Kirby F. Cook, husband, father, Paw, and man of his word

ELDRED, Pa. — Kirby Francis Cook, 69, of Eldred, passed away Friday (Sept. 11, 2026) at home, after a brief battle with cancer. He was welcomed into Heaven by Jesus, where he ran into the loving arms of Joan, his wife, whom he missed more than words can express. His family finds comfort knowing that they are together again, surrounded by the love that never faded.

Born March 25, 1957, in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of Lawrence “Cy” and Donna J. Peck Cook. On Nov. 2, 1974, he married the former Joan M. Langworthy, who predeceased him Jan. 14, 2026.

Kirby was a graduate of Richburg Central School, Class of 1975.

He and Joan owned Mom’s and Pop’s Place in Derrick City.  He later worked for FCI McKean and FCI Beckley, W.V., before retiring and returning home to be near family. For many years he was a partner with his brother, Steve Cook, in a logging business, but most recently opened The Barn in Little Genesee with Joan, Andy and Tasha.

Kirby was an avid turkey and deer hunter for many years. He loved nothing more than crawling up and down the hills to get a little closer to a gobbling turkey or making his way through the mountain laurel as quietly as possible in search of that buck of a lifetime. He spent countless hours in the woods, and he certainly enjoyed the thrill of the hunt. He’s got a higher tree stand now, though, so maybe that buck of a lifetime will finally have a chance to walk by.

But as much as Kirby loved hunting, the truth is, it was never really just about the hunt. It was about the people he shared it with and the memories they made along the way.

Whether he was with the guys doing deer drives and literally climbing mountains, sitting around snacking with his grandsons, listening to his granddaughter gossip or telling his daughter to wake up, Kirby loved every minute of it. Those ordinary moments were some of the moments that meant the most.

For Kirby, hunting season was about much more than turkeys and deer. It was about the stories told around the camp, the laughter shared in the woods, the friendships built over the years and the memories that would last long after the season was over.

Kirby and Joan were fortunate to spend many wonderful years surrounded by friends and family. Together, they made countless memories and shared in more than their fair share of stories and shenanigans. There were trips and travels, games at the Bolivar Bowling Alley, midnight breakfasts, pool parties and all the little adventures that may have seemed ordinary at the time but have become some of the stories everyone remembers and laughs about today.

Those years were filled with friendship, family, laughter and love. And while Kirby will be deeply missed, the stories, the laughter, and the memories he helped create will continue to be shared for generations to come.

Kirby was a member of Macedonia Lodge 257 F&AM in Bolivar, N.Y., and was a past District Grand Master of the Allegany District.

He is survived by a daughter, Tasha (Andy) Howard; grandchildren, Drew (Shelby Claypool) Howard, Dustin (Lauren Morse) Howard, Damian (Abby) Cook, Chase Cook and Kaylynn Cook; his great-grandbabies, Waylon, Charlotte and Hadlee; two sisters, Peggy (Chic) Cook and Candy Rix; four sisters-in-law, Marie Cook, Kathi Langworthy Taylor, Jane Langworthy Haymach and Maze Langworthy Peters; two brothers-in-law, Steve (Mary) Langworthy and Denny (Mindy) Langworthy; a son, Dale Cook; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife of 51 years, who was his best friend and other half of his soul, he was predeceased by two brothers, Steve and Larry Cook; brothers-in-law, Chet Haymach, Ron Rix and Pete Peters; a niece, Angel Taylor Law; and a nephew, Craig Roulo.

At Kirby’s request a private ceremony will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Bolivar.