Albert Ray Cook

Albert Cook, 74, passed away at his home with his loving wife Kathy on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Born in West Virginia, Al and his family moved to Gainesville, Florida in the 1960s. Al and Kathy met at Gainesville High School, and both attended the University of Florida. Al and Kathy married during their second year of college and continued their education, attending University of Florida’s law school together often sharing one set of books. During the summers and breaks he enjoyed working on cars, particularly British cars, which he sold to help pay for expenses. Al inherited his father’s love for old cars and drove a 1928 Model A Ford in high school which he had restored. Kathy, though, was not Al's first love, MGs were. In 1972 he bought his first MG. It was in soap boxes and had to be assembled. Imagine a model car only much bigger! It is no surprise that he would be active in the MG Clubs. Al served as president of the Orlando Classic MG Club and was chair of several GOFs. With his wonderful voice he also got to MC events. Upon moving near Tampa, he joined the Suncoast MG Club and enjoyed sharing this passion with his friends even when he was at Twin Creeks Assisted Living. After law school, Al and Kathy went on active duty in the Army JAG Corps and were stationed in Germany and enjoyed their time traveling throughout Europe. Al and Kathy’s passion for exploring took them on many great adventures throughout their lifetime together. After leaving Germany, Al and Kathy moved to Orlando where Al practiced law and was a member of the Florida Bar for 50 years and the Orange County Bar Association. While in Orlando, Al was very active in the Casselberry Chamber of Commerce as a founding member. He was in the Rotary Club in Casselberry where he served as president. Al was very generous and kindhearted, enjoying service projects to help the communities in which he lived. Al was a devoted father supporting Christina and Elizabeth in their all their dreams and activities. He was always willing to help behind the scenes, and he drove them to their many activities while listening to oldies in the car. He did not hesitate to step up to the plate when Kathy was on Army duty with the reserves. Al also got to experience being a father to a son when they had Oli come to stay as an exchange student for a year. Oli has remained active and in communication with the family since his return to Germany after his Junior year of high school. After his daughters had a family of their own, he was there cheering them on whenever he could. The past few years he spent many hours playing games and doing crafts with his grandchildren. Al was an inspiring husband showering Kathy with his undying love during their 55 years of marriage. There was not a challenge they faced that they could not face together. Their love grew to be stronger every day and every year. Al and Kathy enjoyed being part of the marriage ministry at St. Margaret Mary Church sharing their knowledge and love. Al is survived by his wife, Kathy, two daughters and their husbands Elizabeth (Ed) and Christina (Alex) as well as grandchildren Madeline, Miranda, Margaret, Colin, Caleb, and Kaleigh, his brother Tom (Margie), sister Alice (Bob), nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary Club Foundation • Visit https://my.rotary.org/en/donate • Select "Annual Fund - SHARE" • Select to make the donation in memory of Albert Cook and complete the form • Continue as a “Guest” • Under Club Information, select “Rotary Club” then use Rotary Club ID# 58680 • Complete the checkout OR Kudu Home of the Holy Angels, Kibale Uganda Development Union, Inc., P.O. Box 2396, Winter Park, FL 32790 – or online www.helpkibale.org/donate/donation-in-memory-of-al-cook-private/

Albert Ray Cook

November 12, 1950 - June 8, 2025