It is with deep sorrow that the family of George Thomas Cochrane announces his sudden but peaceful passing in Victoria on April 29th, 2015 due to complications from heart surgery.
George is survived by his loving wife Myrna of 55 years and their children; Shelley (Ralph) Longland, Kevin Cochrane, Steven (Andrea) Cochrane and his cherished grandchildren Megan, Morgan, Madison, Avery, Taylor, Braydon and Reid.
George was born in Nanaimo on November 16th, 1933, the only child of James and Agnes Cochrane. The family moved to Cumberland when George was only 3 months old and they quickly established themselves in a community they were very proud of. George graduated from Cumberland High School in 1952 and was awarded The Lamp as the recognized leader from his graduation class. He was fortunate to have retained so many close relationships with friends and enjoyed various trips with them all around the world. George and Myrna eventually wintered in Mesa, Arizona where they continued to share so many fun times and great memories.
George took great pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments and never missed the opportunity to cheer them on. He was always the family’s biggest fan, loved to sit in the bleachers socializing and never missed the chance to critique the officiating when a call was not as he had seen it.
He enjoyed a fulfilling 35 year career as an educator, teaching at many levels. Thousands of students knew him as an administrator, school counsellor or teacher. George taught at Vanier Senior Secondary, starting there when the school first opened in 1968. He was dedicated to the success of the school on every level until his eventual retirement in 1988. He took much personal pride in helping to guide the future of every student that came through his door. He had many fond memories serving on Courtenay City Council as an Alderman for 11 years before serving as the city`s Mayor for another 8 years. He was a lifelong, proud resident of the Comox Valley and keenly shared what a special place this was and how lucky he was to call it his home.
Upon his retirement as mayor, George joined the property development company at Crown Isle Golf & Country Club and embraced the chance to work with their team to make it such a success. He was often referred to as the ‘Unofficial’ Mayor of Crown Isle and always had time to share a smile or some sidewalk banter with anyone who walked by his home.
George led an active lifestyle from childhood and enjoyed skiing, fishing, hunting, softball and curling over the years but his passion was golf. His playing partners and close friends are all feeling the loss. The family thanks them for their compassion during this difficult time.
His life ended as he had lived it; with grace, courage and dignity and for that we are so thankful. His humor and compassion for life will be missed by all who knew him. The Valley has lost one of its greatest ambassadors.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00pm, Wednesday, May 13th at the Native Son’s Hall in Courtenay. In lieu of flowers, donations to the George Cochrane Scholarship Fund, to be created by George’s family at the Comox Valley Community Foundation (Box 3126, Courtenay, B.C., V9N 5N4) would be greatly appreciated.