Chaunce Cook
Born June 30, 1933 in McCook, Nebraska, moved to California and eventually ended up in Houston, TX., where he lived until his passing on May 28, 2007. After a long and successful career at Union Oil Company he was able to retire (1965-1995). Upon his retirement Chaunce stayed true to his form (not being able to sit still) and became a Special Education Substitute, at Ponderosa Elementary School (2002-2007). This quickly became his “second” career as he loved interacting with these special kids each day. In addition to his new career, he become involved in the Senior Olympics. Over the last couple of years, he enjoyed competing in the shot put and discus throw. He competed in the Senior Olympics in many states and met many friends along the way. He truly enjoyed the challenge. His last competition would be in Austin, Texas, little did we know that this would be the end of our time together.
Our lives are so often taken for granted as we go from day to day with people we love, that we forget to stop and realize just how precious our relationships are. We had a man that God was kind enough to give us and now he is gone. Selfishly we wanted him to stay and be with us, but that was not God’s will. We will miss him greatly, but are comforted in the fact that he is dancing with the Lord and celebrating his eternal life. We also know that we will all see him again upon entering the gates of heaven and dancing hand in hand.
For all of us that were blessed enough to know him, we thank God for that each and every day. It didn’t matter if you were family, a friend, or a stranger; when you met Chaunce he made you feel like a part of his family. You could not ask God to give you a better man to be a leader of the family than Chaunce. We will miss him each and every day, but know that this will only be temporary because we too shall come to a point when we will go and be with God. When we do, what better thing to know than he will be waiting there to welcome us in to the Lord’s glorious kingdom.
“To those who knew him, I need say no more” Mary.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Senior Olympics.
Faithbridge Church
Chaunce Cook
Born June 30, 1933 in McCook, Nebraska, moved to California and eventually ended up in Houston, TX., where he lived until his passing on May 28, 2007. After a long and successful career at Union Oil Company he was able to retire (1965-1995). Upon his retirement Chaunce stayed true to his form (not being able to sit still) and became a Special Education Substitute, at Ponderosa Elementary School (2002-2007). This quickly became his “second” career as he loved interacting with these special kids each day. In addition to his new career, he become involved in the Senior Olympics. Over the last couple of years, he enjoyed competing in the shot put and discus throw. He competed in the Senior Olympics in many states and met many friends along the way. He truly enjoyed the challenge. His last competition would be in Austin, Texas, little did we know that this would be the end of our time together.
Tragically he was injured by a dicuss. and was not able to pull himself out of this one. He gave a valiant effort, but it proved to be in God’s plan to have Chaunce come up and be with Him. So now he is gone to do the Lord’s repairs! Missing to his family here in Houston is a Husband, Best Friend, Father, Grandpa, Marine, now an Angel.
Our lives are so often taken for granted as we go from day to day with people we love, that we forget to stop and realize just how precious our relationships are. We had a man that God was kind enough to give us and now he is gone. Selfishly we wanted him to stay and be with us, but that was not God’s will. We will miss him greatly, but are comforted in the fact that he is dancing with the Lord and celebrating his eternal life. We also know that we will all see him again upon entering the gates of heaven and dancing hand in hand.
For all of us that were blessed enough to know him, we thank God for that each and every day. It didn’t matter if you were family, a friend, or a stranger; when you met Chaunce he made you feel like a part of his family. You could not ask God to give you a better man to be a leader of the family than Chaunce. We will miss him each and every day, but know that this will only be temporary because we too shall come to a point when we will go and be with God. When we do, what better thing to know than he will be waiting there to welcome us in to the Lord’s glorious kingdom.
“To those who knew him, I need say no more” Mary.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Senior Olympics.
Texas Senior Games Association (Senior Olympics)
PMB 325, Fort Worth, TX 76133.
Website Link
Chaunce was a true friend! He lived the Marine Corps motto,
"Semper Fi"
He will be always in our hearts! It was a privelege to have him pass our way.
Hello everyone,
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Cook for the past two years. Everyday around 2:30, he shared a tidbit of his life and wisdom. Whether it was his love for his "bride", his children, grandchildren, sports, traveling, the "MARINES", our school children; Mr. Cook could tell just amazing stories. Some of the most memorable stories he shared were: getting stuck in attic, his wife not letting him get his hair cut short, his daughters 200+ guest wedding reception at his home, his home burglary, rebuilding his home, how he met his "bride", his grandchildren loving the train in his home. It was truly a pleasure to have known such a man that some how became my "surrogate" grandfather. Everyday I waited on my daily dose of wisdom from the "gentle giant". He and his presence will be truly missed.
Love,
Latashia Harrison
I had the pleasure of working with Chaunce for many years. He became a very good friend and confidant. His open acceptance of everyone he met, relaxed manner, wit, wisdom, humor, along with his giving and caring sprit, have taught me a great deal and I will always be blessed by having known Chaunce.
Chaunce had become, and will continue to be, a life-coach. I cannot think of anyone, at any time in my life, who so profoundly influenced my own growth and provided that gentle encouragement for which he was so famous.
There are many pieces of wisdom that Chaunce turned into “Chaunce-isms.” Those wise and humorous “Chaunce-isms” will remain with me forever.
May God Bless Chaunce, Mary and Family,
With Warmest and Deepest Sympathy
Rich Gredler
My deepest sympathy goes out to Mary and the family!
"Chaunce" was a mentor and a friend who will be truly missed."Chaunce" is one of these rare people who always leaves a positive impact on your life as we travel it's path.
One of Chaunce's sayings was "The Impossible Takes a Little Bit Longer", I am not sure if he was talking about his golf swing or the task at hand, "Chaunce" never gave up
and inspired others to do the same.
Thank you for being my friend!
Joe Kimball
Chaunce was great guy and a true gentleman. I had the great fortune to work with him at Unocal for a number of years. I was always amazed how he handled difficult situations in a very stressful environment with great aplomb and dignity. My most sincere sympathy to his wife and family. I know he will also be missed by a legion of people who considered him a friend and respected him greatly.
Mary,
Linda and I are very sorry to hear the sad news. My American flag is flying at my house for Chaunce. Chaunce loved to wear his Red White and Blue shirts, that is one of many memories I have him. I learn so much working for Chaunce at Delta Distributors, most of all it was the value of family, he loved his family so much, espacially his "Bride".
Love
Greg and Linda
Mary,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We only had a couple of occasions to visit with Chaunce, but though you I know he was a kind, giving and thoughtful husband, father and grandfather. And always seemed to have a positive attitude.
You two were so close that I know you will deeply miss him. But he will always be watching over his family and friends.
With love and prayers,
Tony and Anna Marie Linkhart
May 31, 2007
I had the honor and privilege of working with Mr. Cook at Ponderosa Elementary School. I am a relative "rookie in the game" and learning from Mr. Cook's wisdom is something I will cherish. He was truly a gentleman and a friend. I felt I could talk with Mr. Cook about anything, and he would gladly give such encouraging words. He also loved talking about his "Bride", and the adventures that he was participating in. He will truly be missed.
"Angels are among us; when you find them, cherish their presence every day" Author Unknown
Joe Jansky
My Dear Friend. My Mr. Cook. The room was always better when he was in it. I am truly blessed for having known him.
"Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted."
Matt. 5:4
With Love,
Kayla Kosa
Mr. Cook, "One" of the "Few Good Men". I am honored to have worked with Mr. Cook. In many ways he reminded me of my Dad. His words of wisdom and his vitality for life were an inspiration for all of us. My prayers are with his family.
I had the privilege of working with Chaunce at Unocal for 10 years but we were friends much longer than that. I always appreciated the support, encouragement and wisdom that he provided in not only work but in our personal lives. His wit and wisdom was legendary within Unocal and the chemical industry.
For a man of such imposing size and accomplishments, I was always surprised (and envious) at the way that he made people comfortable and drew them into his life.
He left his mark on the world with all of the lives that that he touched. Chaunce will be missed.
Our prayers and deepest sympathy to Mary and the Family.
John & Laurie Wood
We both feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know Chaunce these past 5 years. A gentleman, a scholar, a man's man, a true gentleman who led by example and who exemplified the highest ethical, moral and professional standards. We will remember his wonderful smile and warm personality and will truly miss him. May God bless his family.
With all our love, Alan & Nancy Kaniss
He was a tough competiter and a very good man and friend
What will we miss about Mr. Cook our incredible wonderful friend?
You know he always seemed to live each day from beginning to the end
You’d see him in the hallway and give him a little tug
The next thing you know he was ready with a hug
This wonderful gentle giant would wrap you with his arms
And for one wonderful moment you felt protected from any harm
It really didn’t matter if you felt so incredibly down
He always managed to make disappear any sad or bothersome frown
I want to thank his family for sharing him with us all
And I think up in heaven he’s going to have a ball
I will truly miss his smile and all his lovely banter
His big red suit and big white beard when he was our special Santa
You faith is so fantastic and I know it helps you through
Mary you know we love you dearly and we’ll always be there for you
God bless you and your family at this sad time.
A fine man, who lived each day as if it was his last...no regrets, gratitude and love for all. To Mary and his children...your loss is insurmountable and will take time to heal...but how very fortunate that you had in him in your life for as long as you did...what a gift!!! Janet Starolis, Counselor at Ponderosa Elementary School.
Mary, we were out of town or we would have been at the service. Words cannot express our shock and sorrow. We cared so very much for Chaunce. He was such a kind & caring person. We will miss him.
Phil & Jenna Baker
What a guy! What a grin! What a competitor! What a "husker"!We had so many great memories with you both. I smile from ear to ear with every memory. The good lord took a good one from us, but he didn't take the memories.
Love, Liz and Mike McAdams
Chaunce or " Mr. Cook " gave me the opportunity to go into sales management with Unocal back in 1983. His business theory of " you only have to be right 51 % of the time " was a great help to my career. The other help was in learning from him that if you have to work on Friday - you can't handle the job. More than that, he was a friend and he and Mary were always very gracious and ready to help when needed. He will be missed but never forgotten.
To Maery and the rest of the family, we share your loss.
As you know Chaunce and my brother Bill were very close friends for so many years. Chaunce was always there for Bill and his wife Pat throughout Bill's long illness.
Chaunce was well known by all in our family and we appreciate his friendship.
On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank you and your staff for your excellent and caring service.
Thank you for all you did to make our mother's funeral special, dignified, and easy for us.
I just can't express to you enough how much we appreciated the kindness and professionalism my family experienced with you and your staff.
Thank you for treating my beloved mother with honor and respect all throughout the process.
Our family will be forever grateful to the owner and staff at Beresford Funeral Services for the excellent services they provided to our family upon the death of our loved one. Everything went smoothly. The planning was easy with everything needed for the funeral provided on sight at reasonable prices with no pressure to spend more than planned. They were flexible with our personal plans, very kind, and considerate from beginning to end. We would definitely recommend Beresford Funeral Services to anyone in need of funeral services.
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