Chester (Chet) Cookson

EAST MONTPELIER – Chester (Chet) Cookson, 87, of Chestnut Place in Berlin, formerly of East Montpelier, passed away on March 5, 2025, with his family at his side. He was born in Woodbury at his family’s home to Daniel Carlos Cookson Sr. and Mary (McGill) Cookson. He attended school in Woodbury and Spaulding High School. On June 20, 1959, he married the love of his life Judith (Judy) Lilley in East Calais, VT. Together they made their home in Plainfield, later building their home in East Montpelier. Chet worked several years in the granite industry before becoming self-employed in the logging business, later establishing Cookson Excavating. He also served as general contractor and builder of many homes in the area. He was a member of the Wyoming Lodge #80 and past member of the Canadian Club. Chet loved NASCAR, auctions, camping, old cars, old tractors, and anything he could “tinker” on. He also loved having family and friends over for “happy hour’, serving his favorite food and drinks. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his grandkids, and they have many happy memories of him singing silly songs and making cider with Poppy, just to name a few. After nearly 65 years of marriage, Judy passed away in May of 2024. Survivors include his daughter Tina Walker and husband Charles of Myrtle Beach, SC, son Gary Cookson and wife Dawn of Plainfield, VT, grandchildren Connor Walker of Seattle, WA, Taylor Kenly and husband Mike of Bethlehem, NH, Shannon Cookson and fiancé Nathan Doty of Florence, VT, sisters Ruth Rathburn of Northfield, VT, and Martha Foster of Cabot, VT, and brother-in-law Doug Lilley of Plainfield, VT. He is predeceased by sisters Helen Fletcher, Louise Foster, Marguerite Hill and brothers Daniel Cookson Jr., Lawrence Cookson, and John Cookson. A graveside service will be held on June 14, 2025, at 2pm at Plain-Mont Cemetery in Plainfield, VT. Memorial contributions may be made in Chet’s memory to East Montpelier Fire and Ambulance POB 146 East Montpelier, VT, or Plainfield Fire and Rescue 169 Main St., Plainfield, VT 05667 Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St. in Barre. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com

Tributes

Chester (Chet) Cookson

August 30, 1937 - March 5, 2025