Transit Pioneer Passes
Texas transit pioneer, Wayne Michael Cook passed away on June 29, 2008, in Galveston, Texas. A native of Springfield, Vermont, Mr. Cook left an indelible impression on the public transportation industry in Texas, and will be sorely missed by those who knew and respected him.
Those fortunate to know Mr. Cook considered him to be a man of high ideals, great intelligence and passion. A well read man who loved hunting and fishing, children and animals, Mr. Cook was capable of holding his own in conversations on almost any subject matter.
According to TTA Board member, John McBeth, “Wayne Cook was one of the original 10 founding members of the Texas Transit Association, a founding member and long time ardent supporter of SWTA and a life-long member of APTA. It is doubtful that transit in Texas has ever had a stronger advocate than Wayne. Wayne was the General Manger of VIA for what seemed like a life time, leaving there to become the Executive Director of TTA and then going into private business and then becoming the GM for Island Transit in Galveston. Much of what we see today in transit in Texas is a result of the work and vision of Wayne.”
Cook is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ann, as well as their sons Patrick and Stephen, their wives and families, as well as sisters and their extended families.