Ashley Cook Memorial Fund

Ashley Cook Memorial Fund

On the evening of Sunday 20th June our beloved Ashley suffered a severe & sudden heart attack and we lost him. The trauma and grief has felt insurmountable since his unexpected passing, but our family continues to do our best to carry on & honour the legacy of one of the greatest legends. This memorial fund has been set up to provide financial support to Cathy & family for funeral, celebration of life gathering and living expenses. Cathy has understandably had to step back from work and this has a major impact on her ability to pay bills and cover basic necessities, as of the last week she also has six weeks to pack up house and find somewhere to live as the current owners are selling.

Ashley leaves behind his wife Cathy, children Cassie, Bonnie, Brodie, Katie, Ben, Michael & Tara and their partners, his beautiful grandchildren, doggies and many family, friends, colleagues, band mates and students.

If you know Ashley, you’d know he had a heart of gold that came with a gentle kindness which helped you feel at ease whenever you were around him. He was always up for a long chat about almost anything and could stay up to the wee hours of the morning with a few good drinks and plenty of laughs. He could be found tinkering around home and coming up with creative, inventive ways of doing things. His love for music literally poured out of him and his talent was one that would make any person come to appreciate what good music really is. He had a heart to help people learn, especially music, and there are many who have been impacted by his musicianship over the years.

The most important area in Ashley’s life was his love for his family. Every morning he’d wake with a tender kiss for Cathy and a hug for all to start the day. As a father he did the best he could and taught his children how to love, how to live and how to be happy. His pride for seeing all that his wife and kids have achieved, and will continue to grow in, was a great joy in his life.

The family have requested that if anyone would like to contribute in Ashley’s honour then in lieu of flowers you might consider donating to a memorial fund to help cover the costs of his funeral, celebration of life gathering and to support Cathy and children. Currently Cathy’s had to take a break from running her business which will impact on her financial situation and increasing strain on living costs, so any small monetary assistance would be greatly appreciated.

If you would like any further information or wish to discuss how you might support the family please contact me and I will communicate on the family's behalf. Our hearts are broken so we ask for your kind well wishes and prayer for the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

Many thanks and in the words of Ashley…

Hooroo,

Tam Jones (Niece of Ashley & Cathy)

*details for the celebration of life service will be shared as soon as possible.