David Douglas

COCHRANE, David Douglas DR. December 19, 1950 - February 17, 2024 It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share that our dear Doug passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on February 17, 2024. In keeping with his character, Doug was courageous and thinking of others right to the end. Doug was born in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada in 1950. His childhood featured family, time at the cottage, Pinecrest and Taylor Staton summer camps, sports, and a remarkable curiosity for learning. In high school, he met his future bride, Barbara Radke, and soon found his life's purpose improving the lives of sick children with complex neurosurgical problems. With Barb at his side, Doug graduated as the 1975 Gold Medalist from the University of Toronto Medical School. After completing his Neurosurgery Residency at the University of Calgary, Doug completed a Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, mentored by Canada's pediatric neurosurgical pioneers, Drs. Hendrick, Hoffman, and Humphreys. Returning to Calgary in 1981, Doug's academic faculty pediatric neurosurgery career was launched, greatly facilitated by his supportive colleagues. Doug moved his growing family to Vancouver, where he joined the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at British Columbia Children's Hospital and the University of British Columbia in 1986. He worked tirelessly as an extraordinarily skillful, compassionate surgeon, always striving for excellence and manifesting utmost integrity. Doug was honoured to share the journey with his many patients and their families and credits them with his accrued skill and wisdom, which he in turn imparted to generations of Canadian and international medical students, residents, and fellows. All who met him will always remember his unhurried thoughtfulness, endless kindness, good humour, and especially his smile. Doug was an inspiring leader who emphasized the importance of teamwork. He served as Surgeon in Chief, Vice President of BC Medical Affairs and the Provincial Health Services Authority, and the Chair of the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council. Doug was the architect of patient safety in BC and his team's protocols and standards for safety are internationally recognized and employed across Canada. While Doug's career took him and Barbara to a number of international meetings, lectures, and conferences, one of the highlights was volunteering in Kenya and Angola where Doug performed surgery from many disciplines. While this was a brief opportunity, it made a lasting impact on them and reaffirmed Doug's dedication to improving children's health. Post-retirement, Doug turned his mind and considerable energy to BC Interior Health, particularly during the evolving needs of the COVID 19 pandemic. He was passionately committed to the needs of First Nation and Metis, and was instrumental in guiding Interior Health's reconciliation efforts. Doug stepped down as Chair of the Board only a few weeks before his passing. For Doug, the most important partnership was that with his wife of 51 years, Barbara. Together they raised daughters Dawn and Katherine. Despite his rigorous schedule, Doug was a present and loving father, taking great joy from all aspects of their lives. Doug always heard what was (and wasn't) said, dispensing wise counsel when needed. He was tremendously proud of the women they grew into and became the besotted grandfather of their four children. Doug's final days were spent in reflective gratitude for all those who have shared his life and, more recently, the experience of kidney transplantation. Doug and his family thank the remarkable transplant team at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, and his post-transplant team at Kelowna General Hospital. Doug was most grateful to his beloved sister Dianne Woodward who didn't hesitate in giving him her second kidney. This generous spirit allowed Doug two more precious years of life. Doug leaves his devoted wife, Barbara; daughter Dawn (Jamie) and grandsons Max and Ben; and daughter Katherine (Jonathan) and grandchildren Sophia and Gabe; as well as his sister Dianne Woodward (Bob). Doug shared a mutual admiration and many delightful memories with his 102-year-old mother-in-law, Myrtle Radke, and was predeceased by his loving parents, George & Madeline Cochrane. David Douglas Cochrane, aka "Dougie," will always be missed by his extended family, many friends, and colleagues. At Doug's request, there will be no funeral, but a celebration of life will follow in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, www.kidney.ca. Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com