Basil Lee Cook's Obituary
Celebrating the Life of Basil LeRoy Cook “Lee” Basil LeRoy Cook, Lee, was born on September 19, 1929 in Lyons, Kansas, the only child of Basil Leon Cook and Velma Barger Cook. At the age of six, he moved to San Diego, California, where he lived for the rest of his life. Lee graduated from San Diego High School and attended San Diego City College until heading for the Air Force. He loved the Air Force, but was forced to leave with an Honorable Discharge to come home and care for his ailing mother. Lee married Barbara Jean Cunningham, a union that produced their only child, Donna Jean Cook Watson. They divorced 30 years later. Basil, his father, and Lee opened Palomar Tire Service in downtown San Diego, a thriving business where they worked side-by-side until retirement. Lee spent his retirement years with his girlfriend, Kent Justus, happily building a life that included racing, building quarter-midget racecars, organizing racing events, cruising and traveling the world. He was a past Commander of the American Legion, La Mesa Post, a place Kent and Lee enjoyed. Lee and Kent loved to travel where they made new friends around the world. They invited his whole family to join them on several memorable trips. Lee Cook lived his life to the fullest until he went to his final destination. He entered Heaven on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Jean Watson, “Son”-in-law, Gary Watson, his grandchildren, Denny Watson (Ana), Jill Bhowmik (AJ), Bree Gibson (Ben) and great-grandchildren: Christina and Alexander Lee Watson, Kirian and Kylan Bhowmik, Jonas and Harvey Gibson. Papa was so loved and will be missed by all.
What’s your fondest memory of Basil?
What’s a lesson you learned from Basil?
Share a story where Basil's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Basil you’ll never forget.
How did Basil make you smile?