Kenneth D. Cook

RUTLAND - Kenneth D. Cook, 82, passed away at home with his loving wife and family by his side on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Born in Hartford, CT, and raised in Holden, MA. Ken was the son of Kenneth W. and Frances M. (Corbin) Cook. He lived in Rutland for the last 56 years.

Ken graduated from Wachusett Regional High School, Class of 1960, and later earned his Associate's Degree from Quinsigamond Community College. Following high school, Ken enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he honorably served his country from 1960 to 1964. During his service, Ken met the love of his life in Delaware, and they eventually married and settled in Holden before building their dream home in Rutland in 1968.
Ken briefly worked at Anderson Corporation before joining the Holden Police Department, where he served with distinction for 28 years, retiring as a Sergeant in 1996. He was respected by his peers and the community as a man of integrity, known for being stern but fair.

Ken was an active member of the Rutland Lions Club, where he served two terms as King Lion and was honored with both the Melvin Jones and Joe Comada Awards for his humanitarian efforts. In addition to his contributions with the Lions Club, he volunteered his time with the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and participated in the Appalachian Service Project.

A man of deep faith, Ken was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Rutland where he sang in the choir and served on various committees. More recently, he belonged to the First Congregational Church of Oakham. In his spare time, he enjoyed singing with the Gardner Community Singers.

Ken was a lifelong camper and a member of the North American Family Camper's Association. He also loved spending time with his family on Peaks Island in Casco Bay.
Ken will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sandra D. (Shroyer) Cook; his children, Sheri L. Workman and her husband, David, of Westborough, Donna J. Goodell and her husband, Gregory, of Hudson, NH, and David M. Cook and his wife, Amber, of Brentwood, CA; his sister, Linda Pfeiffer of Lebanon, TN; and his six grandchildren, Kendra, Sarah, Jacob, Adam, Ryan and Hayden.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ken's family from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, September 13, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A graveside service will be held privately at Rural Cemetery in Rutland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ken's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Rutland Lions Club, PO Box 626, Rutland, MA 01543.

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