BLOOMINGTON - William A. Cook, founder of the Cook Group global network of companies and a pioneer in the development of life-saving minimally invasive medical device technology, died Friday at approximately 4:30 p.m. at his Bloomington home of congestive heart failure. He was 80.
Cook's fortune is estimated at $3.1 billion, listing him as "the richest person in Indiana."
Governor Daniels released a statement Saturday about the passing of Cook Group founder Bill Cook of Bloomington: "As luck would have, Cheri and I were able to have dinner with Bill and Gayle Cook in the newly renovated Old Centrum building just last Saturday. I'll always remember that bit of good fortune, as I will always remember this legendary Hoosier."
The Herald-Times quotes Cook Group Chairman Steve Ferguson as saying Cook remained active at the company despite dealing with congestive heart failure.
Cook died on the eve of the grand opening of the Indiana Landmarks Center at the Old Centrum at 12th Street and Central Avenue in Indianapolis. The 1892 red-brick building is just north of Interstate 70 on downtown's east side.
Cook and his wife, Gayle, contributed more than $10 million of the project's $13 million cost. Rocker John Mellencamp, a friend of the couple, was set to fly in from a tour in Canada to play a 30-minute acoustic set at the event.
Eyewitness News reporter Jeremy Brilliant brought viewers a special report on the restoration of the historic Old Centrum church last week. Our on-camera visit with the enthusiastic preservationist may have been Cook's last television interview.
Cook also helped bring life back to the historic West Baden Springs Hotel in southern Indiana's Orange County along with the French Lick Casino.
William Cook was a long-time benefactor of Indiana University and his company was involved in ongoing clinical research. IU President Michael McRobbie issued a statement concerning Cook's passing.
"We at Indiana University have lost a wonderful friend and partner in Bill Cook, who over the years has done so much to make IU the special place it is. So many of us at IU have been touched at one time or another by Bill's vision and generosity that I know I speak from the heart for all of us in conveying our profound and deepest sympathy to Gayle and Carl."
Cook's life of wealth and success saw drama and tragedy too. In 1988, failed stockbroker Arthur Curry kidnapped Cook's wife Gayle in broad daylight from their Bloomington home. He held her for 26 hours, driving her around town in his car bound and blindfolded. Curry was demanding over a million dollars ransom. He was in debt due to failed business deals. The FBI rescued Mrs. Cook unharmed.
Survivors include his wife Gayle Cook, son Carl and daughter-in-law Marcy, and a granddaughter.
Funeral arrangements are pending at The Funeral Chapel of Powell & Deckard in Bloomington.
(From Eyewitness News staff reports and information from The Herald Times)
