Greg was born September 6, 1955, to Dorothy and Lloyd Cook at Saint Joseph Hospital in Boonville, Missouri. He graduated from Laura Speed Elliott High School in 1974 and again from the University of Missouri in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He worked in Columbia for Mid-Missouri Engineers, Inc. where he met the love of his life, Karen Copenhaver. After earning his Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering, Greg accepted a job with the Bendix Corporation/ Honeywell in Kansas City where he and Karen made their home.
Greg took after his father with his love for cooking. He went to great lengths to plan and prepare meals for his fishing trips, family gatherings at their Independence home, and even the neighborhood. Both grandkids and great grandkids loved his signature dish, "chicken and the green stuff", which he created in an effort to make broccoli more appealing.
One of Greg's most memorable vacations was his trip to Mallorca, Spain with Karen in 1991. But, Greg's heaven on Earth was on a lake in the wilderness in Canada. The fishing was magic, the friends were the best and the memories cherished until the next year came and they could go again.
Greg was surrounded by joy and love in many grand and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. All will forever remember him for his goofy faces, playful games and his unconditional love. When he was surrounded by grandchildren he was always the biggest kid in the room.
Greg is survived by his love, Karen, of the home; sisters, Susanne Kissane and Marcia Cook; brother, Warren Cook (Kerrie); nieces, Gabby Lindsey (Matt) and Alyssa Cook; nephew, Zach Kissane; great niece, Eleanor Lindsey and great nephew, Lincoln Lindsey.
Children, Mark Copenhaver and Kelli Pinet (Damon); grandchildren, Ashley Copenhaver (Josh), Derek Copenhaver (Leah), Anthony Pinet, Jordan Flanagan (Dave), and Amber Scott (Bobbie); great granchildren, Bryson, Haley, Payton, Quentin, Shelby, Lukas, Zoey, Rachael, Liam, Sophie, Josie, Elijah and Isaiah.
Upon his passing, Greg continued to give through the Midwest Transplant Network.
Donations in honor of Greg can be made to:
Catch a Dream Foundation
https://www.catchadream.org/inmemory/
Doctors Without Borders
https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/secure/donate?type=tribute&type=tribute
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date and Greg would encourage you to
"drive like hell".