Thomas Cochrane

We are saddened to announce the death of Tom Cochrane.

 Tom grew up in Skookumchuck in the East Kootenays and in Salmon Arm. As a young boy Tom loved to get into mischief. A childhood bout, with Perthes of the hip, kept him away from his family for two years at the Queen Alexandra solarium in Mill Bay. As a teenager Tom joined cadets.  He spent several summers on a relative’s farm near Vulcan. After graduating from Salmon Arm Secondary school, Tom became a bush pilot and flew Cessna and Otters in Northern Quebec, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories. He later became an airplane mechanic in northern Canadian communities and in Khartoum, Sudan fixing the Twin Otter and the Convair 580. Tom extended his mechanical skills to keeping his car running for 800,00 km.

 Tom had a wry sense of humour, listened intently, and had an amazing memory concerning people and events. He loved to laugh and tell stories with friends and at extended family gatherings. Tom was a loyal friend, uncle, and neighbour. He made Chase his home for three decades. He made many friends looking after property and delivering newspapers.  He loved refinishing wood furniture and enjoyed the camaraderie of the wood carving group. During the last three years post-stroke, he appreciated the company and activities at the Parkside Community and amused the friendly staff and residents by dyeing his beard green for St. Paddy’s.

Tom passed away suddenly but peacefully at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.

 He was predeceased by his mother Pearl Cochrane in 1959, his father Matt Cochrane in 1987, step-brother George Douglas in 2006 and stepmother Winifred Cochrane in 2014.

 Tom is survived by his sister Linda, his supportive brother-in-law Tom Munro, nieces Stacey and Jean, brother Gary Cochrane (Lola), nephew Steven (Lindsay) his step sister Mary Hickman(Dann) and George’s wife Tina Douglas, their families. He is also fondly remembered by many cousins, including Joan Sargent (Norm) of Salmon Arm and Cathy Taylor (Trevor) of Vernon.