Tributes flow for surf lifesaving stalwart Mick Cook

Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club stalwart Mick Cook, 83, passed away on March 22 at Wyong Hospital after a short illness.

The celebration of his life will be held at Palmdale Lawn Cemetery on April 2 at 1.30pm where a sea of red and yellow is expected to gather to remember the man who, along with his wife Ruth, spent countless hours patrolling his beloved Toowoon Bay Beach, keeping swimmers safe.

The couple had five children between them, 12 grandchildren, one great grandchild due “any tick of the clock” and another due in July.

“He loved everything that revolved around the surf club, he was club president six times, club captain five times and patrol captain five times,” Ruth said.

He was very involved with the Stingray Nippers for special needs children and a program that brought indigenous children from Coonamble to spend a few days at the sea.

“He just loved the camaraderie and the atmosphere, we had a lot of fun on patrols, it was always fun.

“He was a great father, a great step father and a great grandfather.

“He was very kind but didn’t suffer fools gladly.

“He was genuinely a very kind person.

“The club has been fantastic, my rock, they are just a tremendous caring group of people.”

In a tribute posted by Toowoon Bay SLSC, Cook was described as a “larger-than-life figure known for his generous, dedicated and unwavering support of Surf Life Saving, Toowoon Bay SLSC, the community, and for his 25 plus years as a patrolling member”.

It went on to state: “He was the Patrol Captain of Patrol 5, Club Captain (five times), President (six times), and organiser of any community or surf lifesaving event – he was always the first to volunteer his help for anything.

“If there was a job that needed doing, Mick was your man.

“His welcoming smile drew you in, his quick wit could light up a room and his kind heart was a beacon of hope for many.

“He had a unique ability to find joy in the little things, turning even the most mundane tasks into moments of laughter and camaraderie.

“Mick’s absence will be felt deeply by all members of Toowoon Bay SLSC and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

“Mick Cook, you may have left us too soon, but your spirit, laughter, and kindness will live on in our hearts and stories.

“Rest in peace our beloved mate!”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan also paid tribute in State Parliament after learning of Cook’s passing.

“It is with great sadness that I inform the House of the passing of Mick Cook, current president of the Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club and respected member of The Entrance community, who passed away three days ago on 22 March,” Mehan said.

“Cookie, as he was known, was born on 30 August 1941 and was a larger-than-life character who put his heart and soul into everything he did.

“Mick lived and breathed lifesaving through his 25 years of service and adhered to the motto of vigilance and service.

“Over the years Mick held executive club positions such as president and club captain, as well as captain of Patrol 5—Stay Alive with Patrol Five.

“He was recognised with life membership by Surf Life Saving NSW.

“Mick was also awarded the National Medal and received his 25-year clasp.

“Mick would volunteer for anything and was always the first to put up his hand whenever a community event, fundraising event or any event needed his help.

“Nothing was ever a problem.

“Mick will be dearly missed by our whole community, and my condolences go out to his wife, Ruth, and the whole family.

“Vale, Mick Cook.”