Mr. Wayne T. Cooke (5/10/1931-1/16/2026) was born in Seattle, Washington and attended Queen Anne High School. He received his teaching degree from the University of Washington, launching his life-long passion as an educator. 

Early in his career he taught in Morocco and took exploratory trips across Europe. These trips ignited his love for the mountains, beginning a life-long love he never relinquished. He spent most of his adult life in Spanaway, Parkland, and Graham, teaching in the Bethel School District for 30 years, primarily at Thompson Elementary. During that time, he became a Community Activist, spearheading the design and construction of Spire Rock at Sprinker Recreation Center, which was his signature achievement. 

Mr. Cooke was an avid mountaineer, summitting Mt. Rainier several times, while taking countless students on treks to Pinnacle Peak and sharing his passion with everyone.

After retiring from Bethel, he continued changing lives as an Educator, helping young adults at the Puyallup Tribe obtain their GEDs. Once he reached full retirement, his activism increased, making an impact through the Graham Community Garden, the Graham Citizens projects, and projects to end homelessness. 

Mr..Cooke was the beloved husband of Barbara (d. 2012) and is survived by his son Joel Griesbach of San Diego and family. The service celebrating Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 2:00pm at Spanaway United Methodist Church, on 163rd St. South. He is laid to rest at Fir Lane Memorial Park in Spanaway, Washington.

* Thank you to Joel Griesbach for contribution to honor his beloved Dad 

Editor Note: Adding my own. Wayne and I both had a love of history. Hiding in plain sight near his Graham home, but buried under years of blackberry growth was this old building. So, we went to explore it after heavy snow tamped down those blackberries and it became visible. Always curious, always ready to learn. Missing you, Wayne.