m done.  Whenever I see a boy with his girl, I miss Becky so darn bad.  I had to stoop and see her today at noon.  Only 158 days left.  Kim and Marcene are getting married the 22^nd of February.  Tomorrow I’m going to stop and see the dentist.  I broke my front tooth today biting on a piece of frozen chocolate.  He said to come in Thursday at 1:15 but I have a basketball game tomorrow night and Becky is going to go so I want to get it fixed.  I will be so glad when school is over.  We are going to look at some apartments for rent.  I’m sure we will be able to find one we like for a pretty reasonable price.  I’ll be glad when that time is here.  Maybe we will be able to keep renting it during the school year.  I sure hope we can.

Thursday 16 January 1974

Here it is the 16^th already.  The past few days have gone fast for me.  I’m starting to like school a little better now.   The classes I have aren’t too bad.  Mom sure is doing a lot better.  She is now starting to walk with crutches.  Not too well at first but she is doing real good now.  She sure has had a lot of patience and faith.  I wish I had as much as she has.  I went and talked to Wayne Poole today about working.  He said that I could.  He wouldn’t need me every day but most of the time I would be able to work.  It will be a lot better than the school.  They never have anything for me to do.  I went over and seen my future wife tonight.  Sure seemed good to be with her.  I miss her so much when I can’t see her for three or four days.  I’ll be glad when we are married and have an apartment of our own.  Then I can see her smiling face and touch her soft face every day.  Each time I see her it gets harder and harder to leave. Someday I won’t have to or else she will be able to go with me.  I love her so much.  I will be glad when she is mine.

Sunday 24 February 1974

     Wow.  It sure has been a long time since I wrote in here.  More than a month.  I sure have had a lot of things happen.  First of importance is today it has been a year since Becky and I have been going out together.  Today we went snow machining at the same place we went a year ago.  That was the first time I went out with her.  My love has grown so much for her.  A year ago I never thought I would be engaged to her.  I love her so much and each day I can feel it grow and grow.  I’ll be glad when we are married.  Only 111 days left.  Kim and Marcene got married Friday the 22^nd.  It was real nice but ours will be a lot nicer.   Becky has her material for her dress bought and her bridesmaids’ material picked out.  We looked at some flowers for Becky while we were in Rexburg and I got an idea of what she wants.  I want to get her a real nice one.  We have the announcements picked out and the lists made up.  It took me a while but I finally made it.

     In basketball Rigby isn’t doing too well.  I think they won about 5 games all year.  They played Skyline in tournament at Ricks last week and got the heck beat out of them.  They play Bonneville Tuesday and I imagine they will get beat then.  Oh well the last one we will have to go to.  In church basketball we got second in stake and now are playing region.  Roberts took first.  The first game we played Lewisville II and we got beat. We couldn’t hit anything.  The next night we played Garfield and with no time left I made two foul shots to win the game 59-58.  It was a good game.  I wish Becky could have been there.  Mom sure was excited and I didn’t realize what I had done until a few minutes later.  The next night Driggs had to forfeit because one of their best players hurt his ankle.  It was a good thing because we would have only had five players.  It was Kim and Marcene’s reception.  We don’t play now until Wednesday.  We play the winner of Lewisville II and a St. Anthony team.  I hope we win.  If we win 2 more we get to go to zone.  Well guess I had better go.  I have school tomorrow unfortunately.  Good night.

Sunday 3 March 1974

Well not a heck of a lot has happened the past little while.  Got beat of tournament.  Although we did beat Lewisville II but lost to Roberts.  Only 6 more weeks of school then my first year of college will be over.  What a relief.  Becky got the top to our wedding cake.  It sure is cute.  Also R & G’s gave her a wedding book so that’s one thing I won’t have to buy.  Only 103 days left until she is mine.  Hope times goes fast.  We went to Rexburg the other day and she got the material for her bridesmaids and most of the stuff for her wedding dress. I also got some kind of idea to what she wants for flowers for her.  They also have a garden scene for an extra $35.  She said she would pay half if I would.  I don’t know but I guess we will probably get it.  Kim Hunting is going to start to over-haul my car as soon as the weather gets warm enough.  I hope that isn’t too long.  I’m trying to get the clutch on my Rat fixed.  Pinecrest has my Honda over-hauled now.  I guess Kay is coming up next weekend.  Then it it’s nice we will go bike riding. I talked to him tonight on the phone and I asked him if he would be my best man and he said he would be glad to.  I think I’ll have Frank stand where Dad would and have Theron as another best man.  If Frank can’t come I’ll have Theron stand there and only have one best man.  I’m going to ask Max and Mark to be ushers.  Becky said that her brother couldn’t come up.  Her parents said we could stay in their trailer for our honeymoon.  We will probably take the pickup and camper also.  I guess we will go through the park and see everything and then go over to Jackson for awhile.  It will depend on where I work and how long I can get off.  It will also depend on where she works too.  I sure will be glad when that time comes.  It so hard to leave her.  I love her so much and each day I love her more and more.  I will be glad when I’m done with school then she won’t have to work.  That’s the last thing I want her to do.  House work is enough.  Oh and taking care of all twelve kids (Ha Ha) should keep her busy.  I want to make her the happiest person in the world.  It’s pretty late so I better go.  Good night.
     This is the last entry that Darrell wrote.  Oh how I wish there was more.

Theron Earl Cook, George Kay Cook, Darrell James Cook
Ruth Elizabeth Proctor Cook, Joyce Cook Wilson, Lois Cook Berrett
Darrell and Becky's Temple Sealing 14 June 1975

     Darrell and Becky were married 14 June 1974 in Rigby, Idaho and a year later on 14 June 1975, they were sealed for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple.  Natalie Jill was born to them 8 January 1977.
     Darrell worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as brakeman.  He enjoyed working for the railroad but unfortunately one night while helping to switch the cars, the train jumped the track and Darrell was crushed between the train and the side of the potato warehouse where they were moving cars.  He was killed instantly.  The accident was just a half block from their home in Menan, Idaho.  This tragic event took place the night of 9 February 1979.

George Kay Cook one last time with his brother Darrell James Cook

Darrell's headstone in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery

     Darrell and Becky had been married less than 5 years and were expecting their second children when he was killed.  Brandy Sue was born 31 May 1979 just about 4 months after Darrell was killed.

Above is a plaque that hangs in the Union Pacific train depot in Pocatello.  Darrell's name is the fourth one on the top row.  I put a box around it but that doesn't show up real well. Thanks to John Berrett for taking the picture and sending me a couple of it.

We miss you and love you so much.  We are trying to be good so that we can see you again some day and be where we know you are.  You were and are our very special brother!!

Darrell James Cook Journal-Part 4

Darrell James Cook and Becky Sue Walker

Tuesday 25 December 1973

Christmas is here at last.  I sure had a merry one.  It sure did creep upon me in a hurry.  I stayed at Mark and Lois’ place last night.  The kids sure were excited.  We had a little family evening last night.  We had a nice supper and then we opened the gifts from the person who had our name.  I got a shirt and a flashlight from Ilene.  Today we got up about 8:00 a.m. and opened our presents.  I got some nice clothes from the family.  Becky gave me a beautiful picture of herself and it sure is nice.  Also she gave me a snowmobile full of after shave.  It sure is cute.  I gave her a clock radio.  I sure hope she liked it.  I didn’t know what in the world to get her.  Guess I had best go because I have to take Mom to therapy in the morning.  I think Becky is going to ride in with us.  I sure hope so.  It was nice being with her today.  I’ll be glad when it’s forever.

Friday 28 December 1973

Boy it sure has been a long time since I wrote in this.  Time sure goes fast in between semester break.  In a way I want school to start but sometimes I don’t.  I took Mom down to therapy.  She sure is doing good  Bob is now starting to teach her to walk with crutches and Mom is doing real well.  She is more scared than anything.   Becky and I went and looked at Keller’s basement house and it was a mess.  I don’t think we will live there.  There is electric wires all over and the walls are cracked, ceiling all chipped up and the tile on the floor is all cracked.  Becky didn’t like it very well and neither did I.  After that we went over to Mom’s to water the pigs.  I got stuck and had to shovel my butt off.  Becky drove while I pushed.  We finally got out.  Tonight we went to Peg and Ren’s to play cards.  We had a lot of fun.  We are going somewhere New Year’s Eve but haven’t decided where for sure.  Sorry about all the mistakes but it’s 1:05 and I’m pretty tired.

Sunday 30 December 1973

Well today it was one year since Dad died.  Mom took it pretty good.  Time sure has gone fast.  Now the year is about over I keep wondering where it has all gone.  I was a bad boy and didn’t go to church this morning but Becky and I went over to her ward.  It was a pretty good meeting.  Bishop Reynold George, George Marriott, Merlin Whatcott, and Patriarch Chandler spoke tributes to Pres. Lee.  He passed away sometime last week.  Ray Morgan was killed last Friday.  He was driving for Garrett and backed across the railroad and the train hit the cab.  It killed him instantly.  One more big day left in “73”, guess I will have to go duck hunting beings it’s the last day.  Tomorrow night Beck and I are going to the show and then to the Gaslamp for grits.  Then wait for the New Year.  Sure sounds like fun.  I think we are going to “Magnum Force”.  Becky told me tonight that it’s only 166 days left.  I hope they fly by.

Tuesday 1 January 1974

The new year is finally here.  Where did 73 go?  Now that I think back over the year it seems like it has gone so fast.  I hope the next 5 ½ months go fast.  As I think ahead it seems like sure a long time but as I think back, it seems as it has flew by.  I know the time will go fast but I keep thinking that it won’t.  It sure doesn’t seem like three months as of the 11^th that Becky and I have been engaged.  I remember how scared we were when we were going to show the ring to her dad.  She was terrified and I didn’t know quite what to expect.  Becky and I went and looked at a trailer tonight.  It sure was a nice one but it was a little too expensive for me.  They payments were $103.90 a month for 10 years.  I sure wish we could afford it but I think we can find just as nice a trailer for less at one of the mobile homes dealers.  Maybe one that has been reconditioned then we could pick out our own furniture.  It will have to be cheaper than this one because I can’t afford it and school both.  It sure was exciting looking though.  That much closer when we can be together forever.

George Kay Cook and Darrell James Cook
wearing lederhosen britches Frank brought from Germany

George Kay Cook and Darrell James Cook
wearing lederhosen britches Frank brought from Germany

Darrell James Cook Journal-Part 3

Darrell James Cook and Becky Sue Walker

Wednesday 12 December 1973

Sure had a lot of fun tonight.  First a bunch of kids from Menan went and played Midway.  We beat them about 30 points.  Then at 9:00 the seniors played Menan II.  We beat the pants off them.  It was one of the funnest games I played in in a long time.  We won 76-29.  I put in 24 and Theron put in 15 points.  So us two scored 10 more points than their whole team.  This will be the last game I can play for them because I’ve got to play M.N.  They have a team but most aren’t illegible to play so as time goes on I will probably be able to play senior again.  I sure hope so.  I like to play with my brother.  The “Walden” test wasn’t as bad as I expected.  I have to take my religion test tomorrow which won’t be too bad and then take my Chemistry lab quiz that I missed Tuesday.  Becky and I are invited to Ron and Chris’ wedding and the reception so I guess I will be going there tomorrow night.  I knew we were invited to the reception but not the wedding.  Becky told me today.  I picked up some dish towels and cloths.  I hope that is something they can use.  I really didn’t know what to get.

Thursday 13 December 1973

I finally have my religion class over with.  I took my final today.  I ordered the part for our pump today from Sears.  They said it would be from a week to two before it would be here.  I hope that it doesn’t get too cold during this time.  Becky and I went to Chris and Ron’s wedding tonight.  It was down to the Sweetheart Manor.  It’s a real nice place but I thought it could have been a little better.  They didn’t have very many chairs for the wedding so some of the people had to stand.  Chris sure looked nice.  It was a nice ceremony.  Becky and I waited for awhile so we could see what they got but they only opened a few so we really couldn’t tell.  It’s getting late and I have a couple of chapters in Chemistry.  The last two, thank heavens.

Friday 21 December 1973

     Sure has been a long time since I wrote in this last.  I had to turn it in Friday for my English class but I did get it back Monday.  I have just neglected to write.  Well school is finally over.  I have completed my first semester of college.  I didn’t do as well as I should have done but not all that bad.  Now that I think about it, it seem like it has just simply flew past.  Sure hope the next one goes by as fast.  I’m glad that I’m going to school.  I about go nuts not having anything to do all day.  We played a game with Roberts Wednesday and lost 6 points.  We didn’t do very well and I played terrible.  I think I got about 11 points.  I didn’t get to play too much because Dee thinks he is the coach and he got mad at me.  The stupid retard anyway.  The only game I take Becky to we lose.  Rigby sure has a crappy team this year.  They’ve lost five in a row now.  They lost to Bonneville tonight.  I guess all the fantastic talent graduated in the best year. “1973”

     We brought Mom home today.  She sure is happy.  Lois and I spent all day trying to get ready.  We got a hospital bed from Donna Fullmer and Lois put it up in Brian’s room.  She has to go into the hospital twice a week for therapy.  I think each Wed. and Friday.  I’m glad I’ll be home for a few weeks to help her.  Today was Becky’s dad’s birthday.  I made a Pollock fly swatter and gave him a card.  He got a pretty big joke from it.  I guess he has finally realized that Becky and I are really getting married.  He sure treats me a lot different now than he use to at first.  Becky’s mom has always been real nice to me.  We got mom’s wheel chair from the V.F.W. and he has something to do with that.  So I guess that, that helps.  Guess I best go.  But before I do the colors for our wedding are going to be lavender and pink unless she changes her mind again.  I think I will ask Bishop Cottle if he will marry us.  He sure is a great man.  He would do anything for Mom.

Saturday 22 December 1973

I finally finished shopping for the kids today.  Sure was a lot of people in town today.  I gave Cork some money to get Becky the kind of perfume she wanted.  I think she got Loves Fresh Lemon.  I don’t know what it looks like it was all wrapped up with a pretty bow so I didn’t open it.  I sure had a hard time buying something for Shannon and Lynette.  I ended up getting Shannon a suitcase and Lynette a big Raggedy Ann doll.  It sure is cute.  I hope she will like it.  Becky and I went up to see all the Christmas trees up at Ricks.  Nelda went with us.  Some are real pretty and some just look like hell.  Not very many people with outside lights on.  We only seen about two houses up on snob hill.  Kay and Carla are coming up tonight for Christmas.  I hope they are real careful because the roads are extremely slick and it’s snowing pretty hard.  They sure were slick coming home from Becky’s tonight.  I sure hate to leave her.  It gets harder and harder.  I sure do love her.  She is so sweet.  No one could ever replace her.  I’ll be glad when June 14^th gets here.

Darrell James Cook-Journal Part 2

Becky Sue Walker and Darrell James Cook

Saturday 8 December 1973

I went and finished all of my Christmas shopping today.  There sure was a lot of people in town today.  You could hardly find a parking spot in the whole lot in front of the mall.  I’m glad that it’s all over.  I bought a truck for Skip and took it down to Blackfoot.  He sure doesn’t like staying in the hospital but it’s better to have a hernia taken care of when you are young.  The truck seemed to cheer him up quite a bit.  I sure feel sorry for him.  He has had quite a life.  It’s hard for Mauna to be both Mom and Dad plus try to work.  She sure is doing a good job though.  Becky and I try to help him all that we can.  We went to the show last night.  The name was “The Way We Were.”  It wasn’t too bad of a show except I can’t stand Barbara Streisand.  I guess that’s how you spell it.  It sure seemed good to be with Becky.  Seems like all of my friends aren’t come back next semester.  They are getting married. Kim in February and Dee in April.  I went and practiced basketball up at the church tonight.  I probably should have stayed home and read that stupid Walden for English.  I sure have got a lot of work to do before school is out.  I am going to have to cut out a few of my activities until it is.  I sure am dreading those finals.  I’m afraid that psy. And chem.. will give me a little trouble.  I sure hope not.  I need to keep my grades up so I can get accepted to some other university.  Hopefully Utah or Southern Cal.  I sure hope I can afford it and not have to stop for awhile and work.  I really need to find a good job this summer so I can go next year.  Becky is going to have to work so we can.  I sure don’t want her to but I guess she will have to until I complete school.  Can’t think of too much more to say and besides its late and I have early Priesthood meeting in the morning.  I can’t miss because I feel I owe it to the Lord.  He has blessed me in so many ways.  I can’t understand how people can even begin to think that there is no God.  If they would open their eyes and quit staring at the material things in life they would be able to see.  I’m glad I only have to account for the things I do.  Which is too darn many.  I’m glad that we have a fair judge.  I know I sure would hate to even try to.  Thank heaven for repentance.

George Kay and Darrell James Cook

Sunday 9 December 1973

Wow, what a day.  When I got up this morning I had a million things to do and never got one thing done.  Had a real good priesthood meeting this morning.  We talked on salvation and I really learned a lot.  I brought Becky out to church tonight.  Afterwards we were going to decorate our tree but instead took a little one down to Mom in the hospital.  We put a few lights and bulbs on it and it really looked cute. She really appreciated it.  I sure have a lot of studying to do this week.  I have got to study for a English test.  I’m glad he is only giving us half now and half later. I know I’ll do better that way.  I’ve got to read the book Walden by Thoreau by Wednesday for the same class.  I guess I had better get going.

George Kay and Darrell James Cook

Monday 10 December 1973

I started reading Walden today.  It is the hardest book to get started reading I have ever tried.  I just have to force myself into reading.  I’ll be glad when I’ve got it done.  Talked to Mom today and the Dr. says she could come home for Christmas and stay.  She has to go into physical therapy about twice but it sure will be nice to have her home.  She sure has been in the hospital a long time.  Well since the middle of July.  I got quite a bit a studying done today so I feel a little relieved of all the pressure.  I sure will be glad when the 19^th is over with.  Then I will be for a few weeks.  I’m going to try to work at Fresh Pak during the vacation so I can pay back my tuition.  Mark found out that I might be able to work at the site during the summer.  So next week I’m going to go put my application in.  I pays about $3.87 an hour so I could probably that that.  Well I guess I had better get to reading or I won’t be able to finish.  Got our TV back today.  It sure works good now I don’t have to bother anyone.

Tuesday 11 December 1973

Not a whole lot happened today.  I tried forcing myself into finishing Walden but couldn’t do it.  I didn’t understand a thing he was saying.  He talked so weird and used such big and funny words that I couldn’t hardly read it.  I don’t see how we can be tested on it.  Only about one week of school left.  A bunch of the Menan kids are going to play the freshmen from Midway tomorrow at 4:00 then at 9:00 we play Menan II in a church game at Roberts.  So I should get in my share of basketball then.  I hope I don’t get too tired.  I thought I was over my cold but it seem like it has come back.  I’ve had a stuffed up nose and a headache all day today.  Sure missed not talking to Becky today and I probably won’t have a chance tomorrow either.  Thursday we are going to Ron and Chris’s wedding reception in I.F. and then Friday we will probably go to the Rigby-Salmon game.  Rigby had better win but I doubt they will.  All the talent graduated in “73”.  The best year of course.  The only reason I would go back to high school is to play basketball.  It was a lot of fun.