San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-09-09
AN APPRECIATION.
To the Editor:

Most successful men are notable for
their achievements rather than their
| character: that is, their accomplish.
ments stand out TO the world so that
their characters. rs such, are ignored
or ovcrshadowed by the evidences oil
fruits of their accomplishments
Though OF course, without the basis OF
| character, few men attain real sue
cess.
While Fred W. Cook was n success
full man in every sense of the word
yet his death. brings the realization
that it was not for his achievements
that he was notable; not for his tri-
umphs that he was loved; but for his
kindly. generous and sincere charac-
ter. That he was splendid bust
ness organizer and executive goes with
out saying. and numerous San An.
tonic institutions bear visible witness
TO his acumen and ability. That he
rendered yeoman service 10 the cause
of education in the state of Texas is
likewise well known, for his counsel
and guidance as member OF the
school board of San Antonio. and as q
regent of the University of Texas
were OF incalculable value. That he
was a tremendous asset TO his COM
munity is manifest from the results
of the efforts &c expended in its adj
vancement. not alone when the call
TO duty came during the war, TO as
sist the drives for funds. but in the
continual labors expended by him at
other times, in organizations striving
TO promote community advancement.
But it is not for these things that
he will be forever remembered nor for
these reasons that his loss is irrepar-
able: not because Of those acts that
his friends and associates realize that
this great void exists. 1t is n per
sonality. n charm. a character. which
they knew and loved, that has de-
parted.
Modest and unassuming in all
things. Not striving for the glare and
trumpets of fame. but working in the
ranks for the common good. Simple in
his mode of life. with q kindly SYM
pathetic word for everyone; though
like unbending steel when matter Of
principle or fair dealing was concern
ed. Generous beyond measure. so that
the world will little know of the char
ity which he was always ready. unos-
tentatiouslv. to extend where needed.
And not alone was it charity that>he
extended with n willing hand. but it
was a real pleasure for him 10 assist n
friend. to enable one in whom he was
interested to secure or attain some
worthy object for which his friend was
striving: with him indeed, il was a
greater pleasure to render aid than 1t
was for the recipient to receive that
assistance.
He was a fine type of real Ameri-
can; and recognized and appreciated
the duties and obligations OF citizen
ship. He realized that only by men of
his tyne. taking an active interest in
civic affairs, performing their civic
duties, and taking an active inter-
est in politics, would this government
attain the hopes and aspirations Of its
founders. But that interest was not
selfish interest, nor for! political
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, nor personal gain:
for himself he sought no political Of
fees or fafors; but to labor for the
good of San Antonio or to promote the
career Of a friend in whom he had
confidence. he was always an ardent
worker and partisan. b.
The term gentleman" has in this
day and time lost somewhat OF its
original connotation. but il we were
to use il in its real significance, Fred
W. Cook was real man, real Amer
lean, true gentleman. He bore the
indelible impress of real culture-of
n broadminded man OF the world. He
viewed man or a question from no
narrow aspect. 1t mattered little to
him what a mans nationality, re-
ligion or political affiliations might be,
he always looked to the man himself:
and, brushing aside the inconsequental
viewed the mans in
trinSic character and worth. As n re-
suit OF these broadminded views and
sympa Jlies, he acquired intimate and
devoted friends in every walk of life.
While this broadminded attitude,
and his genuine interest in the well
fare of his employers, associates and
friends, resulted in their constantly
coming to him for advice ESQ that in
Iced many of his employees presented
heir problems TO him as they would do
10 their fathers. and they felt his faith
srly interest in their welfare) and
while the advice they obtained was
always sage and sound, yet he COM
,ined the experience Of age with the
;pirit of youth. He was young in
of intellect, young in adapt
lbility TO new conditions and advance
nents, young with the spirit of prog |
'ess. His companions found wisdom