Tributes paid to "incredible human" who co-founded Lancaster digital media firm

Thursday, 22 December 2022 05:57

Tributes have been paid to a co-founder of one of Lancaster's top digital media companies after his sudden death.

Jake Cocker, who helped to set up the Fat Media digital media agency in Lancaster, was described as an "incredible human", "hilarious, kind and thoughtful" and someone who "cared deeply about social justice".

Jake co-founded Fat Media in 2005, later becoming the firm's projects director, before going on to become MD of OnDemand Projects and most recently joining the charity Lancashire Women.

Fat Media posted a tribute as follows.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our founders, Jake Cocker.

"Many of us knew Jake as the life of the party. Jake's friendly face and infectious smile will forever live in the memory and culture of Fat Media.

"Our thoughts go out to Jake's family and friends in these hard times.

"Rest in peace, Jake, you will be missed by us all."

Jake's wife Louise is raising money for the Swan Bereavement Team for Blue Skies Hospitals Fund in his memory.

In a message on the JustGiving page, Louise said: "Jake's sudden and inconceivable death has shaken me to my core.

"There are no words to describe the loss of this incredible human. I will be eternally grateful for the care he received and how the staff allowed us to sit by his side at all hours and give him all the love dignity and respect he deserved.

"I would kindly ask that no one send flowers or cards at this time. As a family we are clinging together and are well looked after. If you would like to do something, please consider donating in Jake's memory here.

"When you donate, we would love for you to share memories and kind words that we can look back on in years to come with love and maybe a few laughs. Funds will be be used to support the specialist bereavement Swan Team in Blackpool. .

"Jake made an impression on everyone he met, with his ability to break down barriers and to put people at ease, he looked for the best in everyone and used this gift wherever he could.

"His determination, resilience and loyalty were characteristics I could see in him immediately, and we both fell in love hard and fast.

"With a massive smile and heart to match he was the man I never thought it was possible to meet. He loved me and my girls unconditionally, and we loved him back!

"He brought tenderness, patience and care to a family situation many others would have run a mile from! I will be forever thankful I had the honour of being his wife, and the privilege of being able to make him a father."

The JustGiving page can be found here.

Lancaster digital media firm Hotfoot Design also paid tribute to Jake (pictured below).

"We are all deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Jake Cocker.

"Jake was a co-founder of Fat Media, and for many years our two agencies occupied different parts of the same building. Consequently, we saw him often (usually in the bar).

"Jake went on to become MD of OnDemand Projects and most recently joined the charity Lancashire Women. He had a vast knowledge of digital, and cared deeply about social justice, so it was inevitable he would combine the two.

"Many of us became great friends with Jake and discovered not only what hilarious fun he was on a night out, but also how kind and thoughtful he could be when any of us were in need of advice.

"We were thrilled when he met and married Louise, the great love of his life, and became step-father to her two wonderful girls. Just last year he became a Dad to Frankie.

"Always a man to wear his heart on his sleeve, it was impossible not to be caught up in Jake’s joy in recent years.

"We will miss you mate."