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BORN
June 30, 1939
DIED
September 24, 2024
Aubrey Cobham Obituary
Aubrey was born in Halifax Nova Scotia to Reverend Byron Cobham, mother Lillian, and sister Joyce. He lived in numerous Nova Scotia towns and spent many summers in New Brunswick with his grandparents. Aubrey demonstrated a gift and a passion for music from a very young age resulting in many lead roles at Acadia University where he got his BA in Psychology and later his MEd.
In 1973 he married Joan Carolyn Atkinson, and they eventually settled in Victoria BC, raising seven children.
As a teacher, he taught science, drama, musical theater, choir, consumer education and was a counselor at Reynolds, Shoreline, and Esquimalt Secondary Schools. He touched the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people over his career. As one former student put it, "Mr Cobham...was a brilliant man and someone I not only admired as a teacher but as a dear friend as well. He was the inspiration that set me on a path in the arts...a path that continues 34 years later."
In retirement, Aubrey moved with Joan to their off the grid cabin in the Sansum Narrows, and enjoyed 31 glorious years there by the ocean. During his retirement Aubrey made lots of friends in the area, took scuba diving lessons, joined the Salt Spring Singers choir, got involved with the Retired Teachers Association of BC, traveled to Europe and South America, and worked as a very convincing mall Santa.
Aubrey passed away in hospital from complications after an emergency surgery. Joan was able to be with him, and his children came to visit him throughout his hospital stay. He is survived and remembered by his wife, Joan, his children Kelda, Andrea, Amanda, Jason, Alexis, Mary, and Jonathan, his nephew Calvin and niece Pam, and his 9 grandchildren.
His family wishes to thank his amazing physician Dr. Applewhaite, and the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff at Jubilee and Lady Minto hospitals for their kindness and the incredible level of care he received.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation on Aubrey's behalf can send one to Pacific Opera Victoria with whom he sang for 30 years or the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation.
Memories and Condolences
for Aubrey Cobham
11 Entries
Marilyn Canning MacNeill
November 24, 2024
My deepest sympathy to Aubrey's family. It was a pleasure to chat with Aubrey and to meet his lovely daughter at the Acadia 60's reunion last summer, and to reminisce about shared memories of our involvement in Light Opera productions.
Kathleen Fitzgerald
November 12, 2024
Mr. Cobham got me through some tough times at Reynolds Secondary. 1984 was a pivotal year for me. He was a good counsellor and friend to me. My sincerest condolences. Kathleen Fitzgerald (Dibley)
Joanne (Wilkes) Gregory
November 9, 2024
Mr. Codham was the Counsellor at Reynolds when I was there 1981-84. He even took over an English class for a bit until a replacement teacher could be found. I remember him fondly. My deepest condolences to his family.
James Crawford
October 27, 2024
Rest in Peace Mr Cobham. Thank you for your kindness, your laughter, letting me work on your car while we both were at Reynold High School and for the kind words you gave both my sons while you were Mall Santa at Tillicum Mall. R.I.P. You wont be forgotten!.
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Scott Karpes
October 25, 2024
Mr Cobham taught me at Shoreline School, in about 86/87/88. I remember him well for his kindness and enthusiasm. He taught us a class, (i can´t remember what it was called,) but it was about economics and we eventually ran the school concession as part of the class. I´m glad to hear he had a long and meaningful life. I´m sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like he was more amazing than most of us could´ve imagined.
SBarker
October 18, 2024
Aubrey was such a kind an talented person, I am saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to all who knew him, especially to his family. He will be missed by many in the Victoria arts community. I will be remembering my fellow opera chorus member when I step onto the stage tonight.
Mairi J. Brens
October 15, 2024
I was definitely one of the more artsy creative students of Mr.Cobham in the 80's. In saying that I loved his drama class, but hated his consumer education class. Haha!
Mr. Cobham then came back into my life when I was in my 30's in Tillicum mall. I am sure he delighted in the fact that I was completely oblivious of that he was the man in the big red suit. My children happily sitting on Santa's lap. I finally recognized he kind eyes and we had a nice chat.
I will cherish this memory always and the photo of Aubrey with my kids at Christmas.
Farewell Mr. Cobham you were a lovely man.
Mairi
Reginald Smith
October 14, 2024
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Cobham. I first met him as a student in his grade 8 science class at Shoreline School in 1978. I was glad to have crossed paths with him in the last 10 yrs or so at my workplace, the Royal Jubilee Hospital. It was in his classroom that I got my start on a pathway that lead to a 35 year plus science related career. As a young trumpet player in the Shoreline band I still remember to this day him playing the trumpet solo in Cantique de Noel for the Christmas concert and being amazed at how well he played. Rest in peace Mr. Cobham. You will be missed.
Betty marra
October 13, 2024
Rip greatest teacher. Betty marra
Jesse K
October 13, 2024
My deepest condolences to his friends and family. There are few teachers that left a positive and lasting memory with me- Mr Cobham is one of those I will not forget. A decent, caring ,hard working man.
Kristine Gratton and Jim Pegg
October 12, 2024
We are very grateful for the short time we spent with him this summer. His ability to play the piano was brilliant and amazing. Jim and I are so saddened by his passing. Aubrey was an intelligent, kind and gentle soul. It was our privilege to have known him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Jim and Kris
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