Cook was born in Russell in 1893 and was the eldest son of Captain T. W. Cook. The family moved to Auckland and he was educated at Ponsonby District School. He did well at school and won a place in the "High School at Wellington" where he studied for two years. His family again returned to Auckland when he was 16 and he finished his education at Auckland Grammar School. He joined the Auckland Gas Company where he was working at the time of his enlistment in the army.
Playing career
He played as a junior for the Ponsonby United and debuted for their senior team in 1915.