Medical device innovator leaves global legacy of innovation that helped millions of patients
William A. Cook, founder of the Cook Group global network of companies and a pioneer in the development of life-saving minimally invasive medical device technology, died today at approximately 4:30 p.m. EDT at his Bloomington home of congestive heart failure. He was 80. Survivors include his wife Gayle Cook, son Carl and daughter-in-law Marcy, and a granddaughter.
Funeral arrangements are pending at The Funeral Chapel of Powell & Deckard in Bloomington.
Started in the spare bedroom of his Bloomington apartment in 1963, the Cook family of companies grew into a global entity employing more than 10,000 people with manufacturing, sales, logistics and administrative facilities across the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. A noted philanthropist and historic preservationist, Mr. Cook and his family were involved in numerous charitable activities and sponsored the restoration of the West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Hotel in southwestern Indiana.
"Bill's many contributions to the medical industry are unprecedented, and his many contributions to the community and to charitable organizations are extraordinary," said Steve Ferguson, chairman of Cook Group Inc. "It was through his unique vision, persistence and dedication that Cook grew into a compassionate and caring company for patients, customers and employees. He truly epitomized the meaning of success."
Cook was born Jan. 27, 1931, in Mattoon, Ill. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Northwestern University in 1953 and pursued post-graduate work in physics at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Contacts:
Media:
Cook Medical
David McCarty, 812-322-1805 (mobile)
Director,
Global Public Relations
Dave.mccarty@cookmedical.com