In Memory of Callum Cook

The loss of a member of the MSU community is being felt by the students, friends and loved ones who knew Callum Cook. Originally from Lone Tree, Colorado, Callum began his studies at MSU in 2024. Though Callum left us on October 2, 2026, he will be remembered as a kind friend who always made the people around him feel supported. 

Callum was known for his love of the outdoors, and had recently switched his major to Earth Sciences. As an avid hiker, Callum had completed 23 of the 58 fourteeners in Colorado. In Bozeman, Ross Peak was his favorite in the Bridger Range. Callum’s mother, Jill, said he would Facetime her every time he reached the summit of a mountain. “The mountains were his happy place.” 

Callum was a passionate sports fan. He loved the Denver Broncos, the Denver Nuggets and, of course, the Bobcats. He loved watching sporting events with his brother, Liam, and with his friends. Jill and Callum attended the Bobcat National Championship Game in Tennessee last January. “It was one of the best moments that I've shared with him.” 

To his friends, Callum was someone they could count on, share adventures with and turn to when they needed a friend. He never let his friends say bad things about themselves. He was always the first to show up for his friends, offering support and helping them through difficult times. 

His group of friends, both here in Bozeman and back home in Colorado, were a major part of his life. Callum was a caring and understanding person. His friends described him as exactly the type of person you would want to be around: motivating, determined, positive and the life of the party.

Jill, her husband Craig and her son Liam hope Callum’s legacy will live on through others finding connection, joy and solace in the outdoors. The Cook family asks that people visit and support the national parks to carry on Callum’s love for them. “The parks were so important to him.” 

In Callum’s honor, the Cook family has created a scholarship foundation through the Montana State Alumni Foundation. The scholarship will be awarded each year to an MSU student from Colorado in need of aid. The Cook family said they are grateful to Gallatin County’s Search and Rescue team who worked through the night to bring Callum back to his family. 

Callum will be remembered for his joyful laugh, kindness and positive attitude. “He had no qualms about telling people that he loved them.”

To donate to Callum’s scholarship fund, visit https://tinyurl.com/ycxhuway.