Adrian Cook Obituary

Adrian Gaylon Cook, born July 30, 1946, in Driggs, Idaho to Adrian and Martha Cook, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024. Raised in Tetonia, Idaho with his older sister (Shirlene) and younger brother (Lyndon), Gaylon's early years were marked by a deep appreciation for his faith, family, nature, and God's beautiful creations.

Gaylon's childhood required contributing to the work on the family's large ranch and dairy farm. Once he successfully learned to drive a pickup truck at the age of nine, he spent many hours each day operating a Ford-Ferguson tractor with a side delivery rake. He took great pride in working alongside his dad and became endeared to the majestic Teton valley.

Gaylon began his pursuit of higher education at Ricks College in Idaho before serving in the New York Cumorah mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following his mission, he attended Brigham Young University to complete a bachelor's degree in Zoology. He continued his studies at the University of Georgia where he earned a Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology and then returned to BYU for a master's degree in Computer Science.

Gaylon dedicated most of his career to academia, sharing his extensive knowledge as a professor of Biology, Zoology, Ecology, and other sciences. His family and countless undergraduate and post-graduate students in Georgia from the past 22 years hold memories of his dedication, knowledge, and curiosity for the natural world. He never wanted to retire from teaching, and he never did.

Gaylon and his wife of 54 years, Dora, raised six children: Sheila Mitchell (Brett), twins: Rachael James (Rich) and Ryan Cook, Rebekah Thorstenson (Daniel), Amiel Cook (Melynda), and Reuben Cook (Kira). Gaylon's greatest joy, his family, also includes 20 grandchildren and one great granddaughter on the way.

A monument for Gaylon will be located at East Lawn Cemetery in Provo, Utah. A small memorial service to honor him will take place on September 1 at 5PM at Big Eddy/Rainey Bridge, along the Teton River in Driggs, ID.