Tributes paid to popular businessman

8:13pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

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FRIENDS have paid tribute to a great all round bloke with tremendous presence following the death of popular businessman Ernie Cooke in a cycling accident.

Mr Cooke died on Tuesday last week after being in a collision with a car on Dracaena Avenue at around 9.30pm on Sunday, May 11.

Mr Cooke, 58, of Mylor Bridge, was on his way home on his bicycle after playing squash with friends at the Falmouth Squash Club.

Mike Fernihough who cycled part of the way home with Mr Cooke on the night he died, said: "I was a few minutes late leaving and after I caught him up we parted ways at the roundabout.

"It is tragic. He was a lovely guy who thoroughly enjoyed life."

An ex-Royal Marine captain who saw action in Oman, Mr Cooke had recently retired as sales director of Falmouth company Cygnus Marine.

Fellow company director and work colleague for 25 years, Andrew Clynick, said: "He was a one off and had tremendous presence, you always knew he was around whatever he was doing.

"He was a long standing friend and a great all round bloke."

Calling him a great character to be around and have on your team Mr Clynick said: "He had just retired and had everything going for him. We are all completely devastated,"

"Ernie was active in so many ways and his death has touched many people, we are all going to miss him."

Close friend for 15 years Mike Holmes said: "We used to have quite a laugh together, it is very sad and we are all devastated by his loss.

"Ernie was quite a character, I remember we were on a ski trip and I got into a bit of trouble at a spot called In Deep at Whistler in Canada.

"I struggled to get out and had take my skis off and come down on my bum, but who was waiting for me at the bottom, good old Ernie.

"He gave the impression of being indifferent but he was always there for you."

Greg Stephens who played hockey with Ernie for Falmouth for 18 years said: "Whilst a committed, uncompromising defender on the pitch, it's difficult to imagine a more considerate, kinder, true gentleman off it.

"Ernie will be greatly missed throughout Cornish Hockey."

His widow Jenny is currently putting together a tribute to her late husband which will be placed on the Packet website at www.thepacket.co.uk once it is available.

Pay tribute to Mr Cooke using the comments section below.