Tom passed away peacefully on the night of Tuesday, August 1st, at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket with family by his side. He was 90 years old.
Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to the late Clarence Cochrane and Cerina (Gracie) Cochrane, he was the 10th of 15 siblings. Tom married Hilda Maude Rose in 1954 and together had two children. They lived in their home on Ward Street in Toronto where Tom obtained his certificate from the RCC in Radio and Television Technology and operated a part-time business while working at his job at Domtar, where he worked as a manufacturing supervisor until his retirement in 1990.
In 1966, Tom and Hilda purchased a parcel of land in Nobleton, Ontario – a place where they would build their own beautiful farmhouse and transform the land into flourishing gardens and a menagerie of animals, including cows, goats, geese, chickens, and many more. This is where they would raise their children, and where multiple generations would come together to gather around the table.
Tom enjoyed fixing things. He spent much of his time maintaining his grounds and gardens, and for many years he and Hilda would preserve vegetables and fruit from their harvests. He was a fan of country western music, and would often play guitar and sing for his children and grandchildren. He had two true loves in his life – his family, and his antique red Massey tractor.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Hilda Maude (Rose) Cochrane, cherished daughter, Rosemarie Cochrane (Peter Wood) and son, Michael Cochrane (Anne Templeton), grandchildren, Jessica Cochrane and Liam Cochrane-Wood, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his sister Kay MacNeil, and his brother William. William and Tom have been together since they both moved to Ontario, and William has lived with Tom ever since.
Besides his parents, Tom was predeceased by his sisters Stella Warren, Blanche Burrows, Shirley MacDonald, Kathleen Botham, Florence (Vi) Cochrane, Claire Taylor, Mildred (Millie) Maggrah, and brothers Baby Earl, Ernest, Melvin, John and Joseph.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Friday, August 11 from 12:30 pm until time of funeral service in the chapel at 1pm. Following a reception at the funeral home, interment Nobleton Cemetery.
Donations can be made in Tom’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
To view and download the video slideshow please follow this link: Tom Cochrane slideshow.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Allan Squires
Mike, Anne and entire Cochrane family, our deepest sympathy to you all at this sad time. Thoughts and prayers are with you now and wishing you stay strong. Al & Millie Squires.
Wendy Perrina
Aunt Hilda and family, to you all at this time, our thoughts and prayers are with you you all
Wendy, Mille, Adam, and Ĺysandrà
And to Uncle Tom Hugh will be waiting at heaven gates for you .
Love you all
Robyn and Gerry Todd
Mrs. Cochrane, Bill, Rose and family, Mike, Anne, Jessie and family, we have such wonderful memories of you all and our hearts go out to you. He was a wonderful man!
Joy Bruce
Our thoughts are with you Aunt Hilda and all the family at this very sad time. We will always remember Tom with lots of love, from the early days at Ward Street through to building the family home at Nobleton. It is very hard to say goodbye to someone you love but we hope that all the family will find the strength to keep that special bright light shining.
May God Bless you all . With lots of love and hugs from Joy, Bob and all the family in England.
Derrick
Thank you, Uncle Tom, for always being there for me; you helped me build my cottage in Sudbury and your door was always open for me when I was passing by at night. You would wake up in the morning, and there I was sleeping on the couch. Thank you.
To Aunt Hilda, Mike and Rose, I love you. Derrick
Nettie (Rose) Dixon and Laura Dixon
Aunt Hilda and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Tommy’s kindness and love will be remembered always. Deepest sympathies and prayers are with all of you.
Love, Nettie and Laura.
Steph Axworthy
Mike & family,
I recall our chats at the shop over the last several years about aging parents, their medical ups and downs and all that comes with it.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. May happy memories comfort you at this most difficult time.
Dawn Dixon & Family
Aunt Hilda & family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Uncle Tommy was a good man who will be dearly missed. Although this is a difficult time for all who loved him, I hope you find some solace in knowing that everything good about him lives on through you and the future generations. I’m sorry we couldn’t be there, but please know we are with you in spirit and are thinking of you all.
Love, Dawn, Stephen, Brayden and Ethan.
Elisha
Will miss his warm, welcoming smile!
My heart goes out to everyone, love you guys
Thelma Howe
Aunt Hilda & Family
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We pray that the Lord will fill your emptiness with his healing love. We have fond memories of his kindness to us. We share your sorrow, we will all take comfort in knowing he is gone from our sight but not from our hearts.
Love, Thelma, Clinton & Family
John 3:16
Diane Wilson
Sending deepest condolences to Mike & Anne and family.
carol
Mike and Family: Brian and I are so sorry for the loss of your DAD. God Bless
Brian an Carol