Charles Robert “Bob” Cook, of Scottsdale, AZ, and formerly of Sidney, NE, went home to our Heavenly Father on February 19, 2025, after 94 years filled with love for his family, friends, teammates, community and church. Without a doubt, Bob’s life was one well lived.

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends at a later date in Sidney, NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Health Center Foundation (1000 Pole Creek Crossing, Sidney, 69162) or to The Chadron State Foundation (P.O. Box 120 Chadron, NE 69337).

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel leave condolences for the family. You may view Bob’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.  Messenger Mortuary in Scottsdale Arizona is in charge of Bob’s Care.

Bob was born to Lena and Robert Cook on June 2, 1930, in Potlach, Idaho. Shortly after, his family moved to Montclair, California, where he spent most of his childhood. At age 13, the Cooks relocated again, this time to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where Bob would truly plant his roots and thrive for the next 77 years.

Always an outstanding athlete, Bob excelled in basketball, football, baseball and track during his Gering High School days – resulting in a basketball scholarship to the University of Nebraska. After playing one season in Lincoln, Bob transferred to Chadron State College to be closer to home. He finished his undergraduate education and continued his basketball career playing for the Eagles. Bob earned Little All-American honors his senior year and was proud to have been part of the only Chadron State team to ever play in the NAIA tournament in Kansas City. However, the biggest win Bob ever had on a gymnasium floor and the beginning of a lifelong love story was meeting Marian Stanker at a school dance.  Hands down his most valuable teammate, Bob married Marian in 1953 and the two were planning on celebrating their 72nd anniversary this June. As newlyweds, the Cooks first spent time in Greeley, Colorado while Bob pursued his master’s in physical education from the University of Northern Colorado. Their next adventure landed the couple in Anchorage, Alaska, where Bob served in the US Army at Fort Richardson. It was there that Bob and Marian welcomed their first son, Scott, followed by a return to Nebraska and the birth of their second son, Steve, 3 years later. 

After his army discharge, Bob accepted coaching positions in Colorado and Nebraska; his most notable as Sidney’s head basketball coach from 1960-1966. He eventually stepped away from the court for a 41-year career in real estate. Bob founded Cook and Associates in 1982 to transact agricultural, residential, and commercial real estate until he retired in 2007. As a pillar of the community, Bob utilized his strong relationships and devoted his time and work ethic to give back to Sidney and the people that call Western Nebraska home. He was a seven-year member and twice-president of the Sidney School Board, a member of the Sidney Country Club and Elks Lodge, a founder of the Sloan Estates Senior Living Project, and for nine years, the chairman of the Salvation Army. Mentoring youth was of high importance to Bob as he invested countless hours in his sons’ activities and by coaching years of Little League, High School and American Legion Baseball. In later years, he even offered guidance to his grandson’s basketball teams in Arizona. This constant gentleman was known for his honesty, integrity and faithfulness throughout his life. Bob’s deep faith was instilled in him through his decades-long FCA membership and deep love for the Christ Episcopal Church in Sidney. Bob’s years of service there included roles as a Sunday school teacher, Senior Warden and ordained Deacon.

In retirement, Bob remained a constant presence on the golf course and ski slopes. If Bob wasn’t seen driving his GEM golf cart around the Sidney streets, then he was making the six-hour trip to Lincoln to cheer on the Cornhuskers or loading up the RV for summers in Estes Park. Later, to escape “the wind and the cold” Bob and Marian spent their winters with family in Nevada and Arizona. They finally relocated to Scottsdale full-time in 2020. You rarely saw one without the other, always walking hand in hand. Bob spent his final years as his beloved Marian’s caretaker, a true testament to unconditional love and the meaning of commitment.

Bob was a genuine soul with uncompromising principles who leaves a beautiful legacy of leadership, friendship, and compassion for all who knew and loved him. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Lena and Robert, and his younger brother Wes.

He is survived by his wife Marian, children Scott and Steve (Heather), grandchildren Kaitie (Austin) Brink, Kimber, Anna Lee, Karleigh, and Cannon, and great-grandson Jack.

Family was Bob’s greatest joy and memories with him are now our treasured gift that will only grow more precious with time. John 14:1-6