Randall Charles “Ran” Cochran

Wasilla resident Randall Charles “Ran” Cochran, 41, died suddenly Feb. 28, 2011, in Wasilla.

Ran was born in Fort Morgan, Colo., on Aug. 23, 1969, to Ellwyn and Wilma Zimmerman Cochran. He grew up in Fort Morgan and graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1987.

While growing up, he acquired a large circle of friends and family, and was always a Mustang at heart. He attended the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services and had been employed in the funeral and mortuary business for many years. He had also served as a coroner and was a member of many civic organizations. Valley Funeral Home and Palmer Chapel in Wasilla and Palmer employed him at the time of his death. This was the latest in a long string of adventures that he embarked on throughout his life.

Ran was a kind spirit with a zest for life that was unmatched by most. His passions in life were his daughter, Sydney, his family, serving his fellow humans and shoes. He was also an accomplished musician and always had a song for every occasion. He will be most remembered for his sense of humor, sense of adventure and unending desire to help others in their times of need. He was also a lover of all of God’s creatures and could never resist another critter to add to the family.

Ran is survived by his loving daughter, Sydney; Sydney’s mother, Rhonda Cochran of Craig, Colo.; his father Ellwyn Cochran of Wiggins, Colo.; brother, Brice and wife Lynn and their children Clay and Shelby of Windsor, Colo.; sister, Angie Echols and husband Doug and their daughter Haley of Farmington, N.M.; sister, Mindy Cochran, fiancé Logan Armstrong and son Tate of Farmington; sister, Mandy Thomas and husband Ryan and children Alec, Reagan, Ryder and Radley, all of Wiggins, Colo.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by Smoochie the Wonder Dog, and many friends and acquaintances from his many earthly adventures.

Ran was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Cochran; son, Ian Randall Cochran; his grandparents, and numerous aunts and uncles.

A memorial service is 2 p.m., March 5 at First Christian Church, 225 W. Bijou Ave. in Fort Morgan. His earthly adventures will conclude 11 a.m. on Monday, March 7 at St. James Episcopal Church, 368 Fourth St. in Meeker, Colo., with burial following at the Meeker Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Sydney may be sent to the Ran Cochran Memorial Fund in care of Equitable Savings, P.O. Box 518, Fort Morgan, CO 80701.