Richard B. Cook, Age: 82
Feb 23, 1944---Jun 23, 2026

Richard B. Cook, 82, Overland Park, KS, passed away on June 23, 2026.  Dick was born Feb. 23, 1944 in Chicago and moved to the Kansas City area with his family in 1981.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathy; daughter, Amy Forebaugh, Western Springs, IL; son, Daniel, Lawrence, KS; daughter, Megan Nordstrom (Kyle), Lexington, SC; grandchildren, Lindsay, Michael and Molly Forebaugh; Finley and Britta Nordstrom; sister, Cathy Downer (David), Grand Rapids, MI.

Dick retired as Vice President of Labor Relations in 2010 after 35 years with Hostess Brands (formerly Interstate Bakeries).  He negotiated hundreds of labor contracts with local and international unions.  He served as an Employer Trustee on Taft Hartley benefit funds, Secretary of the Bakery and Confectionery Union International Funds, and Chairman of the American Bakers Association Human Resources Committee.

Previously, he was Associate Dean of Students at Loyola University of Chicago and Personnel Manager for McDonalds Corp, Oak Brook, IL.

Dick earned a BA in Economics from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI and an MS in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Loyola University, Chicago, IL.

The game of golf was instrumental in Dick’s life.  He began as a caddie at The Glen View Club, Golf, IL at the age of 12.  He was awarded a Chick Evans Scholarship to Marquette, where he played intercollegiate golf and earned varsity letters.  Dick was a longtime member of Country Club of Leawood (formerly Leawood South CC), twice serving on the Board of Directors.

Dick was also an avid fan of college basketball and coached his children’s youth basketball teams.  His first date with Kathy was to a Creighton game.

Dick was blessed with grandchildren and loved nothing more than spending time with them and attending their activities.  He always emphasized the importance of family and followed their various accomplishments with great interest and pride.

Dick and Kathy were founding members of The Church of the Nativity, Leawood, KS, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Visitation will be at 9:30 am followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 am on Monday, June 29th at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th Street, Leawood, KS.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick’s name may be made to: Evans Scholars Foundation; Western Golf Association, 2501 Patriot Blvd. Glenview, IL 60026-9923


Condolences

Pat Grzybowski Jun 24, 2026

Sister-in-law to Cathy ,Grand Rapids ,Michigan

My deepest sympathy to Dick’s entire family! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!

Elfie Couey Jun 25, 2026

My deepest condolences to the family. I remember him well since our children went to school together & from the LS swim team. May he rest in peace.

Shirley I Lind Jun 25, 2026

Neighbor/friend ,overland park ,Kansas

Kathy and Family, So sad to hear of Dick's passing. He was always such a dear man. Great sense of humor, was dedicated to our community, and his many friends. A life well lived! He will be sorely missed. Hugs to all

Dave Pickhardt Jun 25, 2026

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I’ve enjoyed Dick’s friendship for years as a fellow member and golfer at CCL His love of competition and quick, dry wit combined to make every outing and the dialogue and wager settlements that followed a fun experience. Theresa and I have fond memories of sharing past events with Kathy and Dick at what was then Leawood South CC. In those days, these were often black tie occasions and we have a favorite picture of our participation together in an exact replica of Dinner on the Titanic. Dick and Kathy were always enthusiastic participants in events like these, and Dick also served on the board. In later years us fellow golfers began to play gin rummy at the club on cold or rainy days and my education of the game was enhanced by Dick’s expertise, but at a cost. Dick will be greatly missed by his many friends.

Bob Jacobi Jun 28, 2026

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Dick was a great supporter of labor-management cooperation and one of the wisest labor relations professionals. I appreciate his mentorship. He was also a nice guy, proud of his family and quite a golfer. He will be missed.

Benjamin Neill Jun 28, 2026

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Kathy, We are so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. My friendship with him over the years and so many rounds of golf will always be a blessing.

Dennis Nighswonger Jun 28, 2026

Friend ,OP ,Kansas

Kathy - So sorry for your loss, we were shocked hearing the news. I enjoyed the numerous opportunities to interact with him and will never forget. “Bet you a dollar “. We will miss the service as we are returning from Europe, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Love, Dennis & Lori

Jennifer and Jack Millett Jun 29, 2026

Friend ,Scottsdale ,Arizona

Jack and I are so sorry to hear about Dicks passing. We will always cherish our memories of all the fun times and laughs together on the golf course and in the neighborhood. Please know that you are all in our prayers during this difficult time. The Millett Family

Greg Moorehead Jun 30, 2026

friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

Dick's passing is a big loss to me. A good friend and golf buddy for 40 years. His was a life well lived...successful career, great family and friends and I will miss him greatly! Kathy, I know this is a hard time for you and I'm so sorry you and your family have to go through this. I know he's in a better place now but I sure wish we could have had him here for at least few more years.

Al and Peggy Harrison Jun 30, 2026

Long time friends ,Orlando ,Florida

Kathy and family we want to send our sincere condolences for your loss. Dick was one of our long time friends that will be truly missed. We had so many happy memories over the past 50 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. RIP Dick.

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Church of the Nativity
Address:
3800 West 119th Street
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66209
Date:
Jun 29, 2026
Time:
9:30 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Church of the Nativity
Address:
3800 West 119th Street
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66209
Date:
Jun 29, 2026
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map