Don Baxter Cook

Don Baxter Cook

May 19, 1936 – October 23, 2024

Don Baxter Cook was born to A. Baxter and Esther Cook in Des Moines, Iowa, the younger brother to Janice.

After spending his early years in Des Moines, his family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where he attended

Judson Boys School and developed a love for horses and American Western culture.

Upon graduating high school, Don attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, where he met the love of his

life, Susanne (“Sue”). This marked the beginning of a long, sometimes stormy, but deeply affectionate and

playful romance that would last the rest of their lives, setting a standard for relationships that became a guiding

example for his children. After earning his undergraduate degree, Don and Sue married on December 13,

1958. While Don pursued a PhD in chemistry at the University of California Davis, they welcomed their first two

children, Kelly Jean and Casey Winton.

In 1965, after receiving his PhD in chemistry, Don accepted a faculty position at the new campus of St. John's

College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the family made their home. Though he considered a research

position at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories, Don was more drawn to exploring big ideas and philosophical

questions. St. John’s, with its focus on the great books and ideas of Western civilization, provided the perfect

platform for this pursuit. Don and Sue welcomed their third child, Rand Evan, and built a loving home where

they enjoyed their horses and the lifestyle afforded by the open spaces of the West. For many years, Don

commuted to work on horseback, earning the nickname “Socrates in the Saddle.” Don and Sue provided a

wonderful loving home and set a strong example for their children. After a 30-year career as Tutor and

Assistant Dean at St. John’s College, Don retired to pursue travel and nature studies with Sue.

When Sue became ill in 1999, Don lovingly cared for her with the help of their daughter Kelly. With grace and

his quiet way of teaching, he showed his children how to grieve, find joy amid difficulty, and accept loss. Sue

passed on December 15, 1999, two days after their 41st anniversary. In the year 2000, Don began to seek

ever-warmer climates. He moved from Santa Fe to Las Cruces, New Mexico; then to Carlsbad, New Mexico;

and, eventually, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona where he spent his last 15 years. At every stop along the way, he

focused on health and his love for learning, studying piano and Spanish and volunteering in various capacities

including trash cleanup and graffiti removal. Don made and cherished many friends throughout his life,

and each one of them was special to him.

Don passed away peacefully in the early evening of October 23, 2024, from natural causes and at the end of a

life well lived. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sue; his parents, Baxter and Esther; his sister,

Janice; his daughter, Kelly; and his nieces Marcia and Nancy. He is survived by his sons, Casey (Celia) and

Rand (Cindy); his grandchildren, Emily, Ella, Chelsie, and Jayda; his nephew, David; his nieces, Karin, Gayle,

Kristi Jo, and Beth; and his many cherished friends.

“When you meet your friend on the roadside or in the marketplace, let the spirit in you move your lips and

direct your tongue. Let the voice within your voice speak to the ear of his ear; for his soul will keep the truth of

your heart as the taste of wine is remembered when the colour is forgotten and vessel is no more.” – Kahlil

Gibran

A Celebration of Life will be held in Don’s memory on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The

family kindly suggests contributions be made to the National Audubon Society, a cause Don held close to his

heart.