Leonard'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.
Thank you for adding a memory. It means a lot to comfort families and to keep the memory of Len alive.
Thank you for your message. It means a lot to comfort families and to keep the memory of Len alive.
Len was a top guy. He and Cathy Riach interviewed me the day after I arrived in Australia to, as Len put it, just to check I didn’t have two ...
Len was a top guy. He and Cathy Riach interviewed me the day after I arrived in Australia to, as Len put it, just to check I didn’t have two heads. It wasn’t a long interview (as I don’t have two heads) and I started work the following week. He was a gent and I lived his……unconventional approach to HR. I always remember Len…..RIP Bonny Lad x x x
My condolences to family and friends. We knew Len in Adelaide and became good friends after doing some renovations for him. Always a good friendly guy to know and meet ...
My condolences to family and friends.
We knew Len in Adelaide and became good friends after doing some renovations for him.
Always a good friendly guy to know and meet up with. Our friendship continued on FB after our move to Tasmania.
Rest in peace Len.
Thank you forever Len. A beautiful, generous soul. Your shared love of Jordan will be always remembered and cherished.
Didn’t get to know Len personally - but heard great things through his Son Neil and Grandson Jordan. Will be missed. Would love to have heard some stories about the ...
Didn’t get to know Len personally - but heard great things through his Son Neil and Grandson Jordan. Will be missed. Would love to have heard some stories about the football in the UK.
Len was a gentleman. A loving kind man and very encouraging to people in the band's he played with. We shared many laughs over the years in our Geordie way. ...
Len was a gentleman. A loving kind man and very encouraging to people in the band's he played with. We shared many laughs over the years in our Geordie way. I will miss him for his friendship and warmth RIP Len.
My greatest inspiration. Da modelled grace, care, patience, compassion and understanding of the human condition. With a gentle confidence he was true to himself and his maker. I wonder if ...
My greatest inspiration. Da modelled grace, care, patience, compassion and understanding of the human condition. With a gentle confidence he was true to himself and his maker. I wonder if he convinced Gabriel to graduate to trombone?
The happiness and a smile, only he could bring to my face, will go with me and Da till we meet once more on the golden shore.
Walk on!
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.