Samuel Morrison Cook Jr.

Age 73 of Taos, NM lost his battle with cancer on November 15, 2020 while in the embrace of loved ones and listening to his favorite tunes. Sam will be remembered for his unconventional wisdom, loving generous spirit, and sense of humor. Sam was a master craftsman / woodworker with an artistic temperament. He was skilled in all facets of do-it-yourselfism from auto mechanics to construction. He never backed down from a problem no matter how arduous or wacky the solution, often inventing a solution that no one else could imagine. Sam grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, attended Roosevelt High school graduating in 1965, then joined Vista where he assisted impoverished citizens of Alabama with maintenance projects, followed by a stint in the National Guard which ended abruptly when he was featured on the front page attending an anti-war protest march in his uniform. He met his wife Carroll in 1986 in Albuquerque while attending UNM. They moved to Taos in 1990. He was a skilled and talented guitar player with a gorgeous voice. Friends describe him as kind, gracious, loving, funny, fierce, strong, independent. Sam never failed to touch the heart and soul of those he met. Stray dogs regularly found their way to his siren song, always greeted with open arms and bacon. Sam’s memory will be cherished by his wife & soul mate of 34 years Carroll Griesedieck, his 2 dogs Brenda & Sparky, and countless friends and allies across the globe. We bid Sam Adios on his way to his next adventure. A memorial celebration will be announced once COVID is no longer a threat. Anyone wishing to can make a donation to Stray Hearts Taos Animal Shelter in Sam’s memory. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home, Taos. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome. com