Michael Aaron Cook
October 30, 1985 ~ March 1, 2013
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Michael Aaron Cook, 27, died Friday, March 1, 2013 at his residence.
Born in Cumberland County, he had lived in Asheville for the past eight years and was the son of Randy and Phyllis Neill Cook of Mills River.
He was a poet and writer and was a frequent reader at the Kava Bar. He had great love for the Smoky and Rocky Mountains and was an accomplished snow boarder.
In addition to his parents, Michael is survived by one sister, Kathleen Alexandra Cook, of Asheville; his maternal grandmother, Peggy Jean Neill of Fayetteville; his paternal grandmother, Ruby Wallace Cook of Salisbury as well as several cousins, aunts and uncles.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Michael's memory to The Children's Welfare League of Asheville, PO Box 15425, Asheville, NC 28813 (www.cwleague.org).
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is in charge of arrangements.
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Phyllis,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Kathy
May God be with you in this time of need. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Phyllis,
I just want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Lea Putnam
Sending love and prayers to all of you. Cling to all your happy and joyful memories..Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Keeping you, your family and friends in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult and so so sad time.
Randy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
DEAR RANDY, PHYLLIS, AND ALEX,
I REMEMBER WHEN MICHAEL WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND PAINTED THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VERSION OF STARRY NIGHT. HE WAS A TALENTED AND BEAUTIFUL CHILD WHO WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. MAY YOU FIND STRENGTH IN THE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES. LOVE,
NANCY AND TOM SMOLEN
Sending my love and condolences to this young man’s family members and friends. May he rest peacefully and always be remembered in the hearts of those he loved and those who loved him.
I remember the first story you read in class and I was immediately fascinated with you. I learned so much from you.There was a time where we lost touch and you got back in contact with me and apologized for disappearing,but, that you needed to distance yourself from me because I was ‘overly optimistic’ about life and it was too much for you to handle. We laughed about it and made jokes. I keep replaying that conversation over in my head. I went to your house to say goodbye and you seemed so much happier than usual. I had hoped you would always be happy that ,you would keep that smile on your face. The last thing you read to me was an epic poem you had been working on about your sex life.You said you were going to keep adding to it throughout your life until you were too old to have sex anymore. What happened? I loved listening to you read. You were so gifted! I wish you would have seen the potential in yourself that so many of us saw in you.I will forever miss you. Keep writing!
Alex and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine. And, I am sorry you have to. Reading the responses here moved me to tears. I only met Michael once or twice with you, Alex. In any event, 27 is way too young and I know it is heart shattering. While you try to pick up the pieces, I hope the Lord grants you peace and comfort that surpasses all understanding here on Earth. Love.
always in our hearts. miss you like crazy man. it was too soon. have a good eternal rest.
so sorry to hear about your loss alex i know you loved your brother alot even the ups and downs
Randy,
I am so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Randy, Phyllis and Alex,
I continue to keep each of you in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you during this time.
Audrey
My thoughts and prayers are with Phyllis, Randy and Alex, as well as with the rest of the family. I have no words to express my feelings…I can only cry.
What a wonderful picture of Michael and such a lovely way to remember his spirit!
Mike, Pongo, you were such an amazing guy. I loved being around you and hearing your goofy, boisterous laughter. You never thought you were a good poet, but truthfully your poetry was the most beautiful and heart-wrenching I’ve ever heard.You were so kind and sweet and always wanting to help everyone. I miss you so much. I didn’t get your messages until I got off work early Friday morning. I wish I would have responded in time for you to read it. I would have told you that I love and missed you. I wish we could hang out on Jeremy’s porch and listen to Frank Ocean together. I wish you were still here. You will forever be missed Mike Cook, Hero of the Suburbs.
Dear Randy, Phyllis and family
our thoughts are with you.
we can only wish you strength to cope with this big loss.
our condoleances
kind regards,
Dunja & Bob
Arnhem
The Netherlands
still cant believe it. my friend, my dogg. we had some good times together me, you and seth. i just hate there wont be anymore chilling. i was thinking the other day when u and seth got me that keg for my birthday and let me keep the money i made off of it at the party. little things like that thatll always keep me thinking about u. we grew closer these past years and im thankful we were good friends. i wont forget about u, man. have a good eternal rest. love you, bro!!!
Mike, you had a personality that anyone could get along with so easily. You had so much heart, and wore it on your sleeves. We were roommates for a short period of time, and your company was so easy to keep. I remember so many nights coming home and then we just stayed up out on the porch just talking. You were so easy to talk to and you were so appreciative of every little thing. It didn’t matter what it was, a cigarette, a piece of pizza, or some McDonald’s. You would thank me a thousand times just for offering it to you. You were a rare find, and I’m glad I got to know you and live under the same roof as you for that short period of time. Rest in peace. Whatever was haunting you can’t hurt you no more.
My Dear, Sweet Friends,
I KNOW your hearts are breaking, but I also know that Michael is finally at peace. God will give you the strength you need to get through your pain and sorrow. I wish there were words to express my sympathy and help take away your pain!
I am So blessed to have you as my friends and to have known Michael for 20 years! I have SO many wonderful memories of all the FUN times we all have shared!
Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
I Love you all SO Very Much!
God Bless!
My Love & Prayers Always,
Dorie : )
To my best friend mike i will miss you an the good times… Until we meet again may the force be with you old friend..
Mike,
We had some wonderful times and some terrible times. Lol. I’ll never forget the first Christmas we spent together when you won my heart over. Some of the happiest times of my life were spent with you. I’ll be forever grateful of our friendship we maintained over the years. You were the most intelligent person I knew. And it still makes me laugh thinking about your irrational fear of aliens. Lol. I will truly miss you with all my heart and you will never be forgotten.
Love Always,
Miranda
Dear Mike,
You once showed me your heart when you read me a poem. In all of its depth it was beautiful. Thank you Mike for sharing it with me. What a blessing it was. I’ll see you in better places my friend. No doubt about it.
Randy and family,
My thoughts are with you in these darkest of days. I wish you strength.
My sincere condolences
Patricia van der Horst
Dear Randy and all other family members,
My wife and I feel very sorry to hear about the loss of Michael. We wish that you will find the strength, with help of each other and your dear friends, to get through this very difficult period. Our thoughts go out to you.
Kind regards,
Claudia and Edgar Berkhout
Huissen, The Netherlands
Dear Phyllis and Randy,
Words cannot express what we want to say to your entire family at this overwhelming time. May you find strength and comfort in all of your family and friends.
Love,
Madeleine and Terry Teele
Stephanie Ross and Spencer Ross
Wir sind in Gedanken bei der Familie !!!
Dear Randy, Phyllis and Family,
My deepest condolances with the loss of your son Michael.
I wish you all the strenght and courage in these difficult times.
Joop Klaasse
Dear Randy, Phyllis, family and friends,
Condolences with this enormous loss you are facing. I wish you all the strength in the world to cope with loss. My thoughts are with you. Stefan
Dear Phyllis,Randy & Alex,
I am so sorry for your great loss.
Michael was so loved by his family and friends.Know that he is now well and out of pain.Time will help.I love you very much.
Dear Randy and family,
My sincere condolences of this huge loss. I wish you all strength in these most difficult times.
Pepijn Kuik
Mike is a person who I’ve always thought about weekly.. Even after 8-10 years of no contact. Someone who had such a large impact on my life that no matter the distance or years between I have and will always consider him a best friend. His smile and laughter could brighten any moment. His witt and charm served to buffer many turbulent situations we as kids found ourselves in. I looked up to him in many ways, and he helped me in many more. I will always cherish the times we shared. A brilliant mind and wonderful friend.
RIP Good Sir
My heart is with you Randy, Phyllis and Alex.
I do not have the words to express how sorry I am. While most of my memories of Michael are of his younger days, I was so happy to hear he had been writing and look forward to reading some of his work. Thanks for taking the time to put up the pictures, too. Those were nice- especially seeing him smile and doing some of the things he enjoyed. I’ll get up the mountain soon and we’ll do some sitting and remembering. May Michael truly, truly rest in peace.
Randy,
You and your family are deep in my prayers and heart. Plese accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Though I hadn’t seen or talked to Michael in years, I have many memories of our friendship when we were kids, and will always cherish those. He had so many gifts. It breaks my heart to know that he is gone. My thoughts and prayers are with you Phyllis, Randy, and Alex. I love you all,
Kristin
Phyllis, Randy, Alex and the rest of your family…You know are thinking about you and praying for you all every day in this difficult time. We love you…we really do.
Dear Phyllis and Randy, please accept our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time. Our hearts are with you now and always. Sending all our love and our deepest sympathy, Eva and Neal Kon
Randy, Phyllis, Peggy, and Alex,
I am so sorry to hear about Michael. I have a very fond memory of taking him to his first rock concert. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and we look forward to seeing you in Colorado soon.
Keith Jarvis and family
My heart aches for you. I’m thinking or you daily. Patti P
Randy & Phyllis,
Just want you to know I’m thinking of you and your family at this time of incredible loss.
Vo Payne, High Vista neighbor
Michael—quite charming,infectious smile and laugh, mesmerizing grin, exponential intelligence, and did I mention gorgeous? Thinking of everyone!
Much love to all; David, Alesia, Davey, and Abigail
Michael I never got to meet you but I was married to one of your cousins Glenn Arp and stayed with a wonderful relationalship with your Grandmother Peggy Jean. We have remained friends over the many years and were very close with your Great Grandma Kate Gales who I loved very much. They will miss you very much because they are a wonderful Family
Mickey Whiting
Mike Cook, I had this spare bedroom with your name all over it out here in Colorado. I always looked forward to that day we we would be back in each others lives. I have lost a lot of people in my life, but the lose of you has hit me the hardest. Its has been very difficult for me to except this since receiving the news. I love you with all my heart Mike. You were one of my best and greatest friends I will ever have. Believe that I am thinking of you always. From now till the day that I can no longer strap in, any snowboarding, park laps, back country hikes, and fresh powder slashes layed down is in honor of Mista Mike.
One Fam,
Corey Woods
Mike, you will always have a very special place in my heart and I will always love you…. I will always cherish every moment we spent together and all of the memories we share.
Phyllis, Randy and Alex I’m so sorry… You will all be kept in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I love you all.
Randy,
My sincere condolances with the loss of your son. I wish you and your family a lot of strength in these difficult times.
Kind regards,
Harry Verbakel
Cook’,
I miss you more and more each day. I vow to always keep my pen in hand for you.
Love,
‘Cait’
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. This must be very difficult for you. I hope that your wonderful memories of him will bring you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Dear Phyllis, Alex and Randy,
I am so very sorry for this time in your family’s life. The lose of a loved one is so tragic and I am sending you all my love and payers; also from Ursula and Todd. They were very sad to hear this news. We all hope that as time passes the hurt and your sorry will heal. My best to your family…Love to you all…Marlene<3
Gina and I are so sorry for your loss. I cannot begin to imagine your pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Phyllis.
Randy & Phyllis: Please know that our thoughts are prayers are with you daily.
My fondest moment with Michael was last summer for grandma’s birthday. He gave me a ride to Asheville. We were riding up the mountain when a great song from the 90s came on the radio. We were singing and enjoying the ride, the music..the conversation.
You had such a beautiful voice. You were a beautiful person and profound thinker. I am so thankful for all the memories. I love you my dear cousin, and Ill always think of you whenever I hear that song.
My love to uncle Randy, aunt Phyllis and my beautiful little cousin Alexandra.
Compassionately,
Felicia
Hi Nancy—just doing some reminiscing,,…,heart-wrenching of course…..
by the way, he was in Kindergarten when he did the starry night painting with crayons that was displayed in the Charlotte Mint Museum!!!!! So many wasted talents…..so much un-used, un-tapped potentials!
What makes one mind function and another not?
Randy
Eric,
Thanks so much for sharing this. Mike also thought a lot of you! If you are ever in Asheville please come see us! 828 890 3049