Richard Carl Lee Cook's Obituary
Richard Carl Lee Cook, 45, of Pickerington, left this world on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus. Born on December 7, 1979, in Tiffin, Rich was a 1998 graduate of Seneca East High School and an Air Force Veteran. A gifted artist, he poured his talent into his passion, founding and owning Greystone Tattoo Company. His work earned national recognition, gracing the pages of several magazine and winning multiple awards during his 26 year career.
For Richard, time was fluid. He’d be prepared for something on a Tuesday only to realize that what he prepared for wasn’t until Friday. Often times, he would be in the middle of a video game or a lunch date with me and get a call from the shop telling him that he had a client waiting for him. So it’s no wonder he made death wait for him to show up.
A man of many gifts. Rich was not just an artist, but a storyteller, a mentor and the human equivalent of a warm hug wrapped in sarcasm. In his studio, every tattoo was a masterpiece and every conversation a masterclass in wit. Whether sketching a wild idea or delivering a perfectly timed joke, he reminded us that life is meant to be lived in vivid colors—and that a good laugh is often the best medicine. He joked hard but loved harder. More than an artist, he was a safe space for so many, a legend with a needle, his creativity limitless, his kindness even greater. His laughter was the soundtrack to his life, infection and light-hearted, leaving an imprint as unforgettable as his spirit.
Richard left this world the same way he inked skin—on his own terms, with love in his heart, ink on his hands (and clothes), and telling us to get tough and suck it up.
Today, we celebrate a man who left his mark not just on our skin but in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. His legacy is alive in every tattoo, every stroke of creativity, and every safe haven he built in a world that sometimes needed a bit more color and a lot more love. Rest in peace, my moon, my love - you've inked a permanent mark in all our hearts.
Richard is survived by his wife, Karli; children, Greyson, Brinxton, Autumn, Hunter, and Jordan; mother, Brenda (Bob Clouse) Cook; father, Troy Cook; numerous friends and family; and his beloved dogs, Domino, Ladybird, and Jax. Richard was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Richard “Dick” and Thelma Eddington; and his paternal grandparents, Paul and Letha Cook; and his faithful companions Indy, Floyd, and Luna.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held this summer with details to follow. In his honor, instead of flowers, Rich would want you to spend money at the shop or at an animal shelter, or just spoiling your fur babies—because that’s just the kind of man he was.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
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Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
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