Karl John Cook

Karl John Cook was born at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland on August 2, 1956, to Kenneth E. Cook (Col. USA Ret.) and Frieda Mae Cook (nee Cullen). A blessed surprise, Karl was the second of unanticipated twins. He grew up in France, Germany, Virginia, Kansas, and Maryland and died in Fair Oaks, Virginia, on March 24, 2025 from complications of pneumonia.

Karl graduated from Springbrook High School and Montgomery College. He was an award-winning photographer and graphic artist, avid Ultimate player, and an information technology expert. Karl worked at WJLA, honing his skills by processing the art and graphics television viewers see behind the news anchors and taking their professional portraits. He loved the science and artistry of photography and experimented with lighting and texture, effectively creating special effects before even snapping the picture. During his multi-faceted career, Karl provided forensic and traditional I.T. support working at SAIC, Dean & Co., NIH, and National Geographic.

Karl started playing Ultimate at Montgomery College when the sport was in its infancy and traveled all over the United States participating in and photographing competitions. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he began publishing his extensive archive of photos on-line. As a result, in 2021, he was inducted into the Ultimate Hall of Fame—the first sports photographer to be honored. In 2023, he was inducted into the Virginia Ultimate Hall of Fame. Karl also designed discs for regular play and for special occasions such as the annual April Fool’s tournament.

At the age of 6, during the advent of the U.S. space race, Karl became an enduring astronomy enthusiast and an ardent sci-fi reader. He chased and photographed solar eclipses, and during his travels took astounding photos of nature’s architecture at National Parks, which he often gifted as “fractures.”

Karl’s mother Frieda and younger brother Kyle predeceased him. He is survived

by his father Kenn, twin sister Karen, nieces Jana and Kaela Landon, uncle Lester Cullen, Jr., and many dear cousins and friends, including his brother from another mother Eric Knudsen.

KARL’S POEM

Don’t be sad because your sun is down.

You can rise above it.

Don’t be sad cause you’re on your own.

You have to learn to love it.

Don’t be sad cause your sun is down.

You’re going to find your way.

Don’t be sad cause your day is done.

There’s another day, everyday.

(by Karl Cook)

A gathering of family and friends for Karl was held Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904.