Doug Cook
February 21, 1937 - May 14, 2009

When I close my eyes and picture Doug Cook
From across the street I open my door to take a look
There he moseys back and forth in his yard
Pushing his lawn mower and working so hard
Wearing a towel ‘round his neck and a white tee shirt
He throws down his cigarette and stomps it out in the dirt
Soon he heads for the porch where his cold beer awaits
And he rests his young body, then suddenly states
To his beloved, patient spouse who is such a dear
“Hey Jane, how ‘bout some pretzels to go with my beer!”

After years of walking the Baltimore beat with pride
He had age and wisdom on his side
Retirement was the blessing that brought Doug west
Where he and his sweetie could live life at its best
So 20 years later and 2,000 miles away
With a simple road trip began a new day
The Cooks bought a house, then went home to pack
And moved to the desert without looking back!

From east to west and now back to this place
It was a joyful journey filled with dignity and grace
Overflowing with memories and lots of good friends
Sharing knowledge and insight that truly never ends
From his days in charm city to the valley of the sun
This old soul’s moseying even now isn’t done
While there’s no more oxygen tank and surely no smokes
Doug is nowadays coming together with all the old folks
So we can remember him fondly and send him our love
For at long last he breathes freely and guides from above!