Michael Cobb
"So, what problem are we trying to solve?" is a question Michael Cobb would often ask and is an example of his curiosity, desire to help, and problem solving nature. He was passionate about his family, friends, work and athletics - especially skiing. Michael passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 12, 2014 with family and friends at his side. Michael responded to his July 2013 brain cancer diagnosis with both his warrior spirit and as an opportunity to explore a more spiritual side. Michael's spirit is carried on by his wife, Margaret, children, Stirling, Austin, and Alexandra, sister, Barbara and brother, David as well as an extended ski family and friends throughout the country. We are blessed having Michael be part of our lives for 63 years. His stories, lessons, support and humor will remain with all of us throughout our lives. Michael was raised in Garnerville, N.Y., a small community just north of New York City, son of William and Helen Cobb. As a child, Michael loved to climb, explore, and push boundaries, all in constant action. As a three year old, his mom came outside to find him on the garage roof, an act of creativity and drive, behaviors that stayed with him throughout life. When Michael was 14, he had his first experience downhill skiing that, as he put it, gave him the thrill of feeling gravity pull him down a hill. That experience changed his life; he found his freedom and passion. Michael became an expert at all phases of skiing, committing his life to teaching his children and the skiing community to discover the same joy he found on the slopes. His charming and enthusiastic style had significant impact on the ski industry and the people he mentored, now leaders in the ski industry. He introduced marketing innovations that reached thousands of people who now share his love of the sport. Michael loved to pose questions and tell stories, though not in that order. His stories always contained a message, whether you wanted to hear it or not. He knew what you needed to know. He would ponder essential questions about life, engaging others in his thought experiments, regardless of topic. He challenged conventions, and quite often the people who subscribed to conventions (much to their chagrin). After being diagnosed with cancer, Michael's passion turned to, "How do I want to lead the rest of my life?" He asked this question daily, and it was the final, "problem I am trying to solve." Michael finally has the answers to all his questions. And we can be assured he will find a way to let us know, so stay tuned and look for signs. It will be his final problem to solve, and like all others, he will do it with elegance, integrity and in his own way. FUNERAL NOTICE: A service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Peru Congregational Church, Main Street Peru, Vt. Following services, a gathering will be held at the Stratton Mountain Club, Stratton Mountain Resort, 74 Founders Hill Road Stratton, Vermont. On Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 the family will host a bonfire at 3:30 p.m. at the Landgrove Flats, Hapgood Pond Road Landgrove, Vt. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a donation to Peru Congregational Church, P.O. Box 212 Peru, Vermont 05152.
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Published in Bennington Banner on Dec. 17, 2014
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