Leslie Cook passed away February 7, 2016 in Pikes Peak Hospice at Penrose Hospital. She was born February 4, 1927 in Colorado Springs to Arthur and Marie Johnson. She held a B.A. degree in Drama from Cornell College, in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
Leslie had a distinguished professional career that included: Director of Children’s Theatre for the Fine Arts Center, KRDO radio and TV, and Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the American Red Cross for 30 years.
Occupational highlights included the opening of the first Red Cross Shelter nationwide, establishing the Child Enrichment Center for children, directing a $1,000,000 Combined Federal Campaign, and developing the Youth Volunteer Center.
She was awarded the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award (twice), American Bar Association Liberty Bell, Partners in Philanthropy Outstanding Fund Raising Volunteer, the first United Way Spirit of Commitment Award, Red Cross “Coming Home” Honorary Chair and the Urban Peak Colorado Springs “Path Maker Award.”
Her community service included chairmanships for: Keep Colorado Springs Beautiful, Pikes Peak Community Action Agency and Centered Life: Education, Counseling and Spiritual Care. Leslie was a Charter member of the Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Treasurer for Keep Colorado Springs Beautiful, Secretary for Full Circle Alt. Inc., co-chaired the Friends of Lowell School Group, served on the Pikes Peak Center Board, and the Care Castle. She sat on the Combined Federal Campaign Board, chaired the Affordable Housing Committee for the city, was a charter member of the Homeward Pikes Peak Board and served as Board Secretary for the Urban Peak Colorado Springs. Leslie was a Charter member of the Faith Based Education Board. She was official spokesperson for United Way Campaign 2000.
Leslie was the second woman in the Pikes Peak region to become a Rotarian and a longtime member of P.E.O., Chapter CE.
Leslie was the mother of six children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. She summed up her life and career by saying “In the long run it’s all about the children. It’s always about the children.”
A Celebration of her Life for Family and Friends will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. A reception will follow.