Fredric William Cook's Obituary
Dr. Fredric William Cook, actor, educator, Founder and Executive Director of Utah Conservatory, and owner of Park City Music, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2016, at his home in Park
City, Utah, at the age Of 75. Dr. Cook was born in Rochester, NY on Feb. 17, 1941 to William and Alice Cook. Dr. Cook lived a life dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, respect and love, free agency, and the performing arts. He is an Eagle Scout and a Navy veteran of the Bay of Pigs. He earned degrees in drama, film, and directing at UNC Chapel Hill (BA), and Hunter College in NYC
(MA), where he later became faculty. He received a Post-Graduate Certificate from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and did post graduate studies in education at the IJ of U, later receiving a PhD in Education from Rochville University.
As an award winning actor, playwright, and director of over 55 stage productions, he performed over one hundred and fifty roles in film, stage, and TV over a span of 45 years. He founded the prestigious Los Angeles Academy of Dramatic Arts, and was also a founding member of the Berkeley Repertory Company. He later moved to Park City, where he and his family started Utah
Conservatory, Park City Music, and the Utah Music Scholarship Fund. Dr. Cook is survived by his wife, Debra Cook, children, Austin, Branden, Joanna, and Gregory; his step-children, Andrea
Mitchell (husband Alan McDonald), and Aaron Mitchell (wife Sheraye); his grandchildren Blake & Hope Zappas; Annabelle, Juliette, and Cormac Mitchell-McDonald; and McKinslee and Kaydence Mitchell; as well as his 5 brothers and sisters.
Dr. Cook served in several faith traditions, as an alter boy, acolyte, youth leader, scout master, minister, and lastly, as a High Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Refining his walk with God to a state of joy, gratitude, and love, he and Debra’s greatest joy was in their 21 year marriage being sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles, CA LDS Temple.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 12:00 noon at the Jeremy Ranch LDS Ward, 3010 West Saddleback Rd., Park City, Utah (Located next to the 1-80 and Jeremy Ranch Exit) where friends may visit with the family from am at the church prior to services. Burial with military honors will be at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA, Tuesday, April 5, 2016
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