Donald Stevenson Cochrane

1933 - 2022

October 26, 1933 – November 25, 2021

Donald Stevenson Cochrane 88 passed November 25, 2021, in Parksville, BC. Donald was born October 26, 1933, to Thomas and Muriel Cochrane in Regina, Sk. Moving to Thunder Bay, their only child graduated FWCI in 1950 and Mortuary School in Toronto early 1953.  

He met his first wife Mary-Jo Fortier, in Kenora, they were married in May 1956 and settled into Thunder Bay where they had 3 boys. 

His Military service began when  he joined the Reserve in September of 1959 as 2nd Lieutenant; he would retire Captain Cochrane 1974 Lake Superior Regiment. Volunteer-Sergeant for 78th Fraser Highland Regiment 2003.   

In late 1950's Donald began his first career as a Funeral Director, moving to Nipigon to open his own funeral home, later the family would move to Thunder Bay where they lived and worked at Blakes. 

Father of three boys started and kept him as a scout leader he  received the Medal of Merit in 1973 and in 1975 award for long service. In Hockey and baseball as a coach and mentor. 

He tried insurance sales and transitioned to Truant Officer, in Thunder Bay before moving to BC in the late 70's.  

He would spend the next 3 decades on Vancouver Island as a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor, he would marry Pamela Schaefer in summer 1991. 
 
He became a mason in May of 1988 Euclid lodge 158 with his father Thomas proudly in attendance. Soon after both would watch his youngest son become a Mason. We would all attend Grand Lodge of BC to see him receive the Medal of Service.  
 
Later he would add School trustee and Forest Jobs Commissioner of British Columbia to his resume before retiring.  

During those next 30 years he public spoke often and became an author of 5 books. Die laughing; the last supper murders; the Gift; to L with aging and Plan your own funeral through with Self-Counsel Press. 

Donald enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and always had a cat on his lap. He loved to read, write and telling stories over a Martini.   

Donald is survived by his wife, Pamela; by his sons Thomas; Douglas and Traci; James and Corrie; step-son Jamie Schaffer and step-daughter Karen Schafer Vinci and over 20 Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Don was
predeceased by his parents; step-son Ronnie Schaffer and daughter in law Judy (Blake) Cochrane.
  
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 9th in Parksville. The Yates Funeral Home, service at 11 a.m.; lunch and fellowship to follow.