Celebrating Allen MacMartin Look: A Legacy of Love and Adventure

Celebrating Allen MacMartin Look: A Legacy of Love and Adventure

In the heart of West Tisbury, the community mourns the loss of Allen MacMartin Look, who passed away on November 8, 2024, at the age of 79. Remembered for his warmth, humor, and contributions to both the arts and local community, Allen’s journey began on June 21, 1945, in New York City. Raised in Rye, New York, he was the third child of Allen Look Sr. and Maria Auchincloss Look. Family bonds ran deep; he shared his life with two older sisters, Barbara and Maria, and a younger brother, Dan.

Allen’s education took him from the Fay School to Phillips Academy — Andover, culminating in his graduation from Rye Neck High School. After his formative years, he roamed the country with a backpack and a motorcycle, making cherished memories with family and friends. A strong connection to nature was evident as he spent summers at Crow Hollow, the family farm in West Tisbury, where he nurtured a lifelong passion for sailing.

Cherishing Memories and Accomplishments

In 1967, Allen met Carly Thompson, and their relationship blossomed into a marriage that lasted for 30 years. They forged a life together, marked by adventurous undertakings such as rebuilding a sloop and sailing across the Atlantic from Gibraltar to the Caribbean. Their first child, Samantha, arrived in 1975, followed soon after by their son, Wesley, born in 1978. The family made the Vineyard their permanent base, in part to care for Allen’s aging father, who passed away shortly after Wesley’s birth.

Throughout his life, Allen wore many hats. He ran Burt Marine, served as an EMT, and chaired the West Tisbury finance committee. Youth hockey became a passion of his as he coached young skaters, sharing his love for teamwork and the great outdoors. But Allen’s creative spirit shone brightly too; he pursued photography and film, and remained dedicated to writing screenplays well into his later years.

A Celebration of Life

Allen’s involvement in the local arts scene was significant, as he was a board member of MVTV and actively supported various arts events. His legacy will be honored with a celebration of life on September 13 at 4 PM at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. Friends and family will gather for a potluck, music, and dancing—a fitting tribute to a man who lived life to the fullest.

Allen leaves behind his ex-wife Carly Look, daughter Samantha Look, son Wesley Look, and grandchildren Tasman and Ayla Strom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Polly Hill Arboretum, the Visiting Nurses Association of Cape Cod – Martha’s Vineyard, or Pathways Center for the Arts, all causes close to Allen’s heart.

As we remember Allen MacMartin Look, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have on their community. May his spirit inspire all of us to pursue our passions and to cherish the relationships we hold dear.