Zachary Taylor Cook III

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn Zachary Taylor Cook III, who passed away at the age of 59.

To know Zac was to know his deep love for his family, his sense of humor, his fondness for the cuisine of his Acadiana hometown and his soft spot for animals.

Zachary was born April 27, 1966, and soon adopted by his loving parents, Erma and Charles, who often shared the story about bringing their beautiful baby boy home on a satin pillow. Zac grew up in a house built by his father and grandfather, on 17 green acres in what was then a very rural Broussard, Louisiana, surrounded by majestic oaks and pine, pecan trees, vegetable gardens and sprawling fields of sugar cane. His father taught him the practical skills needed to keep a home through the torrents of south Louisiana. And from his gregarious mother, Zac learned to strike up a conversation with just about anyone.

Zac became a proud parent in 1988, when Lanie Lee was born. He would soon build a house on the same plot of land where he grew up, providing his daughter a safe home near her loving grandparents, and with room to play and dream.

Zac and Theresa, each a parent to one daughter, married in 2002 and blended their homes at the house in Broussard. During their more than two decades together, Zac and Theresa’s love and respect for one another was apparent — and as their loved ones can attest, they shared a special language of sharp-witted humor and teasing banter, never letting a serious moment go by without sneaking in a little humor.

Like any doting parent, Zac loved to brag about his daughters and their success in pursuing their goals, with Lindsay becoming a lawyer and Lanie a journalist. And when Lindsay married Pratt, he was happy to welcome him like a son and was proud of him just the same.

Zac loved animals and rescued countless dogs, a few cats and even a deer named Susie, who would meet him at the bus stop, and he also donated regularly to local animal shelters. He found peace relaxing on the couch and watching TV with his beloved pups — too many over the decades to name, but all equally loved as part of the family. For the last couple of years, it was little Piper who was always at his side.

As for his professions, he worked as a police officer in his younger years and as a salesman while his kids were growing up. More recently, he ran a successful business as a private driver. And for a stretch, after he moved to the New Orleans area to be closer to Lindsay’s growing family, he took on an exciting side venture: sharing his handsome looks on camera as a background actor for a few TV series. He relished in the fun of working in the same industry that produced “The Young and the Restless” and “The Price is Right” — two favorites that he had watched since childhood with his mother.

But for Zac, nothing compared to his most cherished role of all: becoming “Pappy” to his two grandsons, Pratt Jr. and Brooks.

Pratt and Brooks will always remember how much their Pappy made them laugh, and all of his silly jokes and impromptu visits after school, when he would bring them treats. He loved them tremendously and never missed an opportunity to tell them how much he loved them. In the last few years as his illness progressed, Zac fought so hard for his family, but especially for his boys. His family will make sure his memories are never forgotten, and that his boys know how much he cared about them and how proud he was of them.

Zac was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Cook and Erma Lanie Cook, and is survived by his wife, Theresa; his daughters, Lindsay Faulkner (Pratt) and Lanie Lee Cook; and grandsons Pratt Faulkner Jr. and Brooks Faulkner.

Zac’s family expresses immense gratitude for Dr. Courtney Shappley and the SICU team at Ochsner Medical Center, who went above and beyond to provide excellent care and a sense of comfort to him and his loved ones throughout his treatment; and also for our incredible family — of both kin and beloved friends — who gave and continue to give generous, unwavering support.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Zac’s life on Thursday, June 5, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington, Louisiana. Visitation begins at 9:15 a.m. with words of remembrance and a mass to follow at 10:45 a.m. A private burial will be held in Lafayette, Louisiana, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to or volunteering for your local animal shelter in Zac’s honor.