Patrick Charles Cochran

Patrick Charles Cochran, 81, of Wasilla, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2014, at home with his family by his side.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m., May 29 at the Wasilla Bible Church, 1651 W. Nicola Ave., Wasilla. Pastor Ashley Brown will officiate.

Patrick was born March 31, 1933, in Sandpoint, Idaho to Bart and Caroline (LaFore) Cochran. He graduated with the class of 1951 from Sandpoint High School. Patrick owned and operated a Chevron gas station in Sandpoint for several years.

He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953 and he transferred to the U.S. Air Force in 1961; retiring after 22 years of service.

Pat has been an Alaska resident since 1979. He worked as a government contract administrator overseeing civilian maintenance contracts across the United States. He was a life member in the AMVETS Post No. 9 and a member of the VFW and American Legion. His hobbies included, traveling whenever he had the chance and visiting friends and family. He had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Pat was a very social man and made friends everywhere he went. Most of all Pat loved spending time with his family and friends. He was especially kind with animals and children and was always getting involved to help others. He had many animals and passed that love onto his children. He especially loved dogs. He enjoyed his pet parrot, “Big Bird,” in his later years. He was always quick to play a prank on someone whenever a chance arose.

Survivors include his wife, Jean of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; brother, John (Louise) Cochran of St Regis, Montana; sister, Mary Joe (Dale) Sphar of Polson, Montana; sons, Daniel (Nancy) Cochran of Quilcene, Washington; Michael (Terri) Cochran of Battleground, Washington; Thomas Cochran, Redmond, Oregon; Patrick (Norma) Cochran of Wasilla; Mark (Barbara) Cochran of Wasilla; David Cochran of Coeur d’ Alene Idaho; daughter, Kelly (Steve) Gill of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; and many beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Bart and Caroline Cochran; two brothers, Neil and Allen Cochran; and two sisters, Lucille Miller and Nelly Luckie.

Pat’s final resting place will be in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.