Obituary of Christian C. Cook

Christian “Cody” Charles Cook, of Watkins Glen, NY, born January 23, 1950, took his leave from this earth on January 1, 2025. He passed peacefully in his home with his loving wife, Barbara, and family by his side. Cody was a proud father to daughter, Jodie Cook, daughter, Christie (Paul) Cook, son, Cody (Angela) Cook and daughter Jennie (Jason) Scarbrough. His grandchildren Krynn, Zachariah, Lukas, Makenzi, Mikel, Jackie, Jadyn and Tavin along with his great grandchildren, Beyonca, Kazlyn, Adalee, Easton, Vivian and Alora brought him immense joy. 

He was a man of nature who enjoyed spending time in the forest and on the waters of Seneca and Keuka Lake. You could often find him quietly watching birds, listening to Debussy or Sam Harris, taking photos, reading the likes of Vonnegut and Watts or simply contemplating the beauty around him next to his Shasta camper at the Pee Wee Farm or site #5. His gardens were works of art and tending to them was one of his greatest sources of peace.

He was a passionate and impeccable wood worker whose adoration for trees could be felt in the countless pieces he crafted over his lifetime. From the Malabar X to a humble wooden spoon, Cody put his heart into everything he touched. He was stubborn but tender, opinionated yet open minded, quiet but overflowing with wisdom that he was always willing to share. He was uninterested in convention and devoted to a simple way of living. 

Cody was the oldest of 10 children born to Norma Jean and Christian Cook, both deceased. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his stepfather Pete Moxley, brother Gari (April) Cook, brother Fritz Cook, sister Bambi (Bob) Emm, sister Erin (Ben) Butzen, nieces Allissa, Kayla, Jennifer and Isabella and nephew Trevor. He is survived by brothers Karl, Hans (Mary), Kurt (Missy) and Pete, sisters Shawn and Hiedi and many nieces and nephews. A man of few words, he made sure every member of his large family knew that he loved them and that each felt special. His kindness expanded out into countless friendships and he valued these bonds deeply though he was too humble to believe how much he meant to so many.

Of the many facets of his life, he lived fully without fear or complaint. A lover of quotes, one of his favorites proved to be true for him throughout his life on this planet and even in his transition into the ether. “In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” -Albert Camus.