David Cook

It always hits hard to see a classmate has passed, knew them well or not.  Brad was among the best of us.  A classy,  calm,  genuine guy.  First met in 7th grade band. Last time I saw him was so long ago,  but remember it very well.  Ran into him somewhere,  and a friend of mine and I dragged him along with us to shoot pool at the Blue Dolphin in Columbia Twp or Olmsted wherever it was. I know he wasn't comfortable with being there,  how much we were drinking.  But he enjoyed the pool and we talked probably til the place closed.  He was the same.  Just a good man. I have no doubt he made a huge difference in the lives of many.

When I moved to Berea in fourth grade of course all the guys had established patterns and friendships.  I remember vividly trying to join in to football recess the first day.  I was the smallest guy out there and nobody picked me for sides.  Paul had obviously been one of the leaders and quarterbacks.  I kind of drifted on to his team.  I had never met him before,  and the first play he threw me the ball.   That  was him.