William COCHRANE

COCHRANE, William Arthur
March 18, 1926 - October 6, 2017
OC, AOE, MD, FRCPC, FACP, DABP, D.Sc.(hon), LLD(hon)
It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William Arthur Cochrane (Bill) on Friday, October 6 at the age of 91.
Bill was born in Toronto on March 18, 1926 and lived his life with exceptional vitality, strength and vision. He was an outstanding athlete, playing football in High School and University, swimming, jogging, playing tennis and skiing, and maintained his physical health through to his late 80's until his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease limited his mobility. Bill's innate ambition, intellect and courage led him to a most extraordinary career that spanned over 70 years. After graduating from medical school at the University of Toronto in 1949, Bill continued his post-graduate training in Pediatric Research at the Hospital for Sick Children, the Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation and Great Ormand Street Hospital in London, England. In 1945 he met the love of his life and best friend Phyllis who has been his constant companion and life- line in every way for over 70 years. From 1958 to 1967, Bill was Professor and Head of Pediatrics at Dalhousie University, Physician and Chief at the Halifax Children's Hospital and was instrumental in raising the funds and managing the construction of the Isaak Walter Killam Hospital for Children in Halifax, NS. From 1967 to 1973, Bill became the first Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary. From 1973 to 1974, he was the Alberta Deputy Minister of Health, and then returned to Calgary to become President of the University of Calgary from 1974 to 1978. Never being one to turn down an opportunity, Bill then took on the role of Chair, President and CEO of Connaught Laboratories Ltd. in Toronto.
Bill and Phyllis moved back to Calgary in 1989 where Bill continued to be involved in the field of biotechnical research for many more years. In 1989, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. He was also awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal and the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal. In 2006, Bill was made a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence and in 2009 he was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, and was awarded with multiple honorary degrees.
Bill was predeceased by his father Arthur, mother Olive and brother Ted. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife Phyllis, children Steven (Tannis), Paul (Cathy), Gillian (Glenn Gould) and James as well as his eleven grandchildren: Haley (Josh), Jordan- Paige, MacKenzie, Grayson, Kaci, Joel, Connor (Leslie), Bailey (John), Lara, Emily and Caden).
A special thank you to the exceptional staff at Maison Senior Living for taking such outstanding care of Bill. A celebration of Bill's life will take place on Wednesday, October 18 at the Calgary Golf & Country Club at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation at www.childrenshospital.ab.ca In living memory of William Cochrane, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.