Dennis Michael Cook

September 8, 1950 ~ January 26, 2026

Gone Fishin' (For Real This Time)

Dennis Michael Cook known variously as Dennis, Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle Mike, and most famously "Magoo" has gone fishin'. And no, this time he didn't forget to tell anyone where he was going.

Born September 8, 1950, in Sedro-Woolley to Elizabeth and Clifford Cook, Dennis spent his life doing what he loved most: fishing the Skagit River, hunting for the best deal ever discovered by mankind, and fixing things that most people would have given up on long ago. Salmon, silvers, humpies, Dolly Vardens, old cars, boats, engines, fishing reels, antiques if it could be caught, traded, rescued, or tinkered with, Dennis was in.

Many days began with a scenic "upriver" drive that just happened to include a few treasure stops. Somehow, he always came home with exactly what he didn't know he needed and usually for a price no one else would believe.

Dennis loved people as much as he loved projects. His legendary smoked salmon and backyard BBQs were less about the food (though the salmon was succulent! ) and more about the gathering. Stories were told. Jokes were attempted. Punchlines sometimes arrived late but laughter always showed up on time.

A member of the Cowboy Church, Dennis took seriously his role as a fisher of men. He shared the gospel of Jesus freely, joyfully, and without pretense often wrapped in humor, kindness, and a well-timed "Hey did I tell you…" He had a deep hope that everyone he met would know Christ, and he lived that hope out loud.

Dennis shared 52 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Bonnie, whom he met as a teenager in the late '60s. They married in 1972 in Sitka, Alaska, and built a life marked by hard work, adventure, and many miles between Alaska and the Skagit Valley. Wherever they landed, Dennis worked mills, boat manufacturing, the Mount Vernon cheese factory, and finally the Sedro-Woolley School District always providing, always fixing, always moving forward.

He leaves behind his wife, Bonnie; his daughter and son-in-law, Amy (Brady) Hankins; his son, Dennis Cook Jr.; his cherished grandsons, Cody and Aiden; he also leaves a wide circle of nieces, nephews, Tom, Belinda, Tracy, Penny, Anita, Angela, Tammy, Carrie and Marcia; so many friends, fishing buddies, and deal-making co-conspirators who will forever hear his voice when they say, "You won't believe what I found…"

Dennis passed peacefully into heaven on January 26, 2026. We like to imagine him exactly where he belongs rod in hand, Jesus nearby, and a BBQ already going. After all, even Jesus went fishing and cooked breakfast for His friends in John 21.

Some people leave behind things. Dennis leaves behind stories. And maybe a few spare fishing reels if you know where to look.

A Graveside service will be held at 1:00, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Union Cemetery in Sedro-Woolley, WA, with Pastor Roy Swihart officiating.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00, on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Riverfront Park, 901 River Rd, Sedro-Woolley. This gathering will be a potluck-style barbecue; guests are welcome to bring a dish to share and their preferred beverages. Family and friends are encouraged to bring memories and stories to honor and celebrate his life.

Please share your memories of Dennis and sign the online guest register.