Former longtime MACA member Howard Cook passes away in Rhode Island.

Howard W. Cook of Cumberland, RI, a former longtime MACA and USCF member, died on Friday, March 28, in Cortland Place Lifecare Community, in Smithfield, RI. He was 88. Mr. Cook was born in Hyde Park, MA, the son of the late Louis and Dorothy (Wood) Cook, and had lived the past 67 years in Cumberland. He was a direct descendant of John and Priscilla Alden, among the Mayflower passengers who settled Plymouth (MA) Colony in 1620.

Mr. Cook was a salesman and a Christmas tree farmer, operating Cook's Christmas Tree Farm. He was a member of the Rhode Island Christmas Tree Growers Association. He was also a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Cumberland. He was a World War II Navy veteran, serving in the Pacific theater. Mr. Cook was known to the chess community as a longtime player, organizer and tournament director. He founded the Sven Brask Chess Club in North Attleboro, MA, which later moved to Plainville, MA. He competed in many tournaments in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with his last being a weeknight tournament at the Sven Brask CC in October 2005. A former certified USCF tournament director, he directed and assisted at many events in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, especially at RI scholastic and open tournaments. He was a frequent participant in the National Opens in Las Vegas, NV, where he also served as an assistant TD.

Mr. Cook leaves his wife, Dorothy (Klowan) Cook; two sons, Howard W. Cook Jr. of Marco Island, FL, and John K. Cook of East Greenwich, RI; four grandchildren, Patricia Bruno, Jonathon Cook, Dr. Stephen Cook, Shelby Kornbluth; and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Muriel Kinder. A funeral service was held April 1 in Emmanuel Episcopal Church followed by burial with military honors in Diamond Hill Cemetery, Cumberland. Donations in his memory may be made to MACA's Living Memorial Chess Fund (LMCF) and mailed to Robert Messenger, MACA Treasurer, 4 Hamlett Drive, Apt. 12, Nashua, NH 03062.

This obituary was provided by George Mirijanian of Massachusetts Chess Association (MACA).

Howard W. Cook - may you Rest In Peace.