My first reaction when his daughter, Maegan, informed me on Tuesday: I've lost a brother. Such grief is hard to put into words. Leon Cook, Jr. was such a kind, thoughtful, compassionate and loving man. When one of your best friends for almost fifty years is suddenly no more in this place a tremendous sense of sorrow consumes your thoughts.
We grew up together and experienced so much joy, and later, so much pride in our children and their accomplishments. It's really hard to imagine not having a friend like Junior throughout the 60's,70's,80's and on and on. Owl Buddies, Alamo Buddies, college roommates, softball teammates and the list goes on. I was so fortunate to have had a friend like him.
He and I were as one in so many ways. We both couldn't wait to enter the halls of Garland High and finally become Owls. If you grew up in Garland in the 50's and sixties you know what I mean. Then, the next adventure was college. After that, taking on the joys and responsibilities of being parents (and later grandparents). Leon treasured his family. He was, indeed, a good man.
We both loved the Beatles as so many millions of other fans did. One song ("For No One" from "Revolver") especially stands out because it was one of Junior's favorite tunes by the Fab Four. Now I know every time I hear one of their songs it will take me back to times when we were together as friends. Maybe once or twice in life you have a freind you can always trust and who will always be there for you. Junior Cook was such a friend to me.
Leon put up a tremendous fight against cancer and never once did I hear a complaint or anything resembling getting a bad break. It just wasn't in his nature. It is such a shock to know that Patricia and I will not be able to spend time with Junior and Ellen at their home in North Carolina or in the Smokies. May God bless Junior's family now and always.
Bronnie Helton
My first reaction when his daughter, Maegan, informed me on Tuesday: I've lost a brother. Such grief is hard to put into words. Leon Cook, Jr. was such a kind, thoughtful, compassionate and loving man. When one of your best friends for almost fifty years is suddenly no more in this place a tremendous sense of sorrow consumes your thoughts.
We grew up together and experienced so much joy, and later, so much pride in our children and their accomplishments. It's really hard to imagine not having a friend like Junior throughout the 60's,70's,80's and on and on. Owl Buddies, Alamo Buddies, college roommates, softball teammates and the list goes on. I was so fortunate to have had a friend like him.
He and I were as one in so many ways. We both couldn't wait to enter the halls of Garland High and finally become Owls. If you grew up in Garland in the 50's and sixties you know what I mean. Then, the next adventure was college. After that, taking on the joys and responsibilities of being parents (and later grandparents). Leon treasured his family. He was, indeed, a good man.
We both loved the Beatles as so many millions of other fans did. One song ("For No One" from "Revolver") especially stands out because it was one of Junior's favorite tunes by the Fab Four. Now I know every time I hear one of their songs it will take me back to times when we were together as friends. Maybe once or twice in life you have a freind you can always trust and who will always be there for you. Junior Cook was such a friend to me.
Leon put up a tremendous fight against cancer and never once did I hear a complaint or anything resembling getting a bad break. It just wasn't in his nature. It is such a shock to know that Patricia and I will not be able to spend time with Junior and Ellen at their home in North Carolina or in the Smokies. May God bless Junior's family now and always.
Bronnie Helton