David Lee Cocagne

The Cocagne family wishes to thank all those who celebrated David Cocagne's life by attending the funeral services or expressing sympathy in other ways. Please know that the sharing of your love for David helps us to begin to heal the hole we have in our hearts. Several of you asked about gifts to be given in David's name; one of his employers has given us an answer. David taught private guitar lessons at Clarkston Conservatory for more than ten years. We are collaborating with Clarkston Conservatory to create a scholarship fund for guitar students who take lessons there. The Clarkston Conservatory already manages another scholarship fund in honor of a former teacher, so they are set up for this purpose. Donating to a non-profit is usually tax deductible - T.I.N. #38-3280736
If you wish to donate to this fund, please make checks to:
Clarkston Conservatory of Music
memo- David Cocagne scholarship fund
And mail to:
Clarkston Conservatory of Music
attn: Jim Wilhelmsen - David Cocagne Scholarship Fund
49 S. Main Street
Clarkston, MI 48346

http://www.clarkstonconservatory.org/default.asp


David Cocagne, March 14, 1969 - December 28, 2014
With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to David, who passed away too early, at age 45, in Royal Oak, Michigan. David's immediate family includes his Mom and Dad, Dixie and Charles Cocagne; his two loving brothers, Andrew and Edward and their families: Andy's wife Carole and their children Matthew and Natalie; and Ed's wife Panya and their son Arthur; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and their spouses; and finally, David's long-time performance partner Michael Blaszkiewicz. David was much beloved by his family, and, because of his genial and kind nature, much beloved also by a host of friends and musician colleagues. A consummate musician, David's career began when he was just a teenager at Northville High School, beginning with electric guitar lessons and finding his way into various rock and roll performance opportunities. While living in Venezuela when his father was transferred there, he became interested in Spanish guitar and Latin music. By the time he was ready to decide on a college career, he knew he wanted to study music. He completed his B.A. and Master's degree in classical guitar performance, under his teacher Joe Fava, who learned from Andrés Segovia. David lived music, both in the classroom and on the stage. He had a long teaching career, most recently at Clarkston Conservatory of Music and at Oakland Community College. Lucky students of all ages learned their chops from David. He was such a good teacher because he was such a good performer. He loved spending his spare time performing, and over the years, could be found in grubby bars as well as on the classical stage. He organized several bands playing rock (Feisty Cadavers) and jazz (The Troubadours), and classical concerts with his performance partner Mike B. Above all, David was family oriented, and a loyal friend. He loved to host family events, and played for family and friends whenever the occasion occurred. Most recently, he joined his Mom and Dad and some members of the choir of St. Francis of Assisi church playing Christmas carols up and down the halls of the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. Visitation will be at Muehlig Funeral Chapel (403 S Fourth Ave, corner of William) on Monday, January 5th, 2015, 3 – 7:00 pm and at St. Francis of Assisi church (corner of E Stadium and St. Francis) on Tuesday, January 6th, 10 - 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com to leave the family your condolences.