Audie Cookson

BREWER – Audie Cookson, 80, husband of Mary (McKusick) Cookson, died May 12, 2013, from
complications of pulmonary fibrosis and heart disease. He was born May 10, 1933, in Orville Pike Cookson, in Calais, the son of Wellington and Grace (Maxwell) Cookson. He had his name legally changed to Audie many years ago.
Audie attended elementary school in Milltown, and graduated from the Calais Memorial High School, class of 1950. He received a Bachelors Degree in Education from Washington State Teachers College, now UMM, and a Master Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Maine in Orono. He held a Principal Certificate in Elementary and Junior High, and was a principal-teacher in the Augusta and SAD No. 63 School systems. Leaving the field of teaching, Audie became an educational consultant for the Counseling Center in Bangor, now CHCS, where he eventually became deputy executive director. He left that position to become deputy director of Penquis Community Action Program in Bangor from which he retired in 1993. Audie was one of the original incorporators of the Maine Community Action Program in 1965. Audie served his country during the Korean War as a member of the 45th and 7th Signal Corps. He was a life member of VFW Post No. 3283, Dade City, Fla., where he was an active member of the Honor Guard, performing funeral services for veterans at the National Cemetery and elsewhere throughout the State of Florida. Audie and his wife, Mary, were also members of the Bangor Troop Greeters Association. Audie was a life member and past master of Ralph J. Pollard Masonic Lodge No. 217, Orrington, for many years was a member of Anah Shrine in Bangor, and a member of the Clown Unit, known as “Cookie the Clown.” Before moving to Brewer, he was a member of the school board in Eddington, the Appeals Board in Clifton, and in 1994 became the first town manager in Clifton. Audie enjoyed carpentry having built three homes and five lakeside cottages during his lifetime. Woodworking was also a hobby of Audie’s, building various pieces of furniture for family members and friends. He also enjoyed playing guitar with a Florida Country – Blue Grass group “The Maineacs,” playing at nursing homes and club houses around the Zephyrhills area.
Audie was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Jim; a sister, Grace LeVasseur; and an infant son, Gary Milton Cookson in 1959. Audie is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mary (McKusick) Cookson; a daughter, Kelly and her partner, Tracy, and their son, Kane; a son, Mark and his wife, Darlene, and their children, Joe and Jen; a stepson, Mike Burgess and his wife, Julie, and their children, Bret, Matt, Devon and Josh; a stepson, Scott Burgess and his wife, Carmen, and their children, Ryan, Kyle and Breana; two sisters-in-law, Muriel Cookson of Vassalboro and Betty Plummer of New York; two brothers, Bob of Virginia, and Gene of Baring; and a special cousin, Dick of Virginia; as well as his favorite cousin, Ross Cookson of Calais; special friends, Lee Reynolds and Larry Hamm of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
A “remembrance of life” for family and friends will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Penobscot County Conservation Club, 570 N. Main St., Brewer, where refreshments and conversation can be enjoyed. Interment will be private for the family at Maine Veterans Cemetery, Augusta, at a later date. Those who wish to remember Audie in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the charity of their choice. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.