Obituary of Robert Cochran
In celebration of a life well lived we announce the passing of Robert Herbert Cochran, our dad, mentor and friend. His death occurred on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at the Ridgewood Veterans Wing, Saint John, NB, husband of the late Mabel (Kierstead) Cochran. He was born on December 9, 1924 on Dickie Mountain, NB, the son of the late Herbert and Eleanor (Dickson) Cochran.
Bob is survived by his son, Ray Cochran and his wife Betty of Amherst, NS; daughters: Linda Ramsay of Toronto, ON, Shirley Cochran (Dave McFarlane) of Kingston, NB, Valerie Laing and her husband Carter of Kingston, NB, Roberta Gorham and her husband Brian of Long Reach, NB; grandchildren: Jim Cochran and his wife Shannon and their daughter, Calvi Cochran of North Conway, NH, David Cochran and his wife Theresa and children Nisha and Izaha Cochran of Airdrie, AB, Natalie Worth of Kingston, NB, Robert Ramsay (Lindsay) of Toronto, ON and Max Denton of Kingston, NB; brother, Todd Cochran and his wife Elva; brother-in-law, John Kierstead; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister, Mildred Rowan; brother-in-law, Donald Rowan and special friend Jane O’Brien.
Bob enlisted on January 12, 1943 and served the Carleton York Regiment until being discharged in January 22, 1946. During his time he served in Canada, England, Italy, France, Belgium, Germany and Holland. Bob was selected to represent the Carleton York Regiment in Holland to honor the 60th anniversary of V E Day (Victory in Europe) in May 2005. During that time he was presented with Holland’s "Thank You Veteran" medal. Bob’s military decorations included the 1939-45 Star, the France-Germany Star, the Italy Star, the Defense Medal, the 1939-45 War Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
Bob was also a life member of The Royal Canadian Legion’s Peninsula Branch #62 and has been awarded the legion’s highest honor of the "Meritorious Service Medal." In 2011 he was presented with the "Veterans Affairs Canada Minister’s Commendation Award" by Hon. Steven Blaney R.C. M.P. The commendation is awarded annually to individuals who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of veterans or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of veterans.
He retired from Saint John Beverages (Coca Cola) in 1977. He and his brother Todd were best known for their maple syrup that they gathered and produced on the family farm. Bob lived life to the fullest and enjoyed travelling far and wide to listen to his favorite fiddle music. He enjoyed hunting and fishing especially in his later years with his grandsons.
He is resting at Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB, with visiting on Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 PM, and a Legion Tribute will start at 6 PM. Funeral service conducted by, Rev. John Martin, will be held from Reid’s Funeral Home Chapel at 2:30 PM, on Sunday, March 16, 2014. Interment will take place in Trinity Anglican Cemetery, Kingston, in the spring.
Donations to the Ridgewood Veterans Wing, The Royal Canadian Legion’s Peninsula Branch #62 or to the memorial of the donor’s choice would be appreciated. Condolences to the family or donations may be made through www.reidsfh.com