06.13.11
Cook Group Founder Passes Away
William A. Cook, founder of the Cook Group, died of heart failure on April 15. He was 80 years old.
“Bill Cook left a lifetime legacy of giving that will last forever,” said Kem Hawkins, president of Cook Group. “His philosophy of putting people and patients first is responsible for our company’s 48 years of growth and success. His primary wish would be that we carry on that tradition, and ensure the stability and security of Cook here in Bloomington and around the world for our employees, our customers and the millions of patients who have been helped with the medical technologies Cook has pioneered.”
The business will continue as a privately held corporation with global headquarters in Bloomington, Ind. Cook’s son Carl is now CEO. Steve Ferguson’s role as chairman and Kem Hawkins’ position as president are not affected.
Cook was born Jan. 27, 1931, in Mattoon, Ill., and grew up in nearby Canton, Ill. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from
Northwestern University in 1953 and pursued post-graduate work in physics at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, according to a brief biography supplied by the company.
In May 1992, Cook received an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind. The following year, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Indiana University, and in 1995, he received the Northwestern University Alumni Merit Award. He also was given the Oregon Health Science University Distinguished Achievement award in 1999 as well as various other honorary degrees over the next decade.
A U.S. Army medic, Cook taught the physics of anesthesia to Army resident anesthesiologists. His career in business started in 1955 as an engineering recruiter for Martin Aircraft; later he became a catalog editor and scientific products salesman for American Hospital Supply Corporation. In 1958, in Chicago, Ill., Cook co-founded MPL Incorporated, which became the third largest hypodermic needle manufacturer in the United States.
In 1963, he founded Cook Inc. in Bloomington on $1,500 invested capital and only two employees—he and his wife Gayle. The company’s first products were a set of percutaneous wire guides, catheters and needles that helped popularize minimally invasive medical procedures that put an end to exploratory surgery.
Cook is survived by his wife Gayle, son Carl and daughter-in-law Marcy, and a granddaughter, Eleanor.
William A. Cook, founder of the Cook Group, died of heart failure on April 15. He was 80 years old.
“Bill Cook left a lifetime legacy of giving that will last forever,” said Kem Hawkins, president of Cook Group. “His philosophy of putting people and patients first is responsible for our company’s 48 years of growth and success. His primary wish would be that we carry on that tradition, and ensure the stability and security of Cook here in Bloomington and around the world for our employees, our customers and the millions of patients who have been helped with the medical technologies Cook has pioneered.”
The business will continue as a privately held corporation with global headquarters in Bloomington, Ind. Cook’s son Carl is now CEO. Steve Ferguson’s role as chairman and Kem Hawkins’ position as president are not affected.
Cook was born Jan. 27, 1931, in Mattoon, Ill., and grew up in nearby Canton, Ill. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from
Northwestern University in 1953 and pursued post-graduate work in physics at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, according to a brief biography supplied by the company.
In May 1992, Cook received an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind. The following year, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Indiana University, and in 1995, he received the Northwestern University Alumni Merit Award. He also was given the Oregon Health Science University Distinguished Achievement award in 1999 as well as various other honorary degrees over the next decade.
A U.S. Army medic, Cook taught the physics of anesthesia to Army resident anesthesiologists. His career in business started in 1955 as an engineering recruiter for Martin Aircraft; later he became a catalog editor and scientific products salesman for American Hospital Supply Corporation. In 1958, in Chicago, Ill., Cook co-founded MPL Incorporated, which became the third largest hypodermic needle manufacturer in the United States.
In 1963, he founded Cook Inc. in Bloomington on $1,500 invested capital and only two employees—he and his wife Gayle. The company’s first products were a set of percutaneous wire guides, catheters and needles that helped popularize minimally invasive medical procedures that put an end to exploratory surgery.
Cook is survived by his wife Gayle, son Carl and daughter-in-law Marcy, and a granddaughter, Eleanor.