Stephen Edward Cook

Stephen Edward Cook, beloved father, friend, and brother, passed away Friday, June 20th, 2025 in his residence in Missoula at the age of 69. 

Stephen was born in Great Falls, Montana, on January 23, 1956. He graduated high school in 1974 and moved to Missoula in 1980. 

In 1995 he became a father to Randall, at 39 years old. He welcomed his second child Elle to the world 11 months later. He always said his kids “taught him how to love”. He raised Randy and Elle as a single father, but he would say he had a lot of help. He loved his kids fiercely and worked diligently to provide stability in their lives. He loved taking road trips with the kids, most notably to: Moiese Bison Range, Glacier National Park, and Great Falls to see family. He was passionate about the outdoors and would try to keep busy by finding ways to get outside with his children - going to swim, road trips, hiking to mountain lakes, and more. He raised Randy and Elle to be independent and he was extremely proud of both of them.

In 2009 he found the love of his life, Vicki Jette. They were never married, but they acted like an old married couple. As the kids left the house to pursue their lives, he found himself adventuring with her. They would be found usually dancing at the Union Club in Missoula, taking road trips around the state, rafting, or spending time at home listening to music and laughing their asses off. She was the brightest light in his life after his children. He had 10 incredible years with Vicki before she passed suddenly in 2019, leaving Stephen to face the world after tremendous loss. He was never the same person after her passing. 

Despite his hardships, Stephen was a kind, generous soul with a passion for music, billiards, and his plants. He was a strong, stubborn man, who strove for perfection in everything he did. He loved to create - he made his own speakers, spent countless hours converting his vinyl album collection into mp3 files to make his own CD mixes, and dabbled a bit in drawing. He also created functional works of art by repurposing light fixtures to make planters. He loved to find treasures at thrift stores, especially interesting, silly, and beautiful planters for his indoor garden. He loved live music and would take any chance to hear music - no matter the genre. He loved photography as well - photographing nature at Glacier and Yellowstone and senior photos for the kids. He also loved riding his bicycle around Missoula and would sometimes do close to 20 miles per day. He loved challenging himself by playing billiards and found a sense of community with the friendships he made playing league and tournaments. 

Stephen had a huge heart and wanted to share it with people he met. He always tried to help others. He was a beautiful soul. He is deeply loved and will be missed dearly.

Stephen was preceded in death by his mother Lila L. Bullard, his adopted father David D. Cook, his grandparents, and his partner Vicki Jette. 

He is survived by his children Randy and Elle, and siblings Mark, Shannon, Craig, and Stacey. 

Randy and Elle welcome you to celebrate Stephen’s life at Southside Lion’s Park at 2100 Bow St, Missoula, Montana on September 13th, 2025.