MARLOW COOK A DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE LEADER

Marlow Cook worked passionately and tirelessly to serve his community and country throughout his life. Cook dedicated his life’s work to public service and his illustrious career included serving in the Navy, in the Kentucky House of Representatives, as the County Judge of Jefferson County, as a United States Senator, and as an international corporate lawyer in Washington, D.C. During his six years in the United States Senate, he championed the Equal Rights Amendment and successfully led the confirmation of two Supreme Court justices.

From 1997 to 2009 he brought his strong determination as well as his love of the arts to the Board of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation, holding the positions of Treasurer, Vice Chair, and Chair. Known as a man of principle, generosity and kindness, The Ringling’s staff members fondly recall Cook’s sense of humor and warmth, noting that he would sometimes “get the most mischievous glint in his eye when he had a new idea.”

Cook used his considerable talents to help facilitate the partnership between The Ringling and Florida State University in 2000. Steven High commented that "My conversations with Marlow were always inspiring and without a doubt his leadership and relationship-building skills were the principal force behind restoring The Ringling. Marlow's work was instrumental in building its financial position and securing the resources needed for the necessary improvements and restoration, helping to put The Ringling on the path to what it is today.”

“When we got into negotiations as to which institution was the appropriate partner for the Museum, Marlow was thrust into the middle of it all. He worked diligently to ensure that the entire negotiation process was handled properly by both sides and proceeded smoothly,” said Robert Blalock, who served on the Board of Directors with Cook and for whom the The Ringling’s Johnson-Blalock Education Center is named. “His tireless spirit and tremendous energy is what made it possible and I can honestly say that without Marlow’s wonderful effort, the partnership would not have happened.”

Cook supported and believed in all aspects of The Ringling. A man of great character and conviction, his impact on The Ringling will undoubtedly be felt and appreciated for many future generations.