Lake Oswego's Robert Cook Dies, Was Blazers Team Doctor in 1970s

A member of the Blazers family has died.

Dr. Robert Cook, who was the team doctor in the late-1970s, drowned last week when he jumped off a boat in Siltcoos Lake south of Florence.

He was 78. The drowning appears to be have been accident.

The incident was first reported by the Register-Guard.

It didn't take long for the news to spread.

Radio personality Lars Larson, a long-time friend of Cook's eulogized him on his Facebook page.

Cook led the Blazers's medical staff from the 1975-75 season through the 1979-80 season.

He also was in charge during the 1990-1991 season.

Cook also worked with celebrities ranging from athletes like Alberto Salazar, Galen Rupp, Mary Decker Slaney, and Johnny Unitas to Senator Mark Hatifeld and country stars Brad Paisely and George Jones.

He served in the Vietnam Warm assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, During that time, he received the Bronze Star.

The Lane County Sheriff's Office says they were called around 6:20 to respond to the lake. Cook had been unable to swim back to the boat after diving into the lake.

They finally recovered his body on Friday morning.