Mr Cooke went missing from his Koorawatha farm in October 2001. His remains were discovered nine years later, in July 2010.

His disappearance sparked years of speculation, searching and investigation. 

It has all now come to an end.

Last week Deputy State Coroner Hugh Dillon gave some closure on the circumstances surrounding Mr Cooke’s death, but said available evidence did not allow him to make a formal finding. 

Wayne’s former wife, Margaret O’Brien, expressed her thanks to those who conducted the inquest, officers and police.

“While the deputy state coroner, in his inquest at Wagga on November 14, 2012, was not able to provide a definitive determination of suicide, Wayne’s immediate family are happy with Mr Dillon’s finding, and very pleased that Wayne’s remains were able to be released, so that at long last he could be laid to rest,” Mrs O’Brien said. 

“The family would like to acknowledge their appreciation to the Cowra Police for their ongoing investigations following the initial coronial hearing in Cowra in early 2006, and then the Young Police for their difficult investigations following the finding of remains in mid-2010.”

“Mention is also made of the work done by other police areas, in being able to make the formal declaration that the remains were in fact Wayne’s.”

“At all times, police have treated the family with great respect and compassion and we have been very impressed with their professionalism and help in coming to terms with what has expired over this protracted period of time, now 11 years, since Wayne disappeared.”

“Wayne, you are now at rest, and we hope for peace,” Mrs O’Brien said.

The funeral notice for Wayne Cooke is in the classifieds section of today’s paper.