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
Darren Herpich
Dear Janette and family. My condolences on Cookies passing. Cookie was one of my first managers after leaving uni and moving to Vic. He took me under his wing and introduced me to the ways of the mallee in relation to flora, fauna, crown land management, land conservation council reviews and recommendations, land systems, soil conservation, farming practices but most of all dryland salinity management. He loved the mallee and i still revert to my knowlege gained in my work today. RIP Mallee boy
Carol & Arthur Edwards
Dear Janette, Matthew, Calum , Ailia & kids. We will miss our dear Doctor Doctor. We were privileged to have him as our friend. All love to you all, Arthur & Carol
Bruce and Elaine Henry
Dear Janette, Matthew, Calum and Ailia,
We were very sad to hear that John had died and realise that the time leading up to his death was difficult for everyone, and especially you Janette.
We have very happy memories of family camping times together, at Charlton and Hattah, and of staying with you in Mildura.
I (Bruce) was one of the recipients of Cooke family hospitality as a first-year-out teacher in Ouyen and I was very grateful for that and to get to know John at that time. He loved the country and his family and friends and had broad interests.
He will be missed.
Love from the Henry family
Mandy and Col Gowers
Heartfelt condolences Janette and family on the loss of John. What a wonderful man with a heart of gold. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephen Erlandsen
Dear Jeanette
My condolences on John’s passing. John and I started work with the Soil Conservation Authority on the same day, 5 February 1973 with a weeks induction tour of central Victoria. We were both posted to Charlton in our second year. Then in 1985 he was posted to Mildura as a manager, including me. Both of us remained here for the rest of our working lives. John had a great deal of influence on the protection of land and water, not just in the Mallee, but all Victoria. He was mentor to many and highly respected by all.