Obituary for Old Fullerian John ‘Wilf’ Cook

John ‘Wilf’ Cook, an ‘Old Fullerian’ - a former pupil of Watford Grammar School for Boys - died on February 4, but he left a longstanding legacy in Watford.

Mr Cook moved to the area in 1940 after being bombed out in London during the Blitz.

He completed his studies in 1948/9 but acted as chairman of the Old Fullerians’ Association over several periods between 1966 and 2007.

John with the Chairman and Vice Presidents in 2012

Michael Groves, current chairman of the Old Fullerians’ Association, said: “John was passionate about everything Watford, his old school, its Old Boys’ Association, and the cricket club for whom he played for many, many years and of course, Watford Football Club whom he supported.”

Admittedly, the Hornets was his second team as he was first and foremost an Arsenal supporter even before moving to Watford.

Wilf was described as standing for “traditional values”, such as decency, respect, modesty and sportsmanship.

John receiving an award from Chairman Russ Deane at an OFA Awards Evening on December 9, 2011

Mr Groves continued: “John was a true bon viveur and raconteur – always taking great delight in finding, and then highly recommending lovely hotels, pubs and restaurants,” adding that his recommendations on where to dine never failed to live up to expectations.

Many Old Fullerians’ Association members shared their memories in its Facebook group.

One, Mark Pattinson, wrote: “He was at the other end when I scored my first ever ‘ton’. I don’t think I would have got there without him guiding me, run by run, through the nervous 90s.

“One of the finest moments in cricket was to be invited to take a stroll around the New Field boundary with him, accompanied by the faithful ‘Shep’.

“Wilf, I thank you for all for all those glorious warm summer days of my youth, which I hope will continue as you sit in your deckchair looking down.”