Graham’s curious nature led him all over the world and down every alleyway in Louisville. An avid explorer of backcountry roads on beloved “Cooke Boys” adventures, he was excited by the potential of every experience: the chance to enjoy the best meal, see the most beautiful vista, body surf the greatest wave. He climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, tried every beer in Europe, and delighted in being mistaken for Paul Newman in Vietnam. With Martha Neal he attended Springsteen shows, visited all 50 states, and shared a deep intellectual and literary curiosity.
The original Girl Dad, there is nothing Graham loved more than following the passions of his daughters; cheering for them in sports, performances, and careers. Graham & Barrett shared a love of architecture and design, collecting obsolete items, and being a little bit reckless. Graham & Elizabeth competed in Tetris until they dreamed it, listened to albums on repeat during long drives, and played hooky when the moment struck.
Graham loved a diet Dr. Pepper and a turkey sandwich with Dukes mayonnaise and watching University of Louisville compete in any sport. He was the most genuinely curious conversationalist. Even-tempered and graceful, he readily volunteered to move a couch, pack a house, demo a garage, or chauffeur grandkids. He never stopped trying to convince us all that his hair was not white, but in fact very, very blonde.
Graham was born in Louisville, KY, attended Waggener High School (Rust Control) and graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College and then University of Kentucky Law School. He began (and ended) his legal career working for Legal Aid Society. In 1978 Graham and Martha Neal joined with Bill Schuetze & Audrey Schuetze to open Hawley-Cooke Booksellers. Welcoming authors from around the country and fostering local talent, Hawley-Cooke was an intellectual hub and community staple for 25 years. He concluded his career at the Louisville Free Public Library.
Graham was preceded in death by his parents H. Thurston Cooke and Elizabeth Hamilton Davis Cooke and beloved older brother Donald D. Cooke. Graham is survived by his wife of 53 years Martha Neal Nuckols Cooke, daughters Barrett Hamilton Cooke (Tim Coulter) and Elizabeth Neal Cooke (Josephson “Nanah” Mananandry) and grandchildren Odin & Stevie, Lia & Horenge; his brother A. Hamilton Cooke, nephew H. Thurston Cooke II (Carla) and niece Katherine Kerr (Bill), Davis & Anne, and Caroline; Maggie King and many other dear friends. Graham was compassionately cared for in his final days by his family along with Asia and Ernest & Melinda.
Donations in honor of Graham’s memory can be made to the Legal Aid Society of Louisville or the organization of your choosing. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday November 24, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Peterson Dumesnil House in Crescent Hill.