Passed away peacefully in Mildura on Monday May 18, 2026 aged 77 years. Dearly loved husband of Janette. Loving father and father-in-law of Matthew and Suzie, Calum and Bianca, and Ailia. Adored Grandpa of Milla, Cruz, Charlie, Emma, Jack, William, and Franklin.
A Memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be conducted at the Church of Christ corner Deakin Avenue and Tenth Street Mildura on Friday June 5, 2026 at 11.00am.
Tributes
Trevor Miles
Dear Jeanette and Family
Sincere condolences on the passing of Cookie. Like many I appreciated Cookie’s deep knowledge, passion and practical commitment to the environment. It always took me while to understand John’s communication style, but if i was patient and persistent i and others too always benefitted from Cookie’s breadth and depth.
His love of family and community also shone through.
Trevor Miles
Nancy And Don White
I have such happy childhood memories of our Christmases, spent with Uncle Jack and Auntie Nell, Sitting under the almond trees on such hot Mallee Christmas Days, while dad and Uncle Jack, outdid each other with yarns!
And later, when John came to visit us, at Anakie. Our deepest sympathies to all, we loved our John,
Don and Nance
Asitha Katupitiya
Dear Janette and family, sad to hear about Cooke’s passing. I worked alongside with him for many years to manage salinity issue in the Mallee region and more broadly in the Murray-Darling Basin. He had a great passion for this work. I will hold wonderful memories of conversations we had at work as well as outside of work more personally. May his soul rest in peace! Asitha
Kay & Greg Plummer
Dear Janette and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dearly loved husband, father and grandfather. John was such a lovely, funny and caring person. From the first time we met him we could see what a wonderful person he was. He will be so missed by so many. We are so sorry we can’t attend his funeral but we will be thinking of you all. Sincere condolences to you all.
Glen Nicol
John was a great mentor to me as a teenager, he taught me to sail, and how to value lifelong learning. To me, he was a quietly passionate man that imparted a deep appreciation for listening to the natural environment.
My dad described John as a staunch but pragmatic advocate that always maintained well founded positions deeply rooted in knowledge and truth.
He was a close and influential friend to my father, and a man I also deeply admired, and still do, as he remains a daily influence on my decisions.
John will be dearly missed by me and my family.