Russ Cook – A Parkson Legend

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Russ Cook on March 19, 2026, in Alachua, Florida, following a long and courageous battle with cancer and other health complications. Russ was not only a valued colleague at Parkson, but also a trusted friend, mentor, and a respected figure throughout the industry.

Russ’s connection to Parkson spanned an extraordinary 45 years, from August 1968 through his retirement in August 2013—an unmatched tenure in our company’s history. While his years of service alone were remarkable, it was the impact of his contributions that truly defined his legacy.

Russ & Jan, May 2025

He joined Parkson at a pivotal time, when the company had yet to achieve profitability and had no established product lines in the water and wastewater markets. Taking a leap of faith, Russ became instrumental in shaping the future of the organization. He played a critical role in advancing the company’s process expertise for the Lamella Gravity Settler and was central to the development of the LGST product line through the integration of this technology with Passavant’s thickener systems.

Throughout the 1970s, Russ worked tirelessly in the field to develop process design guidelines for LGS/LGST for phosphoric acid processing and coal thickening applications—two markets that proved essential to Parkson’s early growth and long-term success. His leadership and technical insight were foundational in helping the company achieve profitability and establish its presence in the industry. Without Russ’s leadership in developing these processes, Parkson likely would not have survived its early years.

As the head of Parkson’s Process Engineering Group for many years, Russ established design standards that continue to guide our work today. He was a dedicated mentor who trained and inspired generations of engineers, colleagues, and representatives. Widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in industrial wastewater process applications, Russ had a unique ability to simplify complex challenges and provide clear, practical solutions.

Even after transitioning into sales, Russ remained a trusted resource across the organization, for process, engineering and sales alike. His willingness to share knowledge, support his colleagues, and mentor young professionals never wavered. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Parkson honored him with the title of Professor Emeritus—a reflection of both his expertise and his enduring influence.

Beyond his professional and technical accomplishments, Russ was instrumental in shaping what we know today as the “Parkson Culture.” In the company’s early years, he helped foster a strong sense of camaraderie that extended beyond the workplace, bringing colleagues together through gatherings, celebrations, and shared traditions. Among the most cherished of these was the annual Super Bowl party hosted by Russ and Jan, remembered fondly by many.

Russ was one of the pioneering individuals who helped build our foundation as a leader in the water and wastewater industries. Parkson would not have earned its reputation as a process-driven company without him. His commitment to excellence, his passion for mentoring others, and his unwavering dedication to the company have left an indelible mark.

While his absence will be deeply felt, his legacy lives on, in the company he helped shape, the standards he established, and the countless individuals whose careers he influenced.

Russ was a friend to everyone, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Please follow the link below for the family’s obituary:

https://www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com/obituaries/russell-cook-9/#!/TributeWall