[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 21 (Monday, March 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN MEMORY OF GENE COOK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 4, 2002

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, recently my community unexpectedly lost one 
of its foremost citizens. Gene Cook, an elected official and community 
leader for nearly four decades, passed away on February 15th, 2002.
  Ever the gentleman, Gene went about moving our community and its 
citizens forward. As the longest serving member to date on the Toledo 
City Council, Gene's influence can be felt through a legion of 
initiatives and projects throughout Northwest Ohio.
  Born in a west Tennessee farming community, Gene moved with his 
family to Cleveland when he was a boy. There he developed true passion 
and skill for sports that always remained an integral part of his life. 
After completing wartime service in Korea, Gene enrolled in the 
University of Toledo where he excelled in football, basketball, and 
baseball. He want on to a professional football career and until 
permanently sidelined by injury, he played for the Green Bay Packers, 
Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Colts.
  Gene began his tenure in public service in 1967 with his election to 
the Toledo City Council. He served in various capacities on the 
Council, including thirteen years as vice mayor and three years as 
council president. He retired from the Council in 1997 after thirty 
years of able service. Beginning in 1977 and continuing to his death. 
Gene was also the general manager of Toledo's Triple A baseball team, 
the Mud Hens. A skilled marketer, Gene guided the club through many 
innovations including its last, a move to a new stadium in downtown 
Toledo this spring.
  A family man at heart, Gene together with his wife of 45 years, 
Marion, reared three children: John, Gary, and Shelley. The Toledo 
Blade noted that ``in spite of all his public accomplishments, his 
greatest accomplishment was his family. HIs pride in family was the 
very essence of Gene. His joy in life was having his wife and children 
and grandchildren with him.'' No truer or finer testament may be given 
to a man.
  We extend our sympathy to Marion, to her children and grandchildren, 
to Gene's sister and brother, Betty and Bill, and to his many friends 
and relatives. As they set out on this difficult journey and carrying 
Gene in their hearts, may his legacy to them and our city help carry 
them through.

                          ____________________