Wayne COOK

1951 - 2021

COOK, Wayne A. "Cookie" passed away August 26, 2021 after a hard battle with cancer. As we all know he wanted to stay with us as long as possible and left us peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends. Cookie, born in Denver on October 9, 1951, came into this world with Cerebral Palsy. During his early childhood Cookie had many surgeries and endured hundreds of hours in rehabilitation just learning to walk and become the fiercely independent person he desired. Cookie worked so hard at playing sports with his young friends that his relentless efforts led to being able to play basketball, tennis, baseball, downhill skiing and golf. Having mastered what most would think is impossible, Cookie become a regular participant at the highest levels of sport. Cookie competed in national and local charity events with the superstars of sports to include Michael Jordan, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert and many golfing legends to include being featured on NBC with Gary Koch and Roger Maltbie. From 1994 to 1998 he was an elite racer on the Disabled International Ski Circuit. Cookie won the Bronze medal at the 1996 Canadian National Championships. Cookie's remarkable achievements set him on a different career path as a motivational speaker intent on spreading his own inspirational story as a real life testament of true grit and what the human spirit can achieve. Every day of his life was a struggle yet Cookie lived by the creed that 'effort equals results'. He was featured at PGA Senior Pro-Am events across the country and inspired audiences of all ages. Cookie became the National Spokesperson for Outback Steakhouse and traveled the country delivering his incredible message of "Inspiration Through Action" to thousands of young people, coaches, corporations, small businesses, non profits and athletes at every level. Known for his passion and tenacity during his speaking engagements he moved audiences in a very positive way just listening to his life's remarkable journey. Cookie would say "Who would ever think a little crippled kid could accomplish all this." Unforgettable. Above all other sports, Cookie had a special love for the game of golf and in order to compete at his desired level he worked tirelessly on his physical fitness, every facet of his game and accomplished so much. The members at Old Memorial Golf Club all knew how much Cookie loved to compete and almost always prevail in every match. Rubbing 'it in' after an opponent lost was one of his favorite past times, many a member has heard Cookie remind them that he 'kicked your butt', to include PGA tour professional Gary Koch, who after posting a brilliant 63 lost to Cookie on the 18th hole. His engaging personality and energy made him a very special member that was loved by all who had the privilege of sharing so many great times with him. Cookie is survived by his brother, Delbert Cook; and sister-in-law, Mary Cook; sisters, Verna Benke and Rebecca Green and their husbands, Jim and David; nephews, Bart and Duke Benke, Michael and Brad Cook; and niece, Sandra Batman. Gone before him are his father, Chester Cook; mother, Leta Pietrfesco and step-father, Rocco Pietrafeso. A Celebration of Life will be held in October. Cookie was passionate about the children at First Tee of Tampa Bay and contributions can be made in his name: https://www.firstteetampabay.org/donate/