January 30, 1947 - January 1, 2021
Wayne Roy Cochrane, eldest child and only son, born to Roy and Kay Cochrane in New Westminister, BC on January 30, 1947. Passed away peacefully on January 1, 2021 in Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico.
Wayne started iron-working at the age of 18 and spent much of his time working on big jobs throughout BC and Alberta. While working on the Kootenay Canal near Nelson in the early '70s, he discovered the "magic" of the Kootenays and eventually settled down in Grand Forks in 1974 and started a family. Wayne went back to school and got his millwright certification in 1991, so he could be closer to his family.
Wayne (aka lil' Roy, Wayner, Dad, Cochrane, ol' rooster, Papa, Juan, Coach) was an avid athlete excelling in baseball and basketball in his younger years. He could often be found enjoying the snowy slopes of Phoenix in the winter and the rolling greens of the Christina Lake Golf course the rest of the year.
Weight lifting was another one of Wayne's passions for many years and he was very proud to beat his goal of bench pressing over 300lbs on his 50th birthday. He coached several ball teams and volunteered at the GFI in the beer gardens for over 30 years. He was a lover of all sports!
In March 2006, Wayne retired as a millwright. He never travelled far during his working years but a few years after retirement he got the itch to travel. Papa Wayne (as he was affectionately named in his retirement years) discovered Mexico and travelled to many parts of the mainland before finding his heart in the Baja. He loved the Baja especially the little town of Todos Santos.
He spent his winters there whale watching, dancing under the stars, connecting with friends (old and new) and trying to catch the magical green sparkle of the magnificent sunsets. With Wayne's zest for life, love of music and ability to connect with all walks of life, Todos Santos was to Wayne, like Cheers was to Norm..... everybody knew his name!
Predeceased by his mother Kay (1994), father Roy (2000), and youngest sister Donna (Mel) (2019). Wayne will be loving remembered by his daughters Jessie (Steve), Kasey (Jackson), grandsons Brodie, Kayden, Ty, Arman and Rhys and granddaughter Mabel. Sisters Patsy (Mark), Gail (Dave), and Lynn. He will also be remembered by Fran, his special buddy Kruz, and many other friends and family.
And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched... for nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.