Obituary: Raymond Cook

Raymond Cook gave nearly two decades of service helping the Rotorua community. Photo/File

A Rotorua man who was known for his generosity will be greatly missed by his family and the community.

Raymond Warren Cook died last Saturday in the Rotorua Hospital after a long battle with a medical condition.

The 53-year-old gave more than two decades of service to the community, particularly through the Maori wardens which was recognised with a Rotorua District Council community leadership award.

Niece Robyn Neil spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post on behalf of the family yesterday during Mr Cook's tangi at Mangamuka Marae near Kaikohe.

"Raymond loved to serve and assist people, he received great satisfaction to be able to bring joy to someone's day either by giving directions, helping someone onto the bus or making people laugh with one of his jokes," Mrs Neil said.

In 2012, Mr Cook received the Rotorua District Council community award for tirelessly helping others in particular supporting youth, working for disadvantaged people and helping keep the community safe.

Described as an honest, loving, compassionate and gentle role model, he was known for sharing his love and knowledge of rock and roll with the children of Sunset Primary School and Fordlands. He was a well-respected Maori warden, regularly worked 12-16 hour days and walking great distances to and from events.

"Our family had immense pride that he would help everyone he came across," Mrs Neil said.

She said they would greatly miss his dry sense of humour and his laugh. "He always had his nieces, nephews, moko in fits of laughter."

Mrs Neil said the Tuhoe, Ngapuhi, Te Arawa and Tainui descendant was a devoted son to Kathleen Margaret (Poa) and Colin Cook, much loved brother to his nine siblings and will be greatly missed as an uncle, koro and friend.