Dale Allen Cook, 72

Dale Allen Cook, 72, died Friday, Nov. 25, 2005.

His parents were Stanton Cook and Thelma Keough Cook, with brothers, Everett and Merle and sister, Inna Cook Wells. Dale was born with fragile X syndrome, an inherited disability trait. We were raised on a farm near Opheim, until we moved to Kalispell in 1948.

Thelma died when Dale was a baby, and Dad died when Dale was 19 years old. Dale then entered the Boulder institution, where he developed many lifelong friendships. Dale left Boulder in 1970, when his family moved him to Kalispell, where we set him up in the Frontier Hotel, beginning a 35-year tradition of eating at Syke's, his second home.

'We thank Doug, Judy, Tim and Toby and all his friends at Syke's who contributed to Dale's well being through the years.'

Dale could always be seen riding his bicycle or sitting on the bench in Depot Park on Main Street, enjoying the activities.

In 1996, Bob Allison contacted Randy Kenyon, and Dale became a part of the Opportunity Resources Case Management family. As time went by, Randy, Ed, Cassidy, Peter, Pat, Jenny, Denise, Bill, Jim and others added to Dale's quality of life. Some of Dale's best times were at the county fair and trips with Special Friends. When Dale finally got his eyes fixed, he was again amazed at our beautiful mountains.

In 2000, his sister Irma moved from Denver to live in Kalispell when she and Dale became reunited as family. She helped Dale and his Special Friends begin a weekly tradition of bowling at Skyline Bowl. Vince Elkhorn added so much to their fun during those wonderful outings. Dale's nephew, Mikel Wells, became the team's captain, with fellow bowlers Allen Levitt, Richard Lorenz, Marshal Fields, Cathy Bott, Kathy Rose, Mark Hulslander, Tim Harris and David Clarke. Many tears were shed when the Skyline Bowl burned down.

Irma would like to thank Allen for being there for Dale these past years, as well as Opheim friend Rita McDowell of Literacy Volunteers. On this past Aug. 6, Dale fell off his bicycle, suffering a serious injury for which he never recovered. During these final weeks, Dale moved in with Irma and Mikel, who would like to thank his caregiver, Mary, as well as Anne, Leah, Barbara and Jennifer from Grace Hospice.

There will be a celebration and sharing of Dale Cook's life on Dec. 4 at Faith Alliance Church, 348 Second Ave. W., in Kalispell. Doors open at 2 p.m., and service is at 3 p.m. Please use south side door.

Donations to Special Friends in Dale Cook's name would be appreciated.