Henry Pledger (Hank) Cookenboo |
| Posted 2009-10-16 by Pat Wilson |
| Henry Pledger "Hank" Cookenboo, Jr., 59, died in Phoenix on January 13, 2004. Hank was born in Tyler, Texas on December 11, 1944 and from his youth he was fascinated by the arts that led him to a career in broadcasting, first at KTTB in Tyler and then as a newsman with KVIL in Dallas. He moved to Phoenix in the late 1960's with his friend and colleague, William Edward Compton, and there he contributed to developing a new approach to American Contemporary FM radio. At KUPD, KCAC and as program director at KDKB, Hank was instrumental in creating the station image and on-air presence that was then known as underground and ultimately as progressive radio, propelling KDKB to the top of the Phoenix ratings for the better part of two decades. He later took his talents to KZZP in Phoenix and then to Tucson as Program Director of KWFM. Hank was a splendid on-air talent and his quick wit and offbeat sense of humor are remembered by many. Hank lost his eyesight to optic neuritis in 1974 and later was stricken with multiple sclerosis. As the disease progressed over the years, Hank never lost his great spirit and remarkable personality. He is survived by his daughter, Christine, and three grandchildren. Memorial Service pending. Donations to the MS Society in Hank's name may be made to the National MS Society, 700 Broadway, Suite 810, Denver, CO 80203-3442, Attn. Donation Processing, or by phone: 1-800-FIGHTMS. Published in the Arizona Republic on 1/24/2004. |
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