Harry Gideon Cookston

Birth: Aug. 16, 1924 Neligh Antelope County Nebraska, USA Death: Dec. 6, 2009 Tualatin Washington County Oregon, USA

HARRY GIDEON COOKSTON Aug. 16, 1924 - Dec. 6, 2009

WOODBURN - Harry Gideon Cookston, 85, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at Meridian Park Hospital, in Tualatin, Oregon. Born in Neligh, Nebraska on August 16, 1924, Harry was the 11th child of 12 children, born to James F. and Esther M. Cookston.

In May 1943, Harry joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served until December 1945, when discharged as a Seaman First Class, receiving 5 Bronze Stars for his meritorious service to his country.

He began work in the hardwood floor business, working with his brothers-in-law in California. During this time, he met and married Betty Purkiss, and two sons were born: Harry "Chip" Cookston Worthington and Gregory Cookston Worthington.

Harry later started his own successful hardwood floor refinishing business in Santa Rosa, Calif.

Upon retirement in 1990, he and wife, Janice Reid Cookston, traveled and wintered at the Cocopah Golf and RV Resort in Yuma, Ariz., and in 2002, they settled in Woodburn Senior Estates, where Jan predeceased him in 2003. Harry and Janie Trump were married in 2008. Harry is survived by his wife, Janie Trump Cookston, who lovingly cared for him through his battle with MRSA pneumonia and other serious medical conditions.

Also surviving Harry is his sister, Maxine Reisbig; his two sons, Greg and Harry "Chip", his wife Linda, together with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Through subsequent marriages, Harry was blessed with additional children and grandchildren. He also has a long list of surviving nieces and nephews.

Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. A celebration of his life will be at a later date. Arrangements by Simon-Woodburn Funeral Chapel.

Published in StatesmanJournal on December 23, 2009

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