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Tributes paid to popular businessman
FRIENDS have paid tribute to a great all round bloke with tremendous presence following the death of popular businessman Ernie Cooke in a cycling accident.
Mr Cooke died on Tuesday last week after being in a collision with a car on Dracaena Avenue at around 9.30pm on Sunday, May 11.
Mr Cooke, 58, of Mylor Bridge, was on his way home on his bicycle after playing squash with friends at the Falmouth Squash Club.
Mike Fernihough who cycled part of the way home with Mr Cooke on the night he died, said: "I was a few minutes late leaving and after I caught him up we parted ways at the roundabout.
"It is tragic. He was a lovely guy who thoroughly enjoyed life."
An ex-Royal Marine captain who saw action in Oman, Mr Cooke had recently retired as sales director of Falmouth company Cygnus Marine.
Fellow company director and work colleague for 25 years, Andrew Clynick, said: "He was a one off and had tremendous presence, you always knew he was around whatever he was doing.
"He was a long standing friend and a great all round bloke."
Calling him a great character to be around and have on your team Mr Clynick said: "He had just retired and had everything going for him. We are all completely devastated,"
"Ernie was active in so many ways and his death has touched many people, we are all going to miss him."
Close friend for 15 years Mike Holmes said: "We used to have quite a laugh together, it is very sad and we are all devastated by his loss.
"Ernie was quite a character, I remember we were on a ski trip and I got into a bit of trouble at a spot called In Deep at Whistler in Canada.
"I struggled to get out and had take my skis off and come down on my bum, but who was waiting for me at the bottom, good old Ernie.
"He gave the impression of being indifferent but he was always there for you."
Greg Stephens who played hockey with Ernie for Falmouth for 18 years said: "Whilst a committed, uncompromising defender on the pitch, it's difficult to imagine a more considerate, kinder, true gentleman off it.
"Ernie will be greatly missed throughout Cornish Hockey."
His widow Jenny is currently putting together a tribute to her late husband which will be placed on the Packet website at www.thepacket.co.uk once it is available.
Pay tribute to Mr Cooke using the comments section below.
8:13pm Tuesday 20th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Chris Renowden, Falmouth Squash Club on 9:44am Wed 21 May 08
Ernie was a great character with a wicked sense of humour, he will be greatly missed by all who met him.
Ernie was a great character with a wicked sense of humour, he will be greatly missed by all who met him.
Posted by: Ian Munday on 5:36pm Wed 21 May 08
I have only learnt of this tragic news today. I kknew Ernie at Cygnus and he was a super guy. What a loss!!
Ian Munday - Marine Surveyor
I have only learnt of this tragic news today. I kknew Ernie at Cygnus and he was a super guy. What a loss!!
Ian Munday - Marine Surveyor
Posted by: Teresa Timms, Truro on 3:13pm Fri 23 May 08
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Ernie's death. He was the sort of guy who lived life to the full. What a tragic loss.
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Ernie's death. He was the sort of guy who lived life to the full. What a tragic loss.
Posted by: Sarah Lentern, Falmouth on 3:22pm Fri 23 May 08
I have Known Ernie for about 7 and a half years as I work behind the bar at the Club and did so that night. He was fondly known as Cookster. He was a wonderful Gentleman who always made you smile. Ernie our Dearest friend sleep well and you can be assured that you will never be forgotten. your memory will be imprinted in our hearts forever.Love Sarah Lentern
I have Known Ernie for about 7 and a half years as I work behind the bar at the Club and did so that night. He was fondly known as Cookster. He was a wonderful Gentleman who always made you smile. Ernie our Dearest friend sleep well and you can be assured that you will never be forgotten. your memory will be imprinted in our hearts forever.Love Sarah Lentern
Posted by: Roger Richards, Helston on 9:13pm Fri 23 May 08
Ernie and I played hockey together at Falmouth since 1985. He was the mainstay of our club for more than 20 years. A true gentleman and a respected friend of many. He will never be forgotten.
Ernie and I played hockey together at Falmouth since 1985. He was the mainstay of our club for more than 20 years. A true gentleman and a respected friend of many. He will never be forgotten.
Posted by: Tony Archer, Falmouth on 3:14pm Sat 24 May 08
Ernie,s friendship and practical support over many years will be impossible to replace.My thoughts and wishes go to Jenny George & Jim
Ernie,s friendship and practical support over many years will be impossible to replace.My thoughts and wishes go to Jenny George & Jim
Posted by: James Browne, Fenit, Tralee, Co.Kerry, Ireland. on 11:07am Sun 25 May 08
I got to know Ernie very well, through dealings with Cygnus. He was a true gentleman and its hard to believe that he is gone.
I got to know Ernie very well, through dealings with Cygnus. He was a true gentleman and its hard to believe that he is gone.
Posted by: Jo Steptoe, Falmouth on 4:11pm Sun 25 May 08
I knew Ernie from going up the sports club on a sunday night & he became a good friend. Ernie was always up for a laugh and spoke fondly of his boys.Ernie had a knack of always making those around him smile with his Newcastle brown ale in his hand.Sunday nights will never be the same. Rest in peace Cookster. Lots of love to his family x
I knew Ernie from going up the sports club on a sunday night & he became a good friend. Ernie was always up for a laugh and spoke fondly of his boys.Ernie had a knack of always making those around him smile with his Newcastle brown ale in his hand.Sunday nights will never be the same. Rest in peace Cookster. Lots of love to his family x
Posted by: Robin Snelson, Mylor on 8:19pm Fri 30 May 08
For someone I have known for only a short while, Ernie, you are leaving a very big hole in our lives. It has been an honour and a pleasure knowing you and I have countless memories of our joyful times together. Au revoir ski partner and Friday night copanion.
For someone I have known for only a short while, Ernie, you are leaving a very big hole in our lives. It has been an honour and a pleasure knowing you and I have countless memories of our joyful times together. Au revoir ski partner and Friday night copanion.
Posted by: Brendan Walsh, Ballinskelligs,Kerry
,Ireland on 10:12am Sun 1 Jun 08
My first meeting with Ernie was Mar. 1990 when I placed order for CY33 David Suzanne. He treated my son and I well. Sadly missed our thoughts and wishes to family. A great man.
My first meeting with Ernie was Mar. 1990 when I placed order for CY33 David Suzanne. He treated my son and I well. Sadly missed our thoughts and wishes to family. A great man.
Posted by: Richard Eccles, Nethy Bridge on 5:47pm Sun 1 Jun 08
Patricia and I knew Ernie when he commanded the Rigid Raider Squadron,Royal Marines, at Plymouth It was a hell of a job in peace time but someone had to do it. Ernie up-held the highest traditions of the Marines with dedicated practice. Numerous 'raids'were made up the Tamar and Yealm, once we got over the sand bar, with the 'lads' storming ashore to wreak havoc at various Inns. He became a loyal friend then and remained so ever since. Our sadness is compounded because we saw so little of Ernie, Jenny and the'boys' in recent years. Goodbye old friend!
Patricia and I knew Ernie when he commanded the Rigid Raider Squadron,Royal Marines, at Plymouth It was a hell of a job in peace time but someone had to do it. Ernie up-held the highest traditions of the Marines with dedicated practice. Numerous 'raids'were made up the Tamar and Yealm, once we got over the sand bar, with the 'lads' storming ashore to wreak havoc at various Inns. He became a loyal friend then and remained so ever since. Our sadness is compounded because we saw so little of Ernie, Jenny and the'boys' in recent years. Goodbye old friend!
Posted by: Steve Goodwill, Yorkshire Dales on 3:25pm Sat 21 Jun 08
Not seen him for years, but retain fond memories of Ernie from days in the Corps at Royal marines Poole, where he was briefly Adjutant. Together we had some memorable "runs ashore", I remember us cycling into the harbour for a bet after several Pimms on a fellow officer's yacht!
[bold][italic]Semper Fidelis[/italic] .[/bold]
Not seen him for years, but retain fond memories of Ernie from days in the Corps at Royal marines Poole, where he was briefly Adjutant. Together we had some memorable "runs ashore", I remember us cycling into the harbour for a bet after several Pimms on a fellow officer's yacht!
Semper Fidelis .
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