Biography

Frederick Cookman (1898 -  1963) was born in Launceston, and for nearly his whole life was associated with St. John's Church. Firstly, he was baptised there then, as a small boy, joined the church choristers, at that time conducted by J. H. Fray. In adult life he served the church as sidesman, vestryman and churchwarden, and was secretary to the Vestry for many years. He was actively involved in the Launceston Male Choir, and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Fred was educated at the Launceston Church Grammar School and became employed in the warehouse of D. & W. Murray, wholesale haberdashery suppliers of Paterson Street.
Fred married Ada Abbott, and they had one daughter, June Margot (Padman), and lived in Brougham Street.

He died on 28^th June 1963 aged 65. Sometime after, the church Vestry purchased a pair of carver chairs. One was dedicated to the memory of Fred Cookman. The inscription reads:
IN MEMORY OF FREDERICK HAROLD COOKMAN CHURCHWARDEN
1950 -1963

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