Adam Bates Cook

A beloved member of the Pensacola arts community for over four decades, Adam Bates Cook is remembered as a kind soul, dedicated friend, distinguished painter, and an avid supporter of the local music scene with a keen sense of style and art in all he did. Although he endured many medical challenges throughout his life, his death at age 60 was unexpected, and his family and friends are deeply shocked and saddened by this sudden loss.

Born in Willingboro, New Jersey, Adam grew up in a military family that moved frequently but ultimately settled in the Pensacola area in 1978. He is a graduate of the University of West Florida, where he majored in Studio Art. His paintings were shown in local galleries and at the Pensacola airport, and he was a regular at local music venues, record stores, and vintage shops. Adam worked for multiple local businesses over the years, including Pensacola Testing Laboratories and AppRiver, and he maintained lasting friendships from these various community connections.

In addition to Adam’s love of the arts, he pursued other passionate interests throughout his life. From the time he watched the Apollo 11 moon landing when he was not quite five years old, Adam was fascinated by all things having to do with space exploration. He enjoyed visiting Cape Canaveral with his sister Maria and was honored to have met many of the greats of the Apollo Program. The history of baseball, and particularly the Negro Leagues, was a special interest of his. Further, he developed a deep knowledge of film, American literature, mid-century modern architecture, and jazz. Adam could speak with authority on subjects ranging from Charlie Brown to Charlie Parker, from Charles Bukowski to Charles Eames. He was “like a Smithsonian of 20th century cool,” as his brother Erik puts it.

While Adam was an accomplished visual artist, he also expressed his creativity through his invented holidays and personal style. Every year, without fail, he designated one day as “Fort Pickens Day,” and throughout the year, he would announce to his brother that today was the day we should all watch a certain movie. Hatari was a particular favorite that signified the start of a long, hot Florida summer. Special days required special hats, and he had the perfect fez, stetson, or sailor’s hat on the ready. He could rock a baseball jersey, a suit, or a sarong with equal style, and he had mastered the art of Sabrage (a ceremonial way of opening a bottle of champagne with a sword).

Though Adam connected with punk and the unconventional in many ways, certain traditions were also important to him. Known as a true gentleman, he enjoyed waxing his mustache, polishing his shoes, and carrying real silk handkerchiefs. Adam liked to watch the TV specials from his youth on Christmas, and celebrating his favorite sports teams was especially important to him. He was a loyal fan of Notre Dame, Navy, Duke, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the Giants, and his all-time favorite, the Mets. Opening Day for Major League Baseball was like Christmas, his birthday, and Mardi Gras all rolled into one.

A dreamer with a big heart, Adam was committed to his friends and loved ones and was known for his kindness. He enjoyed stargazing at Pensacola Beach, visiting the National Seashore, spending time with the animals at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, and looking out for the neighborhood cats. His gentle presence, quick wit, and remarkable strength of spirit will be forever admired and missed. He will also be long remembered for his magnificent and ever-changing facial hair. As he once said, “with great mustache comes great responsibility.”

Adam is preceded in death by his beloved mother Jeanne Marie Wagner Taylor, father Robert Earl Cook, and stepfather Arthur John Taylor. He is survived by his sister Maria; brother Erik; sister-in-law Lorrie; uncles Harold and George; aunts Christine and Barbara; nieces Sarah, Rachel and Julia; nephews Jonathan and Joshua; a large extended family, and many loving friends.

To honor Adam’s life, please make art, be kind, and advocate for accessibility rights. Remember to look up at the stars to broaden your perspective, be present with yourself and others, and take time to appreciate the wonders and beauties of the world – from the outer limits of space to the joy of a summer evening spent at a ballpark.

For those who have the means, you may wish to also make a donation in Adam’s memory to the following local organizations:

• 309 Punk Project

• SOCKS (Save our Cats and Kittens)

Celebration of Life services for Adam will be announced in the future.