This is what I had wanted to say when Shoshanah had asked me to speak, I'm sorry I couldn't that day/

West, I am honored to have been chosen to be your friend, to live next door on the property for 14 years. For all who knew you, we knew that you were particular about who you kept close, so again, I was honored. I was honored to be asked by you and Sho to live there.

You were the guy that if you liked someone they knew it, and if you didn't like someone, they wouldn't know it. You had grace. 

For me, you were a constant in my life, almost daily. We talked about most everything, we shit talked with laughter, we talked food, seasonings, we talked dogs, animals, we talked energy stuff and chakras, you'd make fun of my Boston accent , poorly of course, but I'd laugh., books that you were listening to, nature photos you'd share with me, you were always exploring new things...and in your West ways, you always dove into anything you were interested in 110%- this was fun to hear from other people who knew you too. When I was looking for someone to walk with me, to feel safer, you offered- I said, oh hell no! because I knew you'd be walking for miles and miles- and you did! you'd set off and send the map route you took and it was 6 miles, then 9 miles, then 12- all up in the hills and everywhere.It was then that I changed your name on my phone to Forrest (Gump) and you probably never knew that.

West, I always knew you looked out for me, you told me when I moved in, not to walk home alone at night, not to take the scary stairs from Wall St. to Main st.  You were always my first call when I'd hear a gunshot from the avenue, you were always the first call when I needed to know what might be going on out there, anywhere. Most recently, when I was walking in my door and heard a gun shot very close- and we found out the guy had been killed, I shared with you how much that hit me hard, to hear the moment when someone was killed, you talked to me about letting that darkeness go, about the energy again. West, you were so multi-faceted, that I don't think many people knew that- but I did, I was fortunate to have been chosen. They say people come into our lives for a reason, I know you were in mine, to help me feel safe here, to be seen and heard. You and Sho gave me a home here.

When the Thomas Fire happened and the next day, you kept at those hot spots all day behind our house, I knew we were safe because you were there- you stayed and kept watch. When I texted to ask if you needed anything when I was on my way back to the house-you texted back a pic of a huge cinnamon roll and your hand gun on the table next to where you were finally relaxing. I knew I was safe.  And then a few days later when I walked into the kitchen at the Mission and saw you stirring a giant pot of something, after I asked you if you had a giant soup pot that World Central Kitchen could use, you showed up with the pot and your apron- and I knew again, that I was safe.

There have been so many times since you've left that I've wanted to text you and share something, so many times when that damned rocket launch has gone off and scared the shit out of me- because you weren't giving me the countdown, like you did every single time, I miss watching it in the driveway with you and us calling in to Shoshanah to come outside and watch, but she'd be fine and cozy with Baby and Buddy watching it on the couch.

As for Shoshanah and you, I have never seen a relationship that was lived with such mutual respect and admiration in my life. You two got each other.

The past 6 months have been surreal, seeing you leave the way you did, I felt you leave so clearly that day, the way you do things, onto the next.  As I put your slideshow together and photo boards for the gathering, it was just something I had to do.... but until I saw your face up on that screen that day, in the room surrounded by so many people who loved and knew you, did it hit me that I wouldn't see your smile, hear your laugh, your West sayings  like " not my chair" anymore. 

You were one of a kind, and I'll miss you for the rest of my life. 

Thank you  for being you sir, carry on.

West and i become friends 7 years  ago during the tragic Thomas Fires  in Ventura  County and Flooding events in Santa Barbra County    We both volunteered with WCK World Central  Kitchens .West as a chef making huge amounts of food and myself as a driver who delivered to those  who needed our help. He was kind,  he was funny,   he was an amazing chef,  but :even better person. I really enjoyed running into West at different events  all over Ventura these He was  a solid Venturan who made a   huge impact  in my heart.   Godspeed  my brother !!! 

Much love Shoshana and Della and Wests family and friends 

Christopher Pryor

I sold my house and was moving into a rental; I had something heavy I couldnt lift and posted online for help; no answer for days, then West answered my plea and brought help; I remember what he said in a message "come on guys, lets help this lady", we hugged many times since then; Love you West Cooke, one of the good guys

I am sorry ready about West’s passing,  what a tremendous loss to our community and those who were closest to West.

In these moments, when there are no words, know that the ones we love remain beside us, now and always.

Sending love 💕 for all.