Following many health battles, former North Central Review advertising sales executive Lien Cooke, 68, died on October 5.
Ms Cooke worked at the Review from 2004 to 2014, followed by a stint at the Alexandra Standard and Yea Chronicle from 2015 to 2017, before retiring.
The long-time Kilmore resident, who had recently moved to Sugarloaf Creek near Broadford, was also widely known in equestrian circles across the region.
At her funeral last week, a eulogy by Gwyn Lindsay outlined Ms Cooke’s Horse Riding Club Association of Victoria competitor and judge.
“Lien initially had a successful career as a show competitor and coach, and later transferred to dressage, her last ridden horse being the beautiful Granite,” she said.
“Due to her ongoing illness over the last couple years, Lien concentrated more fully on her judging at both show and dressage competitions.
“She established a reputation of experience and professionalism, and was well known amongst riders and equestrian clubs as honest and encouraging.
“Her eye to detail was exacting. There have been so many clubs and individual riders recently texting/messaging, showing how much she was appreciated.”
Ms Lindsay said it was a great pleasure to have Lien as a good friend.
“She was a true lady. I will greatly miss our trips together, and her wealth of wisdom, as will all of us,” she said.
“She always encouraged and supported her friends with their decisions, never questioned. At times her wisdom and ability to see a problem with clarity astounded me.
”Ms Cooke met her partner Alan about 15 years ago through a mutual friend.
“Lien often said to me she had not regretted a single day with Alan since then,” Ms Lindsay said.
“Alan was always beside her, supporting her, caring for her, couldn’t do enough for her.”
The Review management and staff were saddened to hear about the death of Ms Cooke.
Review general manager/editor Lauren Duffy said Ms Cooke had remained a regular visitor to the Review office up until earlier this year.
“Lien would call into our office most weeks up until COVID hit. She was a friend to many of our staff and always retained an interest in our newspaper,” she said.
“Lien was a lovely, friendly person who worked really hard in her time at the Review to establish strong relationships with many local business owners.
“We offer our sincere condolences to her partner Alan, brother Phillip, and her family, at this time.”
