William Cookson

William "Bill" Matthew Cookson
October 26, 1957 – February 19, 2020

William “Bill” Cookson, 62, passed away unexpectedly, February 19, 2020. Bill was born on October 26, 1957, in Milford Connecticut. He was a twin, and one of five children born to Raymond and Phyllis Cookson.

He was a big man with an even bigger heart and a gentle soul. His exploring nature and generous heart were apparent from his earliest days. As a child he would spend countless hours riding his bike and exploring outdoors. He loved camping in the backyard with his brothers and sisters, and he built some of his fondest memories during his family’s week-long trips to Providence, Rhode Island every summer, when he got to spend time with his beloved grandmother.

He was just 11 when he discovered he had a gift in the kitchen. He could always be found alongside his mother helping prepare family dinners, and soon his family became his chief taste testers. They were his biggest cheerleaders as he decided to train for a career pursuing his passion, graduating from the prestigious Johnson & Wales University of Culinary Arts.

After graduation, he pursued his dream of being a world class chef, working all over the country perfecting his craft as a chef and caterer. His journeys led him to his first wife, Patty. He and Patty moved to Denver, Colo., where they had two children, Michael and Lindsey. They soon moved to Grand Junction, where his kids grew up. He taught his children to share his lifelong love of the outdoors, an appreciation of fine cooking and a passion for education. He was a very loving, hands-on dad who was committed to being there for his kids no matter what. His kids meant everything to him.

His professional journey brought him to the Grand Vista Hotel as a Chef starting on April 17, 2011. His talent had him rise to Executive Chef in a very short time. He made people happy with his food, and he thought of all the people at the Grand Vista as his family.

Twelve years ago he married his second wife Shirley, who is now lost without her best friend by her side. Bill continued to enjoy camping and biking throughout his life, and had added collecting knives and flashlights to his list of hobbies. One of his favorite hobbies, though was making others happy, whether it was with food or making dumb jokes, as long as he could bring a smile to someone’s face, that was good enough for Bill! He was one of a kind, loved by all, and will be extremely missed.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Cookson, his children Michael and Lindsey (Walker) Cookson, stepson Spencer (Krista) Johnatakis, granddaughter Aubrey, his sisters Janet Kasowitz and Jean (Richard) Ruggiero, his brother Raymond Cookson as well as his beloved dogs Baby, Sugar, Sofie and Lokie. Bill was preceded in death by his twin brother Robert "Bobby" Cookson and his parents Raymond and Phyllis Cookson.

A service is planned for March 22, 2020 @ 2:00 pm at the Grand Vista Hotel, Grand Junction, Colorado