Dee and Byron Cook were a dynamic duo for 66 years, and the imprint they have left on this campus is indelible. They were lead donors on the Cook Recital Hall project and a lead donor to the Billman Music Pavilion, amongst many other gifts to MSU.
The College of Music lost a cherished member of its family on September 18, 2021. Byron Cook has been an influential mentor, supporter, and friend to the College; his loss is immeasurable.
“All of us in the College of Music and at Michigan State University are fortunate to have known Byron Cook,” said James Forger, dean of the MSU College of Music. “He and his wife Dee have established a tremendous legacy on this campus supporting student and faculty success. He was a wonderful friend and will be profoundly missed.”
Cook, a lifelong resident of Greenville, Michigan, earned a B.S. in Geology from MSU in 1954, and he was a proud member in the trombone section of the Spartan Marching Band. MSU was also where he met and fell in love with Dolores Meyer.
In fall of 2013, Dean James Forger stands with Byron and Dee Cook on the day of the Cook Recital Hall dedication. It would not be the last time that Byron and Dee stepped forward with significant support for MSU Music facilities.
Married in August of 1955, Dolores (Dee) Cook and Byron Cook were a dynamic duo for 66 years, and the imprint they have left on this campus is indelible. While Dee Cook served on the MSU Board of Trustees for 16 years, Byron was by her side advocating for MSU. Together, they spearheaded numerous projects on campus.
“In the College of Music, Byron provided early and successful leadership resulting in a series of incremental improvements that addressed facilities needs for music. The Cooks provided the lead gift that made possible Cook Recital Hall in 2013 and were one of the lead donors that made our Billman Music Pavilion a reality,” said Forger. “Byron, along with Dee, was a charter member of our National Leadership Council (NLC), and his wisdom and generosity have been essential to the continued growth and success of our College.”
After law school, Byron Cook worked for the Shell Oil Company in Denver, Colorado, but he returned to Greenville to start an oil and gas business with his brother. His role in serving 22 years on the State of Michigan Oil and Gas Advisory Board is indicative of his success in the industry.
In 2013, a completely renovated and newly named Cook Recital Hall was a key to incremental facilities improvements by the College of Music that led to the Billman Music Pavilion. Byron and Dee Cook were essential to both projects.
“The news of Byron’s passing hit all of us very hard – a giant has left the building,” said MSU alumnus and NLC member Craig Murray. “Byron was both selfless and inspiring. As a colleague on the NLC, when Byron spoke, everybody listened. He had the most curious and interesting mind. Before he’d offer an opinion, he would ask provocative and intelligent questions, always seeking to understand both sides of any issue.”
For Murray and his wife Lisa, Byron Cook’s passing is the end of an era.
“Lisa and I will cherish the fun moments we shared with Byron and Dee. He always managed to make others feel like the most important people in the room,” Murray said. “Thanks to his wonderfully warm personality, his gentle sense of humor, and his endless wisdom, we always left our get-togethers feeling somewhat better about the world and life in general.”
College of Music faculty Richard Sherman, flute, and Deborah Moriarty, piano, honored Byron Cook on September 22 during their concert in Cook Recital Hall. Presenting works for flute and piano, they dedicated a piece from their performance to him, honoring his love for music and sailing.
“Byron was a good friend and a great friend to the College of Music. Cook Recital Hall represents the start of the long journey that culminated in the Billman Pavilion,” said Moriarty from the stage that evening. “Byron loved the water and loved to sail. As we perform Debussy’s En Bateau tonight, please think of Byron somewhere off the coast of France sailing with blue skies, warm sun, calm waters, and fair winds.”
