Jack, while grown, was a life lost too soon. 

His mates had rallied, fundraising in his name to help his loving family remain by his side as he fought following a stroke in hospital in Canberra. 

While he was a man who never lacked guts and determination it was too much in the end and Jack passed away on March 16, 2017, aged 56.

He was a beloved husband to Penny, much loved father and father in law to Peter and Emma, Patrick and Daniel and loved brother of Jim and Liz.

A service was held for Jack on the family farm ‘Gungegong’ on Frampton Road on Wednesday, the same day news filtered through the Cootamundra community of the loss of little Wyatt Searle a day earlier. 

Wyatt was just three-years-old; he barely had a chance to live but to those who were his world, his family and friends, he left an indelible impression. 

Such were the tragic circumstances which cut his young life short, he has touched the entire community. 

It is a sense of community and compassion which has come to the fore as the town comes to grips with these losses. 

Comment after comment on social media offered sympathy, love, thoughts and prayers to the families affected.

Cootamundra is a great community to live in during the good times but it is perhaps this ability to exude compassion when times are tough that sets us above. 

Coming together is a symbol of all country communities, no matter where they are in the world, but after this week Cootamundra residents know they do it as well as anywhere. 

May we join the chorus in offering the sympathies of staff at the Cootamundra Herald to the families of Jack Raleigh and Wyatt Searle.

We also thank both families for working with us during tough times to pay tribute to their loved ones for the information of the community. 

Our sense of community is certainly a silver lining during a very difficult time for so many and something which should be held onto.