BENJAMIN COCHRANE SR.

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BENJAMIN COCHRANE SR. Peacefully, surrounded by his family, Ben Cochrane Sr. passed away at 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at the Percy E. Moore Hospital. He passed away at the age of 78. Ben was predeceased by his parents Ben and Mary and his 21 year old son Clifford in 1982. Ben leaves to mourn his passing with such great sorrow his loving wife of 49 years, Helen; his family Marshall (Linda), Stewart (Arlene), Brenda (John Pundyk), Benjo (Allana), Emily (Keith Sinclair), Loretta (Dean Jones) his grandchildren, Cheryl, Stacey, Ryan, Michael, David, Christopher, Chelsea, Kacie, Kayla and Taylor; three great-grandchildren; his sister Clara Thordarson of Selkirk, Man., and many relatives and friends. Ben was born in and lived on the Fisher River Cree Nation all of his life, his passion was fishing. Ben was a fisherman of 52 years on Lake Winnipeg. And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19). Ben was a mentor for others when it cam to sharing his fishing craft. He spent some time teaching his craft in the northern areas of Manitoba. Ben received trophies and awards for his fishing occupation. After a successful fishing season, he always loved to take his family on boating excursions on Lake Winnipeg. He was a friend and supporter for others in the fishing industry, especially for his friends in Matheson Island, Poplar River and Black River. Ben was a Fisher River First Nations Band Councillor for eight years and made many political contributions for the band. Ben enjoyed the outdoors, cutting wood, working on his lawn, all forms of sports, especially supporting local hockey, reading about sports and politics. His philosophy was to work hard to accomplish your goals in life; his desire was to pass this value on to his family. He was a great father who loved his children and grandchildren. Ben had a unique sense of humour and was quick witted. Dad was a man full of life and was very active until his illness took over his life. He suffered for a few years with cancer and kept his pain with great dignity. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid, henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him." (Luke 5:10:11). Pallbearers will be Ryan Cochrane, Floyd Cochrane, Jeff Cochrane, Cory Murdock, Keith Sinclair, John Pundyk. Honorary pallbearers will be Willard Cochrane, Oliver Cochrane, Tom Cochrane, Reg Murdock, George Crate Sr., Clifford Murdock, Walter Sinclair. A wake service will be held on Saturday, December 18 at 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m. Services will be held at the Stevens Memorial United Church, Fisher River, Koostatak, Manitoba. Rev. Gloria Muskego officiating. Interment to follow at the Fisher River Community Cemetery. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the Fisher River Personal Care Home and Percy E. Moore Hospital staff for their excellent care. Arrangements entrusted to ANDERSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME Ashern, Man. 1-204-768-3606

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 17, 1999