Beloved teacher’s passing mourned
PETER Cook: husband, father, grandfather, environmentalist, conversationalist, archaeologist, educationalist and historian, was born in Durban in 1955, son of the late Denis and Margaret Cook.
He attended Chelsea Primary School and went on to Northlands Boys’ High School, where he enjoyed all that the school had to offer, especially rugby, cricket and athletics.
After school he went to the army and later attended Edgewood College of Education from 1975 to 1978 where he met his future wife, Angela Ridl.
Once qualified they were posted to Empangeni Primary School and stayed in the hostel as boarder teachers.
During this time he joined the Empangeni Rugby Club where he made many lifelong friends. He represented the club at the highest level, and Zululand. He thoroughly enjoyed the after match celebrations with his team mates and the opposition.
In December 1980 he and Angela were married and went on to have beautiful daughters, Amy and Lisa. As a family they spent all their holidays either at the family farm in the Berg or camping with friends and family at Cape Vidal, Kosi Bay, Sodwana and Mabibi.
While at Empangeni Prep he served on many sporting committees, including Zululand Sportsman of the Year. He was heavily involved with coaching of rugby and cricket, one of his many passions.
He taught at Empangeni Prep for 20 years and during this time became deputy principal.
In 1998, he was approached by Fred Grant, the founder of Grantleigh School, to join the staff when the school was beginning to grow. He had a fulfilling and rewarding career during his 21 years of service.
He impacted the lives of many young children and was totally dedicated to his profession.
He established environmental education and was instrumental in the landscaping of the Grantleigh grounds with indigenous trees and plants, which included a pond and wetland.
In 2009 he was diagnosed with throat cancer which sadly ended his teaching career. He was most fortunate to be re-employed in an administrative capacity and was involved with curriculum development.
During the school holidays many children benefitted from his vast knowledge, love and enthusiasm for the wilderness. He, together with a colleague, the late Ian Williams took small groups of children camping to Mkhuze Game Reserve, Kosi Bay and the Kruger National Park.
He was well read and had a broad knowledge of history, especially Zululand history and the origins of the peoples of southern Africa.
In recognition of his contribution to the community he was awarded the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship in 2013. His citation was ‘in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world’. He encapsulated the Rotary ideal of service above self.
He and Angela moved to the Zini River Estate just over four years ago where he could enjoy the natural environment as he was a keen birder and fisherman. He was introduced to paddling and spent many hours on the Mlalazi River enjoying the abundant wildlife.
Peter was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and loved nothing more than social gatherings with family and friends, where he loved to tell a story.
He is survived by his wife Angela, daughters Amy and Lisa, sons-in-law Steve and Tim, and five dear grandchildren, a brother, sister and their families.
The many Facebook messages from past pupils are testament to the impact he had on many lives. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.