Mark Cook: More Than A Writer

Mourn For Me Not

Mourn for me not, for I no longer strain
No more struggles and no more pain.
Mourn for me not, please shed no tear
I am forever in your heart, held ever so dear.
Cherish my memory; so I may live on
As I bathe in heaven’s dawn.
Mourn for me not, for my mind is at ease.
I am now at peace, I am finally free.

Written by Joshua Garrison for Mark Cook

On the evening of August the 11th, 2021, this area lost a great person. He was a father, a friend, and one exceptional reporter.

Many Bucs fans got to know Mark Cook as a long-time reporter for Pewter Report. For 10-years, you could find Mark at various events such as Buccaneers training camp or their practice doing what he loved; covering his favorite team.

Always the stand-up guy

He was never the type of person that would ever ignore anyone. If someone approached him and introduced themselves, he would always show them Southern Hospitality and speak with them as if he had known them for years.

I am truly blessed, having the chance to get to know Mark Cook through some of the charity work I am part of with What the Buc Really Matters. In attending various events such as; golf tournaments, he had no problem ever lending a helping hand. Mark would always make the event better. He would even reach out to current and former Buccaneers players and have them attend as well.  He loved doing things for Charity.

The native Floridian epitomized what a true native is as one who loved his state.

The Plant City native loved Florida and loved the Buccaneers. He grew up a Bucs fan and ultimately followed his dream; covering his favorite team.

Mark’s love of Florida was always apparent, whether it was driving to Parrish to get a fresh mullet sandwich from our mutual friend Ricky Gullet; or taking a trip down to my neck of the woods and staying in Anna Maria Island. He loved Anna Maria Island. He especially loved Cortez Historical Fisherman Village, where they would bring in fresh fish daily.

I will never forget that time I was in London, and he takes Paul Stewart of Bucpower and myself downstairs to a private party with the press and former players. The great thing was that we didn’t even ask. He just offered. That is the kind of guy he was. He was not selfish at all, and he treated everyone with kindness and respect.

In the very last Bucs game he attended, Super Bowl 55, the Bucs won it all at Raymond James Stadium. He was able to see Tom Brady at the helm during arguably the most historic season in the NFL’s existence.

You couldn’t speak with Mark and not walk away smiling

I am thankful that he was able to witness that. I am fortunate for having had the pleasure of him being my friend and grateful for the outstanding journalism he produced, covering our Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and thankful that we were all able to know him.

My deepest condolences go out to Douglas, Daisey, and his entire family. Rest in peace, my friend. You; will forever be missed.