Vernon L. Cook

LIVERMORE FALLS – Vernon L. Cook, a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the age of 91. Vernon (Vern) was born in Jay, on July 20, 1934, the son of Ernest and Louise (Bryant) Cook. He attended Jay schools and joined the U.S. Air Force upon graduation. He was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii where, in 1956, he and a handful of other Airmen founded the Hickam Sea Lancers, a dive club that is still operational today. On Aug. 29, 1959, Vern returned home to wed Mary Richards, settling in Livermore Falls where they enjoyed 60 years together before her passing in 2020. Vern spent his career working as a foreman at the International Paper Mill in the Finishing Department. Upon retirement he took up golf, and he and Mary spent many winters in Florida living on a golf course which allowed Vern to enjoy his passion. He was the first person to achieve a Hole-in-One at the Turner Highlands in Turner, Maine. He was a former member of Turner Highland’s Golf Course in Turner and Scotland Yard Golf Course in Florida. In his earlier years, he enjoyed snowmobiling (he was an original member of the Jug Hill Riders), traveling, and camping with the “Kingfield Crew”. Vern is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Fournier and husband Timothy; son Kevin Cook and wife Patricia; grandchildren, Erika Jariwala and husband Gautam, Danielle Fournier and partner David Young, Kristen Fournier and fiancé Jason Bolduc; great-grandchildren, Kendall Fournier, Krish Jariwala, and Jaxen Bolduc; brother Robert Cook and wife Lorna and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary; his parents; brother Glendon Cook and sisters, Clarice Dunham and Leanne Norton. The highlight of his life was spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed weekly games of cribbage with Kevin and Tricia. The family would like to express their gratitude to Vern’s physician, Jennifer Delker, and Andwell Health Partners for their expertise and compassion. We would also like to thank his great-granddaughter, Kendall, for helping with his care in his final days. Vern would light up whenever Kendall was with him. Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

A service honoring Vern’s life with military honors will be held, 1 p.m., Wednesday May 13, at FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Vernon’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project – http://www.woundedwarriorsproject.org or by mail to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516