Rob Cookingham

POLSON — Rob Cookingham, 47, of Polson, died on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at St. Joseph Hospital, Polson.

Rob was born on May 26, 1957 in Oregon City, Ore., to Warren and LaRona "Bobbie" (Powell) Cookingham. He grew up and attended schools in Polson until the sixth grade. The family moved back to Oregon and Rob attended high school in Oregon City. He joined the U.S. Marines at the age of 17. He served in the Marines as a radio operator. After his military service he attended Clackamas Community College in Oregon City and studied telecommunications. He worked at Gerber Legendary Blades for 9 1/2 years and met his wife Pam while working for Gerber.

Rob moved to Polson in 1987 and started working at the Dupuis lumber mill. He worked as an electric apprentice under Bill Hathaway and eventually started his schooling in Great Falls to become an electrician. He received his Journeyman's license and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was currently working with the union and worked in several locations in western Montana.

Rob was a member of the VFW Post 2986 and life member of Military Order of the Cooties IBEW. He loved riding horses and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is preceded in death by his father Warren Cookingham and step-father Mitchell James.

He is survived by his wife, Pam Stotts; daughter, Robyn Cookingham of Polson; a grandson, Marshall Bisson; his mother, LaRona "Bobbie" McLeod of Polson; four brothers, Mitchell Thurston James, a Justin Jason Pulse and Crystal Bieber, all of Polson; two sisters, Rhonda Lewis and Tamie and Craig Pulse of Polson, and other relatives.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held Feb. 7, at the Grogan Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard Widerholdt officiating. Military rites and inurnment were held at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson.