William Donald Cooke, Cornell professor emeritus of chemical and chemical biology and a longtime university administrator, died Sept. 20 at his home in Ithaca. He was 89.

Cooke came to Cornell in 1951 as an assistant professor and led the effort to modernize analytical chemistry, introducing instrumental analysis, including electrochemistry, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance. He became a full professor in 1959 and later became associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1962-64); dean of the Graduate School (1964-73); and vice president for research and advanced studies (1969-83).

Among many other contributions, he wrote the University Appointment Manual, now known as "the Cooke Book." He also served as acting provost, acting chemistry department chair, occupational health and safety programs director and an active member of the Cornell University Senate. During the student unrest of the 1960s and '70s, he negotiated successfully with student leaders and even remained in contact with several of them in later years.

Born in Philadelphia in 1918, Cooke graduated from St. Joseph's College in 1940. During World War II he joined the U.S. Army Air Force and was sent to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to train as a meteorologist. He served at Gen. Dwight Eisenhower's headquarters and helped with tactical weather forecasts including the Normandy D-Day invasion, and in his three years of service he saw postings in Wiesbaden, London, Paris, Casablanca and Cairo.

He was discharged with the rank of major in 1945 and was such a highly skilled poker player that on his voyage home he made enough money to buy a diamond ring and marry his childhood sweetheart, June Marie Orr. He continued to play poker several times a month throughout his career, and he founded the Cayuga Poker Society, for which he published a monthly newsletter with unusual stories about history, sports, politics and other items of interest.

He earned his M.S. degree in 1948 and his Ph.D. in 1949, both at the University of Pennsylvania. He then studied at Princeton University with Professor N.H. Furman for one year as a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow and another year as a Eugene Higgins Fellow.

At Cornell Cooke was known for the broad scope of his career and for his generosity, sincerity and passion for justice. He continued an active teaching role throughout his administration postings, and even past his retirement in 1987.

"Don had a special gift with people," said Charles Wilcox, professor emeritus of chemistry and chemical biology. "He had a positive outlook and led a life of modesty and dignity with respect for people from all walks of life. All who knew Don will miss him."

June Cooke passed away in October 2006, shortly after the couple's 60th wedding anniversary. Cooke is survived by his brother, six children and nine grandchildren.