Richard A. ‘Cook’ Derouin

Cook was like a rock to his family. He was a loving husband and best friend to his wife Karen, a wonderful, soft hearted dad to his daughters Tonia and Tricia, an amazing grandpa to his grandchildren Cooper, Saylor and Carter and a good friend to all who knew him.

Cook Derouin was born Sept. 19, 1951, in Escanaba, the son of Richard E. and Mary Ann (Kraus) Derouin. He was raised in Danforth and was a 1969 graduate of Escanaba High School.

On June 10, 1972, Cook was united in marriage to his best friend and love, the former Karen Erickson, at All Saints Church in Gladstone. Together Cook and Karen made their home and raised their two daughters in Danforth.

Early in his career, Cook worked for City Radiator & Auto Body and Ace Auto Body. He then went on to manage the body shop at Bero Motors before accepting a position at Northern Rebuilders where he worked as the production manager for 11 years.

In 1991, Cook established Derouin’s Auto Body and Collision. He treated his customers as he expected to be treated and, in return, Derouin’s quickly excelled in popularity. Cook’s future son-in-law, Todd Henderson, joined the staff at a very young age and began learning the auto body business. Over the years, Todd excelled at the challenge of running Derouin’s Auto Body and became an instrumental part of the success of the Derouin family business. Cook’s daughters Tonia and Tricia handled the administrative details at Derouin’s and they greeted each customer with a warm friendly smile. His brothers Ron and Mike have worked side by side with him to provide custom, quality auto body repair for many years. Cook’s grandsons, Cooper and Carter, are currently learning the trade along with the occasional help from his granddaughter, Saylor. Cook loved to go to “work.” He was so proud to have surrounded himself with a successful business full of family and friends making a fun environment for all. Cook’s entire family contributed to the success of Derouin’s Auto Body and Collision and has made it a cornerstone of the Delta County business community. He was so devoted to the shop and his customers that he never wanted to retire.

Cook adored his grandchildren and loved to spend time with them. He loved to spend time at camp with the guys, especially during hunting season, and the convenience of having his camp close to his home allowed Cook to spend many weekends doing what he loved.

He cherished time spent with his son-in-law Dave Tryan and grandson Carter, who also live near Cook’s home. Cook could always count on Dave and Carter to pitch in with the many projects at camp and at his log home. They enjoyed feeding the deer and making trails together to help the deer make it through the long winter season. Cook loved and admired his sons-in-law, they were the sons he never had.

Whether it was taking a side by side ride, watching NASCAR, cheering for the Green Bay Packers or visiting with friends at the Rusty Rail, at the end of the day family was what mattered to Cook and he loved them all dearly.

In addition to his loving wife and best friend, Karen, and his mother, Mary Ann, Cook is survived by: daughters, Tonia (Todd) Henderson and Tricia (Dave) Tryan; grandchildren, Cooper and Saylor Henderson and Carter Tryan; brothers, Ron (Jill) Derouin and Mike Derouin; sister, Wanda Frossard; brothers-in-law, Bruce (Paula) Erickson, Don Timler and Artie Erickson; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Stade, Pam (Joe) Veraghen and Cathy Katz. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Cook was preceded in death by his father, Richard E. Derouin; sister, Sallie Timler; favorite uncle, Buzzy Derouin; nephew, Jimmer Frossard; brothers-in-law, Jim Frossard and Randy Katz; mother- and father-in-law, Eleanor and Arthur Erickson; special friends, Tim Kobasic and Butch Krause.

Cook’s family will receive friends on Friday, Feb. 1, from 2 to 6 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Escanaba. Funeral services will follow visiting hours at 6 p.m. on Friday at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Escanaba with Rev. Duane Wils officiating. Luncheon will follow funeral services in the church hall. Casual clothing is requested, please come as you are. To honor the privacy of the Derouin family on this very difficult day, Derouin’s Auto Body and Collision will be closed Friday, Feb. 1, and will resume normal business hours on Monday, Feb. 4. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. Messages of condolence to the Derouin family may be offered online at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com