Tributes

Paul Thomas Cook passed away on July 18, 2024, in Rancho Mirage, CA, after a brave battle with advanced gallbladder cancer. Paul was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 29th, 1962 to Thomas and Ann (Machleit) Cook. He grew up in Northville, MI, and attended Michigan State University, where he earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration in 1985, met the love of his life, Koleen, and became perhaps the greatest Spartan fan of all time. In 1996, he achieved his CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) accreditation. Paul's storied career spanned 17 years as a Mutual Fund Manager at Munder Capital Management. In 2005, he relocated to Seattle, where he successfully led several startups to successful exits. In 2020, Paul founded Springboard Technologies, realizing his lifelong dream of building his own company. His vision and goals for success continue to drive the company forward, ensuring his legacy lives on. Paul's profound love of the outdoors included hiking, skiing, golfing, and being on the water with his wife at their beloved home on Lake Kachess, WA. He was known for his risk-taking, entrepreneurial spirit, quick wit, and ability to connect deeply with anyone he met. Beyond his work and hobbies, he took great pride in coaching both of his kid's soccer teams for many years. He touched the lives of many young people throughout his career and coaching tenure and many have referred to him as 'their second Dad' and seen him as a mentor in work, life, and love. His infectious spirit and gentle kindness touched the lives of many, and will leave a lasting impression. Throughout his cancer treatment, he consistently praised the nurses at Eisenhower Health. He frequently expressed admiration for their dedication and big-heartedness. Even while enduring pain, he never wanted to be a fuss, and never failed to not only apologize for any 'trouble' he'd caused them but thanked each nurse sincerely as they left the room. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the nurses at Eisenhower Health. Their exceptional care for our dad, coupled with the compassion they showed our family during what were undoubtedly the most challenging weeks of our lives, has left an indelible mark on us. Thank you. Paul is survived by his wife Koleen (Sweeney), son Daniel, daughter Emily, and dog Teddy. Paul is also survived by his mother Ann Cook, sister Andi McDowell (Don), sister Jeannine McCoy (Russ), brother in law Kelly Sweeney (Mary) and nieces and nephews, Kate Plough (Matt), Kevin McDowell, Madeline (McCoy) Kurilko (Brian), Jessica McCoy, Lucas McCoy, Matt Sweeney (Renee), Carly (Sweeney) Gronow (Chris) and Raquel (Vaughan) Cadourcy (Pierre). Great nieces and nephews surviving Paul include Charlotte and Emily Plough, Brooks Gronow, Harvey and Romy Cadourcy, and Manny Heigel. A Memorial Service is planned for Thursday, August 15, 2024 at The Golf Club at Newcastle, Newcastle, WA at 5:30 PM with a sunset reception to follow. If you are planning to attend, kindly RSVP to Emily Cook at cookemi93@gmail.com. RSVP by August 5th. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Eisenhower Health in honor of Paul here: We love you dad, we are so lucky to have had you as long as we did. We hope wherever you are that the Michigan State Spartans are winning every single day, that your handicap is a two, and that you're enjoying a glass of Mark Ryan's 'Black Love' on the lake with your best buddy and your dad, who are surely there with you.

Tributes

Paul Thomas Cook

October 29, 1962 - July 18, 2024