Also known as "Ash"
11 October 1949 – 8 February 2026
Also known as "Ash"
11 October 1949 – 8 February 2026
COOK Ashley Robert (Ash)
Peacefully at Te Rangimarie Hospice on Sunday, 8 February 2026 in his 76 year. Dearly loved husband of Janice.
Beloved father of Lynda and Karl. Cherished father-in-law Amy and John (aka racing buddy). Loved Grandfather of Cassidy, Jess, Kyle, Orchid, Lotus, Felix and Oakley.
Messages to the Cook/Young Family may be left here.
A service to celebrate Ash’s life will be held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel,46 Watson Street, New Plymouth on Friday 13 February 2026 at 10.30am, followed by his burial at Manapouri Cemetery.
For those unable to attend, Ashley’s funeral will be livestreamed here.

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel
To all the Cook family I’m so very sorry to hear that Ash has passed away. I have fond memories of watching him on his home track with mum (Yvonne) when I was young. May he rest easy and have that checkered flag always in his hand. My love goes to you all
Sending my condolences to Janice, Lynda and Karl and family. Growing up next door to you on awanui Street as myself and karl are the same age, I remember climbing the fence when we were younger growing up with my brother Eric and riding Karl's small motorbike around the section, well the driveway up and back up and back for most the the night and making so much noise. Not once did you ever tell us to stop, when we headed into the garage where you salon car was stored and out again. Whether it was you working on it or getting it ready to race. Both Janice and yourself always made myself and my brother welcome. This was a shock to read off your passing. Lisa stewart and Eric McCracken.
Having Ash as an uncle has been a blessing, he was always fun , encouraging, welcoming and a regular visitor at our family home.;often bringing cheesecake as his addition for meals, and regularly a new car! Thankyou Ash for being Dads little brother and one of his best friends, he will miss you sorely. I was so proud to be your niece and my family adored you. Janice, Lynda ,Karl and Your families our sincere condolences. Aroha nui Viv, Derek,Sam and Jack xxxx
To Janice, Lynda,Karl and families especially my beautiful daughter Cassidy. My deepest, heartfelt and condolences go out to you all. The service was beautiful. The attendance alone showed how much Ash was truly loved and respected in his many facets of what could be called a life well lived. Both Ash and Janice were instrumental to both Karl and I when Cass was born as we were both so young. Ash was an absolute dotting grandad to his first grand child. He showed me nothing but love, respect, guidance and a lot of laughs along the way. Just like many, we were dragged to a few stock car events. One that stands out of me was a meet in Rotorua. As we had such a great time. I thank both Janice and Ash for being the best grandparents my daughter could have. She holds them in the highest regard, loves them so much. And would always always talked about them, always with great love and affection. Even with her many years living in Australia she tried to have as much contact with them, and whenever she needed them they were there for her. Moe mai rā Ash x Ayshia, Rob, Laikin, Sebastian and Bella
A great competitor and mentor in our speedway world, Ash will be missed. Condolences to Ash's family. You are in our thoughts. From Alan, Blake and the Hooper Motorsport family.
Condolence Janice to you and your extended family. It We were shocked to hear of Ash’s passing. We have great memories of the time back in 1974 when Ash offered Tony a job as a hammer hand on the flats at Omata. The rest became a long association in the Industry. Last year we caught up with Ash again at a Political rally where Shane Jones was speaking.We had a great catch-up reminiscing about the past and fast tracking family news.it was a precious moment in time. Blessings to you all with love from Pauline and Tony Zieltjes RIP Ash a privilege to walk some of our journey with you. Thankyou
Farewell to our friend Ash who was simply the Best. No more tears in Heaven now. RIP Ash, our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Bernie & Heather of Christchurch, New Zealand.
Very saddened to hear of Ashes passing. Ash Was a Wonderful Man. Our hearts go out to Janice and the whole family during this incredibly difficult time. Please know you are all in our thoughts, and we send our deepest sympathies, love, and strength to you all. From Jermaine, Kiani, Phaelyn Keyjay & Evanii-Jay xx
Very saddened to hear. Really going to miss our banter Ash.... Much love to Janice and family Rich and team HDR automotive
Saddened to hear my lovely cousin has passed. I have wonderful memories especially when young and used to stay with aunty Nona and uncle Viv. Ash and I were aunties twins when mum was laid up expecting my brother Robert. Much love to Janice an all the family. Rest well Ash, you had a wonderful life and have much to be proud of.💕💐🙏😘
So sad to have just heard that Ashley has passed on. Sincere condolences to Janice Linda and Karl and their families who he was so proud of
I was terribly sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Ash. I have many good memories of sitting at mum's table when Ashley and Janice visited, catching up on family news and hearing about their latest cars. Uncle Ash was a kind and genuine guy with a great sense of humour. I have always had a great fondness for Ash and Janice, who have always made me feel cared for and accepted. He will be sorely missed. Lots of love Charlene, Rachel, Nona and Charles.
Condolences to Janice and Family. We will miss his visits and phone calls always long when talking cars. Rest in peace in Supercharged heaven mate.....
Farewell my childhood friend You will live forever in my memory I can see your happy face and your sparking blue eyes as we explored our neighbourhood together As teenagers Mum and Dad trusted you to take me to the local dances in your first car You would throw yourself enthusiastically into dancing. One time you said "some are saying i am drunk Do I look drunk?" "No Ash you look happy" Rest in peace dear cousin X x. Xx yvonne
My sincere condolences to Janice and everyone who loved Ash as a family member or friend. He was a good, kind man who had time for everyone and was deeply generous to those he loved. RIP Cookie and big hugs to those you left behind. xx
The world has lost one of the last True Gentlemen!!💔 Rest Easy in Racing Paradise Ash, Our sympathies to all who love & miss him.
Dear Janice and family, So sorry to hear of Ash’s passing. Sending our condolences and love to all. Raewyn Anderson
Janace, Lynda and Karl, and families. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this incredibly difficult time. Ash was a great husband, a devoted father, a talented builder, a passionate stock car driver, and a mate to so many. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Stella
Our sincere sympathy and condolences to Janice , Linda and Karl and the family especially those grandchildren that Ash helped so much over the years, this is a very sad time and loss of a father and grandfather, our thoughts are with you all.
Sending my deepest sympathy to Ash’s family. On behalf of my late husband Rodney, who held Ash in such high regard and spoke of him so fondly, I share in your loss and hold you in my thoughts.
Janice, Lynda and Karl, I am so sad to hear that Ash has run his final race but pleased that we have been talking most weeks for the last few months about the good times we have had together with saloon car racing, sports cars, house building, business developments and bringing up our kids. I feel privileged to now know that I was with Ash when we buried his last dog 'Lady' in June as they all meant so much to him. At this time I am unsure whether I will be able to fly in from Brisbane for the service but wish everyone my sincere condolences at this time. Rest easy my old mate for more than 50 years. Tony, Jan, Lara and Marc Williams

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel

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