Geoffrey Cook

Hey Cookie,
You have gone from this place but you will never be forgotten. I have known you for 40 years since those fun times playing rugby together in Townsville in the 80's/90's. Team photo attached with a young fresh faced Cookie. You were my best mate, best man, team mate and coach. My family and I will never forget your cheeky giggle and grin which we so loved. You'll be missed my friend. David Qualischefski

Rugby is like boxing. Sometimes it's like golf. At other times, it's like tennis.
RIP Cookie
Murph

Hey Cookie,
We have known each other for around 62 of our nearly 70 years .
Thats alot of junior club ,school, & rotorua rep. Team talks and
games.our team talks over the phone have now ended brother but as I look threw some of our old team photos there will be enough of you to make up a team and keep playing after your last game on earth later today until i arrive available for selection.
Travel safe,play hard,keep smiling
Till we meet again.
Over and out Howesy

Great Coach Great Mentor Great Person Rest In Peace

I have fond memories of Cookie´s often frank criticisms of my play and had honed my Cookie impression over the years reliving some of my best rugby memories. Rest easy Cookie and keep the pedal down in the El Camino...

When a mighty totara tree falls it leaves behind a thriving forest. Our condolences to Ari and Malakai. Cookie was always a leader, growing up in Rotorua, he was another big brother, in the Howes family,to help put me on the right track. I have many fond memories of the fun times we had Haymaking to earn money . It was hard work but Cookie always found a way to make it fun. Lots of wise thoughts providing guidance and support through good days and tough days. Aroha nui, Wayne and Ruth Howes

I joined the DC Furies in 2008, and the positive impact of Cookie's coaching on the team spirit and culture was clear. May his memory be a blessing.

Ari and Malakai my condolences to you both
To Cookie it was a privilege and honor to have known you and coached by you up in Breckenridge with the Goose.
Glad I got to to talk to you before you went to coach the big team up in the sky.
Rest in peace pops

Ricci

Cookie was a treasure of a human being. I count myself lucky to have had him as both a coach and a friend. We shared a unique sense of humor-one that found joy in the absurd moments that so often swirled around the game of rugby. Even in the thick of practice or the heat of a match, Cookie had a way of catching my eye and reminding me to laugh.

We often reminisced about our time at NOVA, trading stories that seemed to get funnier and more glorified with age. Having come under his coaching later in my playing days, I think we vibed as guys from the same generation-cut from similar rough cloth, sarcastic perspective, and bound by a deep love for the game and the camaraderie it brings.

What I´ll miss most are the check-in calls. Cookie never stopped caring-he always wanted to know how I was, what I was up to, and to share a few memories.

His pitch will always be green in my mind, the ground soft underfoot, and the opposition just tough enough to make it fun. Rest easy, Cookie. You gave us your all-and then some.

So sad to hear that Cookie has transitioned. He will be missed. Rest In Power, my WRFC brother

You will be missed brother. RIP

Cookie,
You will always be near & dear to my heart, despite not having played with you, or for you at NOVA RFC. Thank you for your gracious and courteous treatment of me as a veteran player and outspoken touchline commentator during matches.
Your humor and gentlemanly manners were greatly admired during post-game festivities and ad hoc visits during our hijinks at the Rooster.
Rest in Peace, my friend, you are missed!