David harold Cook

David Harold Cook, 72, of Escanaba, Michigan, passed away on February 14, 2016 in Houghton, Michigan. Dave was born March 2, 1943, to Harold J Cook and Lucile M Cook in Alma, Michigan.
     Dave attended Alma College and Michigan Tech, where he earned an Engineering degree. He worked in the tool & die trade in St Johns and Lansing before moving to the Upper Peninsula where he spent most of his adult life. Dave was a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker, Licensed Gunsmith, and skilled taxidermist, woodcarver, hunter, trapper, and fisherman. His career path in the Upper Peninsula included his own gun shop, professional tournament fishing, engineering and consulting.  This led him ultimately to a career in academia; he worked in the Physics department at Michigan Tech from 1995 to 2005. Hired as Tech’s Master Machinist, Dave also served as a Research Engineer, Mechanical Designer, Chemical Hygiene Officer, and Laser Safety Engineer.  He worked closely with faculty, researchers, and graduate students doing the designing, machining, and assembly of projects for research laboratories, teaching labs, and demonstration projects as well as performing safety inspections of laboratory facilities. Dave was credited with helping to place the Michigan Tech Department of Physics on the world map with his work on the CONCaM system of continuous camera night sky monitoring. As the system’s co-inventor, he did the mechanical design, engineering, machining, construction, and installation of units that were deployed at some of the world’s foremost observatories.  Dave also assisted in the introduction and development of the Isle Royale Institute- a strategic partnership between Isle Royale National Park and MTU to develop a major international education and research center at the island.
      Upon his retirement from Michigan Tech, Dave moved to Escanaba where he continued most of his outdoorsman pursuits and consulted with VanAire, Inc. of Gladstone, a firm founded by one of Dave’s closest friends.
     Dave was predeceased by his parents, sister Connie Cook, and niece Heather Stringer. Dave is survived by his son Chad Cook of Hancock, Michigan, brother Rob (Maria Bruno) Cook of Alma, sister Nancy Stringer of Alma, nephews Will Cook of Alma and Sean Stringer of Charlevoix, cousins Jon, Karen, and Bob Burket, cousin Neal Parmley, Aunt Ruth Goodrich of Denver and Uncle Jack Goodrich of Largo and their daughters Kristi, Jayne, and Linda.
     In accordance with Dave’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service is planned. Dave has been cremated and his remains will be dispersed per his wishes by his son Chad. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

     The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. Please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com to leave online condolences.

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