Len Cook
25th March 1939 - 31st August 2025Leonard's story starts on March 25, 1939, when he was born in Horden, County Durham, United Kingdom to parents Richard Wake Cook and Charlotte Pratt.
As a young man, Len was very sporty; he even played Wimbledon Juniors and trialled for Sunderland Football club.
Len went to Henry Smith School, Hartlepool and attended both Durham and Deakin Universities.
Len worked as a Human Resources Manager for British Aeronautical Engineering Systems, this allowed him to travel. He would go on to call Australia home, gaining citizenship here in 1986. When Len was 25, he married Anne and became a father to Neil in 1970, then a grandfather to Jordan in 2008.
Len loved his music and was an avid trombone player, he played and toured in a number of brass bands in Adelaide.
Len is loved by family and friends alike. He will be missed and always remembered. We encourage you to help keep his story alive by sharing a memory or reflection and photos. These will be a permanent keepsake for his son and grandson.
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Guestbook
I am so very sorry and sad to have just found out about the passing of Len. We never met, but we corresponded via email and telephone for many years ...
I am so very sorry and sad to have just found out about the passing of Len.
We never met, but we corresponded via email and telephone for many years from.2007. It became more irregular in latter years and I wondered why I hadn't heard from him for quite a while.
We had much to discuss, as I live in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the north East of England, from whence he came.
He made me smile and laugh, as we discussed politics. music, family and so many things, always with a human thread running through all.our conversations. They were conversations of much joy and warmth and I know he hoped to visit his homeland. I hoped he would so we could have met. Alas, this never happened.
Tonight , I am deeply saddened to.hear of his death last August. I so wish I had been able to have one more conversation with him
My.heartfelt sympathy to his son and family and friends.
I shall.miss his profoundly wonderful conversations.
Gloria Heather Stone
Newcastle-upon-Tyne England
2nd January 2026
A man who spoke his mind and played the game of life with a straight bat. He appreciated good sportsmanship. We shared good music together. I was blessed to spend ...
A man who spoke his mind and played the game of life with a straight bat. He appreciated good sportsmanship. We shared good music together. I was blessed to spend time with you dear Len and will miss you as part of my life. condolences to your family and friends and fellow music makers.
My memory of Uncle Len is all those years ago when he came to stay with us for a while in Australia.. along with Auntie Anne and Neil.. I remember ...
My memory of Uncle Len is all those years ago when he came to stay with us for a while in Australia.. along with Auntie Anne and Neil..
I remember him turning up in a sports car and looking very flash I thought..
5 years later we moved back to the UK so as a child I didn’t really understand the importance of keeping in touch with family .. however I have often thought over the years how Uncle Len and Neil were.. Thankfully I managed to share some messages with Uncle Len over the last couple of months and feel blessed that I had the chance to hopefully make him smile at such a sad time..
From all the messages I have seen he had a good life and will be sadly missed.
Always in my thoughts Uncle Len .. love Sharron ♥️
So sad to see this news. I was only thinking about Len the other day when I caught up with the Mitcham Band folks. He was such a gentleman and ...
So sad to see this news. I was only thinking about Len the other day when I caught up with the Mitcham Band folks. He was such a gentleman and would always have a big smile and a nod for me when I saw him at rehearsal. Will miss his lovely playing and lyrical way of talking. RIP mate, you made the world a better place with your kindness.
Very sorry to hear about the sad news. Len was one of the best and will be remembered with a smile. He was the HR master who seemed to single ...
Very sorry to hear about the sad news.
Len was one of the best and will be remembered with a smile.
He was the HR master who seemed to single handedly arrange for us to move out here from BAE UK to BAE AUS to work on the Echidna program back in 2005 along with many others; Rog, Dig, Mark, Bob, Mal, John, Paul also recruiting Rob Tree (RIP) along the way etc.
I remember him telling me stories of how he moved out here to make a new life raising a family and described it as 'magical times'.
Now 20 years later we have managed to do the same and also have 'magical memories' we owe a lot to Len and we are very grateful for that opportunity.
Below is a quote from Len from a message he sent to me after saying thanks after being here 12+ years after getting married and having Jack our boy.
"when I came here in 71 John, was a game changer to a great life...I vowed that if I could ever do the same for someone ,I would...…….you and the lads + yer families, was the chance to give a bit back...…...yer all friends that I'll always treasure mate...😀😀😀😀😀"
It is a true testament to his character and he will be missed!
Y Aye Man
John & Netty
Friend and band colleague from Mitcham City Brass ... treasured memories. RIP Len 🙏🎶
You will always have my heart. RIP
You will always have my heart. RIP
Memorial Service
Condolences to all that knew love and respected my Da. The last few months have taken a toll on me. I am getting care and support from the beautiful loving people in my life. With everyone scattered across states and counties a typical service would serve few.
Therefor as per my discussions with da's wishes...
There will be a wake in Melbourne.
Da myself and Jordan will come to Adelaide. I will reach out to his bands and put together a a few scores to blow tribute to Da in a place were those in Adelaide who would like can attend and celebrate a life well lived! He did it his way!.
Then Da Jordan and I will make our way to the N.E of England to reunite Da with his Brother and sister. Come out and tilt a pint with his family and his aad gadgies..
Check in here for details as these celebrations of Gentle graceful soul take shape.