A life well lived. A man much admired. It is with love and many rich memories that we announce the passing of our Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, John Farquhar Cochrane, on Friday November 27, 2020, as a result of Covid-19. We grieve our loss but are grateful that his life on earth ended with dignity and compassion thanks to the caring staff at Park Manor Care, his home for the past eight months.
Dad was predeceased in 2013 by our Mom, Laureen (Johnston), with whom he shared 66 loving years of marriage. At age 89, John’s friendship with Joyce Cumming blossomed, and we celebrated their wedding in 2015.
Those left to remember Dad’s love of family include his wife Joyce, son Randy (Sharon), daughters Shirley Gibb (Terence Gibb) and Laurie (Raymond) Chudley, 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; also Joyce’s children Blaine (Gail), Bruce (Evelyn) and Cheryl (Stan Marco) and families. He is also survived by brothers Ernie (Sylvia) and Harvey (Charla).
Dad was born to Alexandra (Rena) Briggs and James Cochrane on Aug 18, 1926, the oldest of five boys. He was raised on the family farm near Brock SK, and completed Grades 1 to 10 in a one-room schoolhouse. In fall of 1942 he left the farm to live with his Uncle Matt and Aunt Annie in Saskatoon so he could continue his schooling. Six months later a CNR recruitment officer in Saskatoon offered him work at the CNR shops in Transcona. Dad accepted the offer, with the condition that he be allowed to complete his Grade 11 first. On June 28, 1943, Dad (at age 16) and his father signed an indenture that placed him as an apprentice to the CNR to “learn the art and trade of Machinist for the term of Five years”.
Dad’s CNR career was temporarily suspended when this prairie boy enlisted with the Royal Canadian Navy on Aug 8, 1944, serving on the USS Uganda. He resumed employment at the CNR on Oct 3, 1946, and over his 43 year career with the CNR he held many positions until retiring as a well-respected Employee Relations Officer on January 31, 1986.
Mom and Dad were married in Brock SK on Aug 23, 1947, and after a short honeymoon in Banff, arrived in Transcona on Sept 1, 1947, getting off the CNR Transcontinental train in Winnipeg hours before it was involved in the fatal Dugald Train Disaster.
Dad was the ultimate handyman and volunteer, having been taught the value of both by his Dad from the time he was little. As a young husband and father, he built the family home at 410 Ravelston Avenue. He also helped build the Transcona Memorial United Church, and was Johnnie-on-the-spot to generations of neighbours, family and friends with whatever project needed a hand.
Dad’s volunteerism was wide and varied, from tying up youngsters’ skates at the Pirates Community Club, to delivering Meals on Wheels for 33 years, to being Sunday School superintendent when enrollment was over 1000 kids (yep,1000) . Quiet faith was a cornerstone of Dad’s life. He joined the Transcona Memorial United Church in 1946, and he and Mom were faithful congregants there for the rest of their lives.
In the early ‘60’s Mom and Dad bought a back lot at Gull Lake where Dad built a cabin that saw lots of fun times with family and friends. Then in December of 1970 they had the opportunity to buy a lake-front cottage at Caddy Lake near their good friends Beverly and Len Ryman. They jumped at the chance and bought it sight-unseen. Dad set the bar high there, water-skiing until he was 75, and catching a great Northern Pike which has yet to be out-caught. Fifty years later kids, grandkids and great-grandkids are still making memories.
Dad made friends easily. He enjoyed a good laugh and had the refreshing ability to laugh at himself. He and Mom had a wide circle of friends with whom they enjoyed square dancing and bowling, whist and canasta, Jets games and travels within Canada, the US and abroad. Dad especially enjoyed his last major trips to Scotland, Nepal and Hong Kong.
Above everything else, Dad treasured his family both near and far. Each one of us was, in some way, special in his eyes. He liked nothing better than to sit back and soak up the vibes whenever we were together. Life is not usually made up of a few large accomplishments, but rather many small tasks. Dad accomplished those tasks with a positive attitude, unyielding faith, and an abundance of patience, dignity and integrity. His example will forever be an inspiration to those he loved, and it will be his lasting legacy.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private service is planned for December 15.
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to TMUC Building Fund, 209 Yale Avenue West, Winnipeg MB, R2C 1T9 or a favourite charity.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Cochrane Friday November 27th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba