Dave Cook (1945 - 2024)

Born 16 May 1945 in Ebor, New South Wales, Australia

Ancestors

Died 14 Mar 2024 at age 78 in New South Wales, Australia

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Biography

Dave Cook is an Indigenous Australian.

Dave was born on 16 May 1945 in the Ebor district of New South Wales. He was the son of Noma Cook and Harry Ritchie. ^[1]

Dave and eventually his younger brother were placed in Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Training Home when Dave was less than 10 years old. He spent at least 3 years there. His five (5) sisters (along with his younger brother originally) were sent to Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls at the same time.

Corporal Dave Cook (Cookie) served in Vietnam as mentioned on page 17 of A Night in the Year of the Monkey compiled and written by Peter Scott in March 2017 and on page 14 of The Vietnam War by Noah Riseman.

Rather than attempt to relay Cookie's life story here, it has been decided to let him tell you in his own words in Dave Cook's interview in Newcastle 20 January 2010.

On 25 June 2015 Uncle Dave Cook and two (2) of his younger brothers planted a Kurrajong tree in Billabong Park at Gloucester New South Wales beside a plaque that was unveiled to commemorate his ancestors Jack Cook and Jesse Brummy and their children.

He passed away on 14 March 2024 after a lengthy battle with emphysema. He left a number of descendants.

Sources

1. ↑ Cook family history compiled collaboratively by members of the Cook family of Barrington

• Rich Storylines
• From personal information and images shared over 10 years prior to his death with Martin-58790 05:27, 15 March 2024 (UTC)
• Cook family of Barrington
• Dave Cook to appear on Australian Story
• War does not discriminate, nor should we. Indigenous Vietnam veterans deserve honour and respect. by Noah Riseman 18 Aug 2013
• Dave Cook Interview link on ANU website.
• The stolen veteran: Institutionalisation, military service, and the stolen generations
• TEMPORARY CORPORAL DAVE COOK