Warren F. Cook, June 16, 1946 to August 28, 2020

Retired MCSO Captain Warren Cook passed away in Portland Aug. 28, 2020 after suffering years of complications following an accident.

Warren was born June 16, 1946 in Portland to Ernest and Melba Cook. While attending the University of Portland, he found his beloved Charlotte after throwing a snowball at her and they remained a loving couple for 56 years. The greatest blessing of their lives is their son Albert, and Warren’s time spent with Albert were his most treasured moments. Through the years, many other young men would come to think of Warren as a great father figure and call him Dad.

He proudly served the Multnomah Country Sheriffs Office for 32 years having commanded each of the County’s jails at one time or another. He strongly believed in the power of rehabilitation and worked to incorporate this philosophy into their policies. Using this experience he was a trusted advisor and consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice, frequently provided expert witness testimony, and taught for the Criminal Justice program at Portland Community College for over 30 years. He considered teaching to be one of the most important jobs he had ever done. He also spent 19 years in the Air Force Reserves.
Warren loved to teach, travel, and entertain guests in his home. He was an accomplished musician and had enjoyed playing with the Shrine Band. Warren will be remembered for his dedication to and love for his family, friends, and God, his unfailing kindness, and his sense of justice.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte; son, Albert; sisters, Patti and Louise; “son,” John Kang; lifelong friends, Steve, Dana, and Piper, their spouses; nieces and nephews.

Warren would wish everyone peace, justice, and faith.
Remembrances to St. James Lutheran Church or Blanchet House.

Warren’s sister Louise Cook Jones remembers Warren

[Editor: Warren’s sister, Louise Cook Jones, sent us the following recollections of Warren.]

Here are a few remembrances of Warren:

Warren Franklin Cook grew up on Firlock Lane (now 78th Ave.) in Garden Home.

He attended Garden Home Grade School beginning in 1952, when Wayne Thurman was principal.

He played Little League baseball, excelling as catcher.

He was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout. Warren enjoyed the special Blue and Gold dinners held in the school cafeteria.

He attended events each Saturday at the downtown Portland YMCA and enjoyed his times at Camp Collins.

He played drums and clarinet in the school band when Phil McGriff was director. Louise Gustafson was his piano teacher.

In those days, children had the run of the neighborhood, as long as they were home before dark and Warren loved to ride his bike everywhere.

He also used his bicycle for his early morning Oregonian newspaper delivery route.

His companions on Firlock Lane were Steve Hare and Arnie Poutalla.

He was a friend to the Alpenrose Dairy driver, the Miller Garbage collector, the blue van bakery delivery man, Mr. Throckmorton at the grocery store – everyone knew Warren.

He was always pleasant, happy, and helpful.

He continued with music at Beaverton High School, where he played in the band and in the orchestra and sang in the A Cappella Choir.

He was a member of the Fire Squad at Beaverton and was the football commentator.

He graduated from Beaverton in 1964 and went on to study at the University of Portland.

He was a member of the Garden Home Methodist Church youth group.

As a child Warren was one of the ringers of the historic church bell.   It was rung to call folks to worship (Warren rang it occasionally at other times too, just for fun!)

His childhood in Garden Home prepared him for the many success and accolades of his adult life and for the goodness of his character.