William (Bill) Cook, president of Oregon-Idaho Conference UM Men, died Nov. 22, 2012, in Beaverton, Oregon at age 81.

Born March 22, 1931 in Oakland, Calif., Bill spent his childhood in Ogden, Utah. He graduated from Claremont Men’s College in 1952 and earned a master’s degree in industrial relations from University of California, Berkeley in 1956.

Bill served in the Army during the Korean War and met his wife, Beatrice (Bea) Dodge, while stationed at Fort Ord, Calif.

He worked for U.S. Steel Supply for 30 years, but said his life really started when he retired in 1989. He began his retirement as a steel consultant in India and then became active in UM Men, Christ UMC, the World Methodist Council, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, Loaves and Fishes and square dancing.

Bill will be remembered for his service to others, his quick wit and his love of family.

Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bea; children, William B. III (Jody), Thomas (Geneva) and Jennifer Loney (Doug); two sisters, Barbara Wormser (Larry) and Nancy Aldrich (Ralph); and eight grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, Doernbecher Children's Hospital or Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp.