Community farewells beloved teacher
THE casket of a beloved Cromwell school teacher was flown by helicopter over Lake Dunstan this week after her sudden death sent shockwaves through the community.
Anne Cook died from a rare and unexpected medical event in Dunedin Hospital on Wednesday, January 25, at the age of 61.
Between 1000 and 1200 attended her funeral at Bendigo Station this week , which ended with a haka by Cromwell Primary pupils and her casket being lifted by two helicopters to the Cromwell Cemetery.
Son Willie Cook said the loss was a shock that had not fully sunk in, but the family was ‘‘overwhelmed’’ by the support from the community.
‘‘They’ve come out to help us in so many ways. The rescue chopper and medical staff were so great. We want to thank the Hutton family for so kindly providing helicopter transport from Bendigo to the cemetery, the Perriams for generously offering their beautiful garden for the service at the historic Bendigo Station homestead, the Rural Women for catering the event, and so many more.
‘‘The Cromwell Primary kids who did the haka were so brave, I was blown away.
‘‘She was the most loving, kindest person. You just cannot replace an Anne Cook.’’
Husband John Cook said she was outgoing and saw the good in everything.
‘‘She was never bitter and never angry.’’
She loved the children she taught, and would always tell stories of the ‘‘naughty ones’’, he said.
‘‘I think she had a thing for the underdog.’’
Mrs Cook was born and raised in Invercargill, the daughter of Pamela and Dr David Pottinger.
She had a passion for horseriding, and travelled in 21 Otago Goldfields Cavalcades, 20 of them with her husband.
‘‘She loved being in the hills. They were happy times. We had a hell of a lot of laughs over the years,’’ he said.
She participated in many organisations including two book clubs and the local Rural Women, Iris Society, and Historical Society groups.
Her love of history led her to release a book about the Gibbston Valley in 1985.
❛She was the most loving, kindest person. You just cannot replace
an Anne Cook❜
Mr and Mrs Cook had three children, Willie, Hamish and Jocie, and three grandchildren, Charlie, Blake and Myles.
Cromwell Primary deputy principal Karen Huffadine said the loss shook both the school and community.
‘‘To have such a compassionate, special lady snatched away so unfairly. She always put others before herself and was calm and balanced, but also a lot of fun.
’’She would also bring country life to the classroom, including gifts of rabbit tails to her pupils,’’ she said.
‘‘There aren’t too many like her.’’
jono.edwards@odt.co.nz