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Michael Cobb Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bennington Banner on Dec. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cobb

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Anne-Marie Lehmann (Sayegh)

January 20, 2023

I just wanted to say I am so sorry to hear the news of Michael's passing. For some reason the other day I was thinking of him and some of the other people I worked with at Greek Peak . So I just saw this obituary. So sorry for your loss. I was a student at Cortland and was one of the first interns they hired at that mountain and was then hired full time. He was a great person and very passionate about skiing and wanted to share his love of the sport with everyone he could. It was my first "real" job and it was a wonderful experience being able to work in a field that promoted skiing. I am still skiing and share his passion for the sport. He was an example of how you never know how your life will impact someone's else's life. Even though I only had the opportunity to work with him for a few years, (1987-1990?) he had a positive impact on me and will remember him fondly.

Michael Hurley

March 20, 2015

Michael and his family were the best friends I had in Rockland County between the mid-60s until I left for the West in the mid-70s. By then Michael had become a very fine young man, and it comes as no surprise to me that he would be so respected and loved. I always hoped to get back in touch, but time slips so quickly away.

Goeltz Road, Morrisville VT

Debbie Dever

February 13, 2015

So sorry to hear. I enjoyed the days I worked with Mike at Stowe. Margaret, every day I walk my dog past the home you and Mike had when Mike worked at Stowe. I took a picture of it this morning and thought you may want to share it with your family. My family grew up with Mike and David- our hearts go out to you and your family. Another reminder to live each day to the fullest. Billy, Kathy & Debbie McDonnell

Bruce Whitney

February 1, 2015

What an amazing road Mike travelled that ended far too soon. From his time at Big Vanilla to Greek Peak to SnowTime to Stratton, I always had reason to interact and help Mike in a variety of business and personal instances with varying frequencies. He is all that his obituary described and more. Sail on Mike.

Anne Piggott

January 26, 2015

Dear Margaret and family, I am very sorry for your loss.

Margaret Cating

January 14, 2015

Dear Margaret,
I just heard the news, I am so sorry for your loss. My sincerest sympathy. Margaret Cating

Ed Scherer

December 27, 2014

Cousin Margaret, Please accept our sincerest sympathy for the loss of your husband. Our thoughts are with you.

Steve Cohen

December 22, 2014

I have known Michael for more than 20 years as ski business friends. Although we lived 200 miles apart, we shared a true friendship and kinship as fellow New Yorkers. He never lost that savvy and wit. I was always happy when business took me to to Stratton because I knew I would enjoy time with Michael. I am sorry that we only got to grow closer in the last few years. He was a special man who will be missed greatly by many.

Conrad Klefos

December 18, 2014

I have know Mike for many years, going way back to his Big Vanilla and my Hunter Mountain days. We were both the two finalists for the Jay Peak position in 1980. I always had huge respect for him and stayed friends for his entire career in the ski industry. He will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Michael.

December 18, 2014

I did not know Michael Cobb but this is the most beautiful obituary I've ever read. He must have been so special. Bless you all!

December 18, 2014

Margaret, Stirling, Austen and Alexandra,
I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. My thoughts are with you all.
Stephanie Pettis Sumner

Paul Wheeler

December 18, 2014

I have known Michael for as many years as he lived in Vermont. We would not call each other great friends, but more like community friends! He lived on the mountain, I lived in the valley -- and that seemed to define our lives and time a lot. He is the father of one of my daughter's dearest friends. I skied with him, watched soccer games and lacrosse games with him, had the occasional drink or dinner with him, and emailed vigorously with him. We shared a common love for our children and for skiing and the outdoors. Michael was one of the finest men I knew. I am blessed to have known him, honored to call him a friend, and feel my life was enriched immeasurably by his passing through it. His spirit lives on.

Sue Nelson Savidge

December 18, 2014

I had the honor of working for Michael at Ski Liberty in PA. He was such an inspiration and a great man. I send my sympathies to his family.

December 18, 2014

Speechless, working with Michael at Roundtop was the best. And continued to Stratton with our snowboarders visiting for the open.... A wonderful man and father and husband. . Thinking of Margaret and children.... Peace be with you. ---Tina Magaro --- Dillsburg Pa

John Siewierski

December 17, 2014

I have had the great pleasure of working with Michael as a client over the last 30 years as he became a friend and respected peer who would always tell it like it is and ask the piercing questions. You will be missed very much as you brought light into the world at all times.

Bill Keet

December 17, 2014

Worked with Michael in the days when he worked for Ski Roundtop on Pa. He became a great friend and was missed when he left for Vermont!!! Micheal touched the lives of a lot of people. His memory will live on!

Stew Jensen

December 17, 2014

Prayers to your family. Mike has powder days every day now. He will be missed by the Ski Industry.

Sharon Gras

December 17, 2014

I didn't know Michael, but what a beautiful tribute. So sorry for your loss

John Phillips

December 17, 2014

We have all lost a great friend. You will be missed always! Rest in peace

December 17, 2014

Margaret a shinning star has fallen our sincerest condolences to you and all the family with special thoughts Anne and Mike Bernhardt.

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