Alistair Cooke: Your tributes

Alistair Cooke, best known for the BBC radio programme Letter from America has died at the age of 95.

The veteran broadcaster was born in Salford in 1908 and joined the BBC in 1934 as a film critic.

As well as Letter from America, he also took part in a wide range of television programmes including Alistair Cooke's America.

He lived with his second wife Jane White in New York.

---

Thank you for your tributes to Alistair Cooke. Read a selection of your comments below.

The warm, soft voice is gone forever. I am very, very sad. Goodbye, my friend. Thank you for everything. Adios.
Sridhara Senarath, Colombo, Sri Lanka

He was probably the finest user of the English language since Winston Churchill Joxl Akavaka, Mbeya, Tanzania

Alistair Cooke had the ability not only to paint a picture with words but also to get to the very heart of what he was speaking about. I remember a broadcast he gave about Alcatraz and the problems the prisoners encountered in trying to escape that helped introduce me to his unique style. He was a great artist with words and his canvas was fostering understanding of America and the American way of life.
John Baxter, Scotland

A living legend has passed. Like Johnny Cash was to music, Cooke was to journalism. Will we ever see the likes of him again... I hope so.
John, San Francisco

I have listened to Mr Cooke for the last three years and found him to be intelligent, wise, insightful and a writer of great courage and sensitivity. His voice sounded like an academic of the most contemporary kind. He was a great man in the absolute sense of the word, and truly his death is a great loss to literature and the broadcasting world.

But I hope he inspires other people to reach within themselves and try to make sense of the world using intelligence and understanding instead of blood and guns.
Paul Baines, Melbourne, Australia

As a Nigerian growing up in Belgium in the 1970s, my father was a huge BBC fan. One of my most cherished memories was listening to Alistair Cooke and his enlightening view of America. Now many years later living in the States, I was very surprised to find Alistair STILL on the air until recently. It brought back many good childhood memories. We shall miss you.
Nnenna Halm, Burbank, California, USA

I did not grieve when I heard of the death of Alistair Cooke. He brought intelligence and wit into the lives of millions for 15 minutes every week. He was probably the finest user of the English language since Winston Churchill. He lived a long and beautiful life. In the words of Ira Gershwin: who could ask for anything more?
Joxl Akavaka, Mbeya, Tanzania

A captivating storyteller with a second to none sense of humour Isaac, Tel Aviv

Listening to Alistair's LFA was for me, for more than 30 years now, the best fifteen minutes spent in the week. I never missed one. The erudite, lucid, encyclopaedically knowledgeable and witty Alistair - a humanist, at home equally in politics as in sports, in history as in art, with an eye and a pen of a reporter who doesn't miss a thing, a captivating storyteller with a second to none sense of humour. His English: a delight to the ear. All those obituaries by this nonagenarian made me hope that maybe his own will never have to be written, but alas this was not to be. Thank you, dear Alistair, for so much happiness, joy, fulfilment and happiness that those weekly 15 minutes gave me and so many, many more like me who will miss you so badly.
Isaac, Tel Aviv, Israel

As a relatively young listener of LFA (less than 35!), I found that Alistair Cooke constructed his dispatch in such a way that it stripped away the layers of gloss and glam that we see on our televisions and read in our newspapers. What was left was a real, warm, intimate view of America which, sadly, we can no longer share.
John Wheeler, Abcoude, The Netherlands

Hearing him down the years somehow gave me the feeling that all was well in the world Malcolm Brown, New York

I remember hearing a man with a nice voice giving a talk on the radio - I was 9 years old and sitting in the kitchen at the time. When the programme had finished I asked my mother, "Who was that?" "That was Alistair Cooke and 'Letter from America' - he has been broadcasting since I was a little girl," was her reply. Now pushing 44, I called home this morning and commiserated with my Mum about today's sad news. Alastair Cooke was one of (my) life's very few constants and hearing him down the years somehow gave me the feeling that all was well in the world.
Malcolm Brown, New York, NY, USA

A lens, a mirror, a voice and a friend. In his shrewd, humorous, self-deprecating manner, he helped us better understand the world and its arcane international relationships. But, more than this, he helped us reflect on and celebrate our own strengths and differences with candour, pride and courage. His English-accented voice may be silent, but his universal wisdom and spirit will prevail, and will be echoed in the laughter and humility that help foster relations between friends and countries. He helped make the world a smaller and better place. We will now just have to adjust our sets to hear him from his new station.
Glen Robertson, Toronto, Ontario

Had it not been for Alistair Cooke I would have never bought a SW Receiver way back in 1972 and he has been my companion wherever I went and I have never missed his talks. I will greatly miss him.
Arun Mehta, Mumbai India

I'm a teenager right now, so I came in at the end of Alistair Cooke's career. I first heard him in 1999, when I got a shortwave radio and could listen to the World Service. Ever since, I have hardly missed a show. I have the deepest respect for him and his work, and am truly sorrowed by the news. Two nations have lost a truly amazing man - a hero you might say. He was a hero, more so than any sports star or musician. Goodbye, Sir.
Mark Winek, Superior, Wisconsin, USA

To many people of my parents' generation he helped unravel the mystery and magic of the American people and their culture. He was our eyes and our ears. For many years on Friday evenings he connected with us and brought the excitement and madness that is America into my home.
John Purchase, Portsmouth, UK

What a pleasure it was to have been able to listen to his broadcasts over the years. As a child in Ireland I remember a friend's mother (a New Zealander) stopped in her kitchen listening to his thoughtful phrases. I became a fan when I came to this country and heard his letters rebroadcast over the public radio station. Ni Bheidh a leitheid aris ann (his like will not bee seen again)
Seamus Reilly, Champaign, USA

America has lost a great representative of British quality MC Meyer, Atlanta

America has lost a great representative of British quality. How sad it is.
MC Meyer, Atlanta, USA

Farewell. Your voice will never be silenced. Thank you for all the years of excellent broadcasting!
Mary Madsen, Boston, USA

In his impressive style on radio, communicating in impeccable "Queen's English", Cooke has brightened my Sundays for close to 20 years. Now that he is gone, the only thing left for me to look forward to every Sunday will be the family lunch. I still cannot understand how he lived in America for nearly 60 years and still kept his English accent. I will miss him. Fare thee well, Alistair.
Charles Wanyama, Kampala, Uganda

I will best remember Alistair Cooke as the host of PBS' Masterpiece Theatre where he introduced millions of viewers to some of the best productions of British (mostly BBC) television. I learned much from his commentary. It was only recently - with the advent of the internet - that I regularly read the Letter from America. He will be missed.
Jay Peterson, Philadelphia, PA, USA

He made you feel there was reason and calm in the world however bad the news was William Davison, Nottingham

I must have heard one on his last Letters from America some weeks ago, after not hearing them for some time. It was good to hear him again; he was a wonderful broadcaster. He made you feel there was reason and calm in the world however bad the news was. I was pleased he was still broadcasting as I thought he was of a similar age to my father who died at 86 last year. It seemed he had been around forever. He reminded me of peaceful Sundays and that great sense of wellbeing I had when I listened to his broadcasts. It's a sad day and I fear our understanding of America in Britain will be much the poorer.
William Davison, Nottingham, UK

I'll miss you, Mr Cooke. To me you were an amazing radio journalist with your astute Letter From America and as a host for Masterpiece Theatre. No one had a voice like yours and you were an admirer yet an astute observer of America. Thanks for all the many years of great journalism. It was fun!
Patricia Fong, Seattle, Washington, USA

This really is the end of an era. We shall never see or hear his like again on public broadcasting. Thank you for your wit and wisdom over the years.
Chris, Wigan

In common with countless listeners around the world, I will never forget the urbane charm, wonderful intonation and considerable wisdom of Alistair Cooke. To listen to his weekly broadcasts from America was to understand that country in all its enigmatic guises. Alistair succeeded in bridging the Atlantic and (to my new home country of New Zealand) the Pacific, in a way that was unique and truly interpersonal. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live in the hearts and memories of those who cared to share his delightful insights into the Brave New World. God bless you, Alistair Cooke, and thank you so much.
Robert Parr, Whangarei, New Zealand

To say that we will miss him is one of the great understatements J & A Chamberlin, Hanover

Letter from America was our overseas companion from the late 60s on. So often, Alistair Cooke's gentle voice, so full of affection for his adopted land, helped us understand what was going on at home. To say that we will miss him is one of the great understatements. If there is an afterlife with some fleeting connection to this one, those airways must be jammed with thoughts of love and respect from the millions of listeners, nay friends, who mourn his passing.
J & A Chamberlin, Hanover, NH, USA

Sunday mornings will just not be the same without hearing his voice. His insights, anecdotes and bits of information kept his weekly letters fascinating.
Helen Plumb, Cowden, Kent, UK

I first listened to "Letter" on BBC World in my late teens... It was one of the influences that eventually led me to six years in graduate studies and a lifetime relationship with the US. So long, Alistair Cooke
Nikitas Hatzimihail, Athens, Greece

Alistair Cooke epitomized the very best of what public television had to offer in the United States. Watching Masterpiece Theatre with my family as a young child, he made history interesting, relevant, riveting. What a fantastic educational experience! I also remember watching his series "America," and how exciting it was to see our country through his eyes. His death is the closing of yet another chapter as life moves from one generation to the next. What a contribution he made to us all!
Martin Gawne, Chicago, USA

I discovered Alistair Cooke's programme whilst a fresher at London University in 1990. It was Alistair, amongst others, who inspired me to become a journalist. His soothing tones from the land of the free, often echoed around my room late at night, as I delved deeper into my American History reading list. He remains, along with Martha Gellhorn, an inspiration to young journalists worldwide. My condolences to the BBC and to his family.
Gerard Jefferson-Lewis, Paris, France

I am a great fan of Cooke's letters. Whenever I got chances to listen to his letters, I used to get carried away by his deep and resounding voice. That voice was a respectable, experienced and extremely polished voice of a remarkable storyteller. The letters were something that meant more than just America. The letters were something that reflected the contemporary world, from the perspective of a very important country of this world and from the heart of a top analyser of society. Cooke was irresistible. My heartfelt tributes to him. I envy such accomplished and eventful life as his.
Krishna P Bhandari, Kathmandu, Nepal

A great programme by a great man with a great style Denis Murrell, Macau

The man with the soothing voice that brought me up to date each week for almost 35 years on the goings on in the States has left us. I heard that voice for the last time just eight weeks ago and commented on how it had aged so much during the past year. A short while later Alistair Cooke had suddenly retired. A great programme by a great man with a great style and I will surely miss him.
Denis Murrell, Macau, China

I learned all about Watergate by listening to Alistair Cooke with my father in our living room in Madrid. The world has lost a cultural icon.
Alison, Davis, USA

A great man and a sad loss. I hope I can look as good as Alistair, if I reach 95.
Richard Newby, London, UK

He cannot be replaced David Hancock, Cape Town, South Africa

Alistair Cooke made midday on Sundays a very special time. I have always been captivated by his letters, both in content and presentation. I am halfway through reading his biography. I hope that I can finish it under the circumstances. He cannot be replaced and I am the poorer for his passing. My sincere thanks to him for the pleasure he brought me, and my condolences to his family.
David Hancock, Cape Town, South Africa

Over 60 years, Alistair Cooke did more to foster an understanding of the phenomenon that is the United States than any other figure. His contribution has been incalculable. To my mind, he had more integrity and honesty in his little finger than any other commentator. You could always count on him for a thoughtful, elegant and composed response to events. He was a fine man and certainly one of the "100 Greatest Britons". We shall not see his like again. Rest easy, Sir.
T Mathews, Cheltenham, UK

He was the best in his field, erudite, wise and informative, always with a keen touch of humour - a true legend. His letters were a weekly refreshment and will be missed all the more now when these qualities are becoming all the rarer everywhere. God bless, and thanks for his many years of media leadership and inspiration.
Andrew Farran, London/Melbourne

How very sad to lose in a matter of two days such gifted and humane souls as Peter Ustinov and Alistair Cooke. My life will be emptier knowing they are gone.
Anne Parick, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

I don't know him beyond his Letter from America, but I would vote his as a life well lived Tony Izuogu, Ghana

He was the one careful, slow and steady voice on the world service. His letters reflected deep and wide knowledge. At every new development, I craved for Cooke's perspective. I don't know him beyond his Letter from America, but I would vote his as a life well lived. I'll personally miss him!
Tony Izuogu, Ghana

I gratefully recall his incomparable grace and wit, coupled with genuinely original and useful insights into the American scene. I especially like the fact that he was one of those greats who showed us that it is possible to be productive one's entire life. Let us all seek to be a little more like Alistair Cooke.
Steve Smith, Racine, WI, USA

What will remain with me, is his love and dedication for his programme, which you heard and felt with every sentence he said. And of course his one in a million voice.
Frederik Van Alkemade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

I used to listen to Alistair Cooke late at night on BBC News International on our local NPR station. He will be missed. Take care ole chap.
Brad Hall, Menasha, WI, USA

I learned more about my country from Mr Cooke's broadcasts than from formal education Ken McIe, Harleysville

As an American, I learned more about my country from Mr Cooke's broadcasts than from formal education. His clarity and attention to detail was refreshing and very welcome. Such 'statesmen' seldom come our way. I, for one, shall miss him very much.
Ken McIe, Harleysville, PA, USA

I became a fan of Alistair Cooke at the age of 12 and never stopped appreciating his way with words and his incredible curiosity with life and people. What a loss to us all. He was 95 but it still seems too soon.
Sharon K, Silver Spring, MD, USA

For many years, when I was much younger, my parents, sister and I would tune in to Masterpiece Theatre on the local public television station here in America and watch and listen as Mr Cooke would introduce yet another instalment of excellent programming.
Mark Knox, East Lansing, MI, USA

How many voices of integrity are there left in the modern world? Robin Witting, Scunthorpe

What a remarkable man and what a remarkable programme. My grandmother, living for years in Namibia and later in South Africa, listened to his Letter religiously; although she had not travelled abroad since 1935, she always had a great interest in world affairs and the Letter kept her in touch.
Lawrence Schafer, Oxford, UK

I remember first enjoying listening to Alistair Cooke when I was a teenager in the 1980's. I have listened almost every week since, all over the world courtesy of the BBC World Service. He was a stalwart of Anglo-American relations, yet this Salford lad was for me quintessentially English. Radio 4 won't quite be the same.
Gary Wright, London, UK

How many voices of integrity are there left in the modern world?
Robin Witting, Scunthorpe

For many years Alistair Cooke has brightened our Sunday breakfasts with his witty and interesting commentary on life in America. Sundays won't be the same and we shall miss him greatly.
Sidney & Jean Smith, Alderley Edge, UK

To a young person growing up in the 1950's and 1960's he created a fascination with and provided an insight into that "magical" land they called America, long before cheap travel was available to all.
Eric, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

As the 50 year-old product of a Geordie and an American-born mother Alistair Cooke showed me and many others our place in the world for many decades. His intellect and wit will be missed by many. A great broadcaster and communicator.
Brian Hedley, Billingham, England and USA

Our tutor encouraged us to listen to Alastair Cook's Letter from America Sandra Costello, Rochdale, Lancashire, UK

I was undertaking my secretarial and shorthand training during the 70's and our tutor encouraged us to listen to Alastair Cook's Letter from America (on a Sunday evening in those days) and practice our shorthand skills as his diction, speed and tone were superb and lent themselves to helping us with our speed tests and examination.
Sandra Costello, Rochdale, Lancashire

I have been travelling a lot in recent years and the BBC World Service regularly offered the Alistair Cook programme. I feel I owe a lot to him in giving us such a witty and knowledgeable account of the American scene. He will be sadly missed.
Chris Fuse, Cardiff

Having lived and worked overseas as an expatriate much of my life, Alistair's voice has been a familiar one for years. His unique story telling style and his personal slant on current topics made his 'Letters ' unmissable. I have even stopped my car in order to hear his programme better! Our best wishes to his family.
Jerry Pursley, Glasgow, Scotland

I remember listening to Alistair Cooke's Letter from America when Radio South Africa broadcast it in the early mornings in South Africa. It was very soothing in our troubled times. He will be sorely missed
Malcolm King, Johannesburg, South Africa

He was always so wise and witty Mary James, Tewkesbury

I feel very sad - Sunday mornings just won't be the same. It was lovely to get up on Sundays at 8.40 am, put the kettle on and then drink tea and listen to his Letter from America. He was always so wise and witty, I'll miss him a lot.
Mary James, Tewkesbury

For me Friday evenings will never be the same. Alistair Cooke was always interesting to listen to and had a very reassuring voice. My knowledge of America certainly improved.
Janet Hadfield, Manchester, England

In the space of two days we have lost two of the brightest lights in British and world cultural life.
Dennis Hepherd, Guildford, Surrey

Each broadcast was a master class in controlled English and craftsmanship John Ramm, Luton

As a politics tutor who played 'Letter from America' to his students over a 25 year period, I can testify that his appeal spread across all ages and races. Each broadcast was a master class in controlled English and craftsmanship. Deceptively well informed, I used his talks as models for how students should cover a topic in a detailed yet interesting manner. As to his humanity and love of liberty, it shone through every broadcast. He was truly a legend of his era.
John Ramm, Luton

Alistair Cooke's wisdom and warmth will be greatly missed by many. His skill in giving a personal dimension to major world events has helped us all to understand each other so much better.
Geoff Gibson, Garforth, Leeds

Sunday mornings will never be the same again!
Dave Allen, Sutton Coldfield

Everything must come to end, but how sad that it must be so. Tonight I will savour a glass of "the evening wine of Scotland" as Alastair so aptly named it, in memory of a marvellous fellow whose perceptive comments and calming tones will be sorely missed.
Philip, Southampton, England

A consummate broadcaster; one of the few who could get me interested in politics, world affairs, foreign policy and the like. His insights to the American psyche will be sorely missed.
Mac, Cardiff, Wales

True performer and legend David James, Limassol, Cyprus

Alistair will be sorely missed. My Sunday mornings that were spent listening to him will not be the same. I am now in my sixties and can still recall his programmes when I was a boy. He soldiered on to the end. True performer and legend.
David James, Limassol, Cyprus

For all my life Alistair Cooke's Letter from America has been part of Sunday morning. Reassuring, provocative, humorous, incisive, his voice was that of a friend and I expected him to go on forever. Sadly not and there can be no replacement.
Liz Turton, Tonbridge, UK

I first heard LFA on the valve radio in the late 50s. I chanced upon it occasionally over the next 40 years, never quite managing to work it into my regular weekly schedule. Then I discovered it on the web a few years ago and was able to catch up whenever I wanted. And then I learned just how long it had gone on for and to how much of modern history Alistair had been an observer.
David Shillito, Sydney, Australia

Letter from America, was so addictive, once you were tuned in, there was no way you could turn off. I, like millions of others, learnt so much about the USA, in particular its politics, by listening to this superb broadcaster.
Derek, ex-pat, Brazil

I remember as a child listening to the voice of Alistair Cooke with my father. This was in the early 70's and the rich sound and easy listening style of his voice has stayed with me over the years. Whenever I hear his mellow tone it reminds of my childhood and listening to the radio and later watching him on TV with my father on the weekend. He will be sadly missed.
Paul Campbell, Dubai, UAE

his commentary was always worth rising for well before dawn each Monday morning Martin Ericson, Charlotte, USA

Radio 4 will never be the same again, Alistair's words of wisdom and unique window on the USA will be missed, Rest easy old friend, you have left your mark on our two countries for all time.
Kevin Spencer, Swanley UK

What a very sad loss of an incredible commentator. I listened to LfA for years whilst working abroad, then recently chanced on his broadcast one sleepless night in Australia, my new home, and it was his last broadcast - what fate. There is only one Alastair Cooke...
Suzy, Sydney, Australia

Mr. Cooke provided such a wonderful mirror for understanding America even for Americans. Whether the subjects were mundane, world-changing or a current connection to a bygone era, his commentary was always worth rising for well before dawn each Monday morning. His insight and wit will be sorely missed.
Martin Ericson, Charlotte, USA

I first remember listening to Letter from America on the shortwave radio when living in Zimbabwe in 1993. As an American living abroad, it was amazing that one could get better news about home from Alistair Cooke than one got when living in America.
Nick, Oakland, CA

Growing up in Kenya meant that listening to Alistair Cooke was an institution. From a very early age I recall sitting on my grandparents' bed listening to the crackling World Service for words of wisdom and clarity. Condolences to his family and colleagues.
MC, London

Something will be missing from Sundays now Neil, Norwich

A cup of tea, Alistair Cooke, a walk with the dog and a roast lunch with the family. Something will be missing from Sundays now. First Peter Ustinov and now Alistair Cooke both brilliant with words
Neil, Norwich

I am a United Nations Field Officer and have had great pleasure whilst serving in some of the most hazardous areas of the world, listening to Alistair Cooke 'Letter from America'. He captured the news of the day and shared it with us in his own great style, better than most. He will be missed. He was a "Great Brit".
David Meadows, Geneva, Switzerland

He was one of those people you assumed would always be there. Goodbye, old pal. And thanks for everything!
Peter Wanyonyi, Nairobi, Kenya

How sad - no more witty, pithy comments delivered in that inimical style. Many thousands of listeners all over the globe will be saddened at the passing of this legendary broadcaster.
Judy, Egypt

I will miss his warmth, wit and wisdom Fai-Peng Chen , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I began listening to Alistair Cooke's Letter from America in my late teens and continued until his announced retirement. Alistair Cooke spoke like a distinguished English gentleman, yet was personable. Someone (I forgot who) once described his monologue as like having a chat with an old friend next to the fire-place. I will miss his warmth, wit and wisdom.
Fai-Peng Chen, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Thank you Alistair Cooke for many, many hours of pleasure. I have listened to you in Egypt, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Hong Kong and Australia. Whilst working in those countries, your Letters from America, would be the one thing that would make me stop all activity and listen. Your calming , unique voice and opinion will be greatly missed.
Julie Webber, Australia (ex UK)

I have listened to Alistair Cooke for 50 years, in Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Cyprus, and other places, but mainly on a Sunday morning at breakfast at home in Dundee. Never have I been disappointed with manner, content, or delivery. He was outstanding as a commentator, usually fair and just, never vitriolic.
Michael Harris, Paphos, Cyprus

Letter from America was a programme that connected me both to home and to the British perspective. It has been one of my favourite BBC programmes, which I enjoyed during more than a decade in Singapore. Alistair has shared his remarkable insight with clarity and humour, making us all richer for the experience. I will miss him, and the unique vantage point that the programme provided.
William Claxton, Singapore

The most educated and intelligent analysis on the USA, which means a lot for a Frenchman! I will miss these Letters, every Sunday morning.
Bruno Erhard, Paris, France

Sundays will never be the same again for a lot of BBC listeners who enjoyed his voice, wit and commanding presence in the programme. The great thing is that he lived to a ripe old age and left memorable imprints in the sands of radio broadcasting.
Lawrence Umeh, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Losing Alistair's voice marks the end of an era Robert Livingston, San Francisco, California, USA

The news that Alistair Cooke has died brings me great sadness...as it does to all his devoted fans, especially here in San Francisco, the city that he loved so much. Losing Alistair's voice marks the end of an era.
Robert Livingston, San Francisco, California, USA

Every Sunday at 9.15 the house would fall silent as the family listened in rapt attention to Alastair Cooke's Letter from America. My father passed away this year, and we are sure Alastair will have an excited group of listeners waiting to hear his words up above. A ''Letter from Heaven'', perhaps!
Matthew Starr, London, UK

Alistair Cooke helped make Public Television the network that it is today. I certainly remember as a young kid watching his introductions to "Masterpiece Theatre". Often imitated over the years, even by PBS' own "Sesame Street", his introductions were witty, yet clear and concise, setting the state for the programmes to come. Thank you, Mr. Cooke, for helping us support you.
J.C., Sacramento, CA, USA

Apart from his pleasant voice, it was the charming conversational style of his presentations of Letter from America that earned my loyalty. He could weave seemingly disparate themes into a most compelling story all related over a period of 15 minutes in relaxed tones. His use of the English language was most remarkable.
Peter Kebuile, Gaborone, Botswana

It is impossible to envisage anyone equalling his achievement. In a world in which we are obsessed by the notion that if we cannot improve something we will at least change its name, his maintenance of unchanging quality without compromise or gimmick should be an example to us all.
Michael Pooles QC, Cambridge

I attended the memorial service of my grandfather Albert yesterday who died last Wednesday, and spent most of the past week remembering all the moments we spent together and that I will cherish for the rest of my life. One of those moments was listening to Alistair Cooke's Letter from America on the BBC World Service. Thank you Alistair Cooke for making those magical moments possible and you will live on in my memory.
Frederik Lamberty, Brussels, Belgium

His voice and letters were legendary - I count myself hugely fortunate to have worked in the office that dealt with his Letters week in and week out for a couple of years in the early 70s. As a result of this I was lucky enough to meet him on one of his rare trips to the UK. He was a wonderful gentleman and his words of wit and wisdom and his distinctive voice will be sorely missed.
Alison Havell, London, UK

My Sunday mornings will never be the same Nick, London

With the passing of Alistair Cooke, a door which gave us a unique view of the American way of life has closed. My Sunday mornings will never be the same, a coffee and listening to Letter from America.
Nick, London

Alistair Cooke was a wonderful broadcaster with a marvellous way with words. He would keep you enthralled from beginning to end. We've lost an institution, the US has lost the person that gave the world a unique insight into its culture, politics and people. Alistair will be sadly missed by all.
Bob, Farnham, Surrey

Very sad to hear of Alistair Cooke's death. When I was in school in the 1970s, my seventh grade teacher liked to show American history movies after lunch, which were narrated by him. His accent, precision, humour and insight inspired a life long love of history.
Paul Smith, Atlanta, USA

Alistair will be missed.
Mutumba Faisal, Kampala, Uganda

Quite simply the most educated, cultured, intelligent and insightful journalist of my lifetime. We will all very much miss his measured commentary on our hectic world.
Graham Coles, Munich, Germany

Rest in Peace Alistair. Your words of wisdom will be missed all over the world.
Graeme Allan, Melbourne, Australia

There will never be another broadcaster like Alastair Cooke. The modern 'commercial broadcast world would never allow an eloquent orator such as Alistair the latitude he had in his scripts. His broadcasts were one of the 'constants' in a changing world which I for one will miss terribly.
Jonathan E, Nottingham, UK