West Seattle lost a cherished figure on September 25, 2024, as Rick Cook, affectionately known as the "Psychic Barber," passed away at the age of 68. For well over four decades, Cook was more than just a barber; he was a confidant, a storyteller, and a beloved community icon who touched the lives of countless West Seattle residents.

A Career Built on Skill and Humor

Rick Cook's journey in the world of hair styling began some 48 years ago. Initially trained as a full-service stylist, he eventually found his niche as a traditional men's barber. But it was his unique marketing approach that truly set him apart.

In the early 2000s, Cook's barbershop shared a building with a psychic reader. Recognizing the attention-grabbing potential of his neighbor's neon "Psychic" sign, Cook decided to match it with his own "Barber" sign. The result? A playful combination that read "Psychic - Barber," giving birth to his iconic moniker.

"I had to retire because I couldn't foresee any future in it," Cook would joke when asked about his 'psychic' abilities. This self-deprecating humor and quick wit became hallmarks of the Rick Cook experience.

A Fixture in the Community

Over the years, Cook became deeply woven into the fabric of West Seattle. He cut hair in various locations throughout the neighborhood, with his final shop at 4845 California Avenue SW. By his own estimate in 2012, he had given over 93,000 haircuts growing well beyond that number by 2024.

Todd Ainsworth of Swedish Automotive, a client for about 20 years, reminisced, "We shared many stories and also had a connection via some family members that I wasn't aware of at first. I'm going to miss him and I know many other West Seattleites will, too."

More Than Just a Haircut

What made Rick Cook special wasn't just his skill with scissors, but the experience he offered. "A lot of guys just want a haircut. They don't want to be inundated with products and sales or on the other end, five-minute haircuts," Cook once explained. His approach created a loyal customer base, with one client estimating it at over 500 men by 2012.

Brian Bothun, a part-time West Seattle resident, captured the essence of a visit to Rick's shop: "Above all else, Rick was a real barber, an old-school guy who could spin a good yarn. From his stories of commuting on the ferry with his motorcycle, his time in the service, and which casinos his wife liked, it felt like Rick was a friend."

A Life Well-Lived

Rick Cook's life was rich with experiences that he generously shared with his clients. He regaled them with tales of his motorcycle commutes, his military service, and his opinions on local grocers. His shop became a hub for community news and friendly banter.

Shaymaa Alazawi noted, "He was always so darn funny and joking and sharing his experience about traveling overseas and talking about the amazing food and what is the best place to get good Beer & Wine."

Leaving a Lasting Impact

As news of Rick's passing spread, an outpouring of fond memories and heartfelt tributes flooded in from the West Seattle community on social media. From long-time clients to neighbors and fellow business owners, it's clear that Rick Cook's impact extended far beyond the walls of his barbershop.

Chris Arkills summed it up perfectly: "Rick was a good guy and cut my hair for a few years in the 90's. Sorry to see him pass, he was an icon in West Seattle."

Rick Cook may have joked about being a psychic, but his true gift was his ability to connect with people, to make them feel heard and valued. As West Seattle mourns the loss of its beloved "Psychic Barber," it's clear that even a genuine psychic couldn't have foreseen how much goodwill he created and how much he will be missed.