Robert Cochrane

Robert "Bob" R. Cochrane, passed away Jan. 29, 2006, at Valley Hospital, at the age of 84. Bob was afflicted with ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was born in Rockwood, Pa., June 15, 1921, and grew up in Clarksburg, W.Va. He graduated from Salem College. After Dec. 7, 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. As lieutenant commander, he served on the USS Coral Sea, USS Thomas and USS Larsen. He preferred to serve on destroyers. He was proud to say he served in one big war and three little wars. He was one of the first naval officers to go into Nagasaki after the Atomic bomb to free U.S. and Australian POW's. After 22 years of devoted service he was assigned to a desk and he retired or he would still be serving as a lieutenant commander. Bob returned to Charleston, W.Va., and served as director in charge of the mental health department for the state of West Virginia. In 1967, he came to Las Vegas to visit his brother, attorney Tom Cochrane. He later decided to make Las Vegas his adopted home. He moved here in 1968, and served as district director for the Nevada Department of Taxation. After 15 years with the department he decided to "change jobs". He was appointed a U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee in 1980, and he was also a licensed private investigator. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, and "partner" of 25 years, Virginia Cochrane; his sister, Martha Duarte of Lexington, Ky.; son, Stuart Cochrane of Hermosa Beach, Calif.; daughters, Stacie Wilhite of Las Vegas, and Leslie Myers of Orlando, Fla.; niece, Kim Cochrane of Las Vegas; and four grandchildren. Bob was highly respected and loved by all of his colleagues and friends as an intelligent and fair man who treated one and all with kindness and consideration. Bob was unique in his Hat, shinny Boots and Jacket summer or winter. His nickname among his colleagues and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court was "The Hat". Bob we will all miss you and hold you in our minds and hearts as one "Great Guy". No services scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in his name.