Captain John D. Cook was a giant of a man. I met him because of Rick's death.
It can never be adequately told how grave an injury losing his son was to him. The added insult of the gross negligence finding made him burn with anger.
But John was never a bitter man, never one to leave humour and a Scotch far from hand.
He was a gentle gentleman and as Brian mentions, an aviation pioneer.
By the time of his death John was exhausted by the fight but deeply appreciative of all that everyone had done and continues to do to clear Rick and Jon's name.
It was odd that I grew to love John through such a tragedy and such a loss but he was my hero. A man who knew what honour was and who now we all honour.
Rest John, Rest.