Obituary of Brian Cochrane

After a well-lived 83 years, Dr. Brian Cochrane passed away on October 17 in Ottawa.  He is survived by Sharon, his devoted wife and partner in crime of 57 years, and his loving children Clayton and Annmarie (Bruce) and brother Terry (Jen). Grandpa will be missed terribly by his gaggle of grands; Riley, Duncan, Marissa, Mikayla, Holden, Carter and Fiona.  He was a man of many talents and accomplishments, which included 18 years in family medicine and ten in corporate medicine for Bell Canada, before retiring from Myers Motors as their courtesy driver another ten years after that.  Dad held several positions of professional medical leadership both locally and provincially, where he helped shape medical policy since the early 1970’s.   Dad was both an interesting as well as an interested man, a life-long learner who followed his many and varied passions.  A few favourties were telling long-winded stories, skiing, writing (he’s a published author) learning trapeze in his 50’s (yes you read that correctly), go-karting, space travel (applied to be an astronaut in the late 80’s and made it past the first cut) and learning to play the violin after the age of 60 (some things we can’t unhear).  He was keenly interested in politics, with a well-informed opinion or two he was never afraid to share.  Dad was brilliant, strongly ethical and cared deeply about people as well as his three favourite pets Millie, Boozy and Gus.  We’ll miss you, Hon/Dad/Grandpa/Brian, and will always strive to live up to the example you set for us as we follow your wise advice that “tomorrow may be too late, live today.” 

A private family service will take place at a later date.  The family would appreciate a donation in Brian’s memory to a charity of your choice.