Obituary: George Cooke Landon, PhD (1933-2021)

George Cook Landon, Ph.D., was Professor of American Thought and Language at Michigan State University from 1964 – 1998. He died peacefully in East Lansing, where had had lived since 1964. Born on April 18, 1933, he died on January 7, 2021, at the age of 87.

George was a much admired teacher. His flamboyance and style, not to mention his flashy rings and colorful glasses, were recognizable wherever he went. He was an out and proud gay man long before it was fashionable, and he earned the respect of many for his rigorous honesty. He loved opera, good books, world travel, and was a master chef, known for entertaining his friends with exquisitely prepared meals served on the finest china. And heaven forbid you would serve him a meal on an unwarmed plate. Unforgivable, in George’s world!

George was a devoted member of the Back Porch Group of Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 40 years, sharing his wisdom and irreverent humor with many a recovering friend.

George was born in Eden, New York, the youngest of four brothers, all of whom have predeceased him. He adored his mother, Ida Cooke Landon, who died when he was 15. He loved to tell stories of his very proper Edwardian upbringing in rural America. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Patricia Landon Falk, and many devoted friends. 

Goodbye, George. We will miss you.

This obituary was contributed by Jean Golden, a close friend of George Cook Landon for 35 years.

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