Obituary of Mason B. Cooke

Mason Burrell Cooke, 88, of Duxbury MA, after a long struggle with dementia, passed away peacefully on 8 April 2020. Born on 5 August, 1931, in Mount Vernon, NY, to Arthur and Ruth (Robinson) Cooke, he grew up in Greenwich, CT. Mason graduated from Greenwich High School and attended both Tufts University and Rollins College, before entering the workforce. As a sales executive and icon in the roofing industry, Mason, along with his wife Laney, lived all over the United States, but always considered Duxbury home. A devoted husband, Mason and Laney were married in 1953. Together they had 3 children, Kimberly (Cooke) Brown of Ridgefield, CT, Andrew Cooke of Hilton Head Island, SC and David Cooke of Winchester, MA. Mason is survived by his wife, his sons Andrew and David, 6 grandchildren (Emily, Tom, Rebecca, Madelyn, Acadia and Tucker) and 1 great grandchild (Nathan). Mason was an avid boater and sailor. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends on the waters of Duxbury Bay. In his college years, he waterskied for Cypress Gardens and prided himself on waterskiing in every decade of his life. As a sailor, he enjoyed racing with his sons in the DYC regattas during the summer, but much preferred a sail in a relaxing, light breeze and peaceful seas. Mason was also a gifted woodworker, spending hours in “Pop’s Shop”, building and refinishing furniture that can be found in his children’s homes. Professionally, Mason loved to work. He built his career in roofing and building materials industry. In 1985, he founded American Wholesale, Ltd, a roofing and building materials cooperative. After his “retirement” he continued to work and consult for the company that he founded. A memorial service is being planned for sometime this summer once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and we are allowed to gather. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to some of Mason’s favorite things: The Pilgrim Church of Duxbury, Mystic Seaport, Duxbury Rural and Historical Society and Duxbury Bay Maritime School.