> Details

Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
WILLIAM PERCY COCHRANE Obituary pic

WILLIAM PERCY COCHRANE

Born: Aug 01, 1927

Date of Passing: Jul 10, 2015

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLIAM PERCY COCHRANE Peacefully, with his wife Dorothy by his side, William Percy Cochrane passed away on Friday, July 10, 2015 at the age of 87 years, three weeks shy of his 88th birthday. Born August 1, 1927 to Alec and Isabella Cochrane of Cree and Scottish descent, at St. Peter's, MB (Breezy Point). William, Willie, Bill, Wild Bill, Cowboy, Scott, Pedro, a man of many names is survived by his wife Dorothy; four stepchildren, Lee-Ann, Debbie (Patrick), Edward (Irene) and Yvonne (Conrad); his six step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren; and brother Dennis of Fort St. John, BC. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Norman, Henry, Albert, Alex Jr.; sisters, Cora and Rachel, and brother-in-law Mike Belak. From a young age Willie was able to train and control horses with talk and soft hands, no stick or whip was his motto. He and his horse would give the rodeo guys a run for their money! As a youngster Willie was a friend of nature - walking in the bush he found a bear cub stuck in the mud while mom was tending to the other baby cub. His voice and gentle hands rescued the bear and the three bears snorted thanks and took off into the woods at Breezy Point. Willie's farm and fisherman skills of the local and high seas helped him save seven long boat school trip students from St. John's Cathedral Boys School to the lakehead by water and portage. They met a large speed boat causing large waves to tip the boat pulling Master Frank Weins, the seven students and Willie into Lake Superior. He got the boys hanging on to the tipped boat to wait for rescue from the other students. A tuft of hair was Frank going under and dog-paddling. Willie was able to save him by strength and power from above. During the winter children who spent lots of time at the rink were called "Rink Rats". Well we spent 20 years at the rinks so we were called "Recycled Rink Rats" and enjoyed the games and the fans from both sides. "Keep your stick on the ice!" During his 75th birthday month he, the subject, and Gerald Kuehl the artist were part of taping "On the Road Again" with Wayne Ronstad at Bissett and San Antonio Mince where he worked underground in his younger years. The sound of fiddle music and Willie was on the dance floor. He won 2nd place at Jigging (age 82) at the Peguis Pow Wow. We shuffle jigged (with walkers) this year at the monthly senior in Teulon! Hee! Haw! Cowboy thanks you for 34 years of loving me. Thank you to Dr. Louden and staff of Goodwin Lodge, you were AWESOME. Please view: www.portraitsofthenorth.com Cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. Willie will rest in peace, with Cuddles by his side, in his father's grave at St. Peters Old Stone Cemetery by the river, that in winter at a young age he and his horse pulled loads of firewood down the Red River to home in Selkirk. When you have a coffee think of me. If you wish, a donation to an Animal Shelter will fill a food dish and wag a tail with thanks from our two dogs Atim and Maskwa. May you and the spirit tree be one. Willie, We love you We miss you If you wish to leave a thought on Gilbart's website: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. "Flying Eagle, watch over us!"
Publish Date: Jul 16, 2015

WILLIAM PERCY COCHRANE Peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2015, at the Goodwin Lodge, William Cochrane, aged 87 years of Teulon, MB, beloved husband of Dorothy. In keeping with his wishes cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. Full obituary to follow in Thursday's Free Press. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Jul 14, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2015

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • Dorothy, sending you our deepest condolences. Bill would say, I am the nicest Indian you ever met. But more than that he was the nicest person you ever met. R.I.P. Wild Bill. Kathy and Kathryn - Posted by: Kathy and Kathryn (driend) on: Jul 22, 2015

  • In Memory of William ( Bill ) Cochrane It all began one evening after the sun had set in the mid 1960's. We were a young family with 7 children under 10 that had recently moved from Red Deer, Alberta to our Teulon area farm. We were doing chores when there came a knock at the barn door and outside stood this pleasant looking man with a wide smile - and his horse in full harness - looking for work. So began a several year relationship with a man we came to love as part of our family - the man we affectionately called Wild Bill. The position of hired hand quickly morphed into one of teacher, counsellor, caregiver, confidant, entertainer, storyteller and best friend. He was the world's best nanny when our family went through some dark times after the birth of our youngest brother. There were so many good times with him showing us everything about nature and the outdoors from animal tracks, setting snares and hunting and dressing wild game to horsemanship, plants, fort building and so much more. His personal time was ours and his tolerance unlimited, his laugh infectious and his happy demeanour showed his simple joy of life. We were heart broken when the time came that he had to move on, but were thrilled for him when years later he finally met and married his soul mate Dorothy. We were so happy to see him from time to time over the ensuing years but our hearts are heavy once again now that we have to say goodbye for the last time. May your spirit run free and chase wild horses. Our deepest condolences to Dorothy and her family. With love - The Hodgkinson family. - Posted by: The Hodgkinson Family () on: Jul 21, 2015

  • Dorothy, Bill was an amazing person. So kind and generous to others. Bill was so very kind and giving of himself helping the Icelanders in the area. I remember one time in particular, They were having a dedication of the memorial placed in The Pioneer Cemetery. My dad had told me how much Bill had done to make everything just right before this occasion. As it was happening I looked over an noticed Bill standing in the background trying not to be noticed. He was a true native in every sense of the word, so caring and understanding. He always had time for everyone. When I think of our little visits I always remember you asking "and how are the bear boys doing" I would reply "they are doing fine" Then we would talk about hockey. Bill will be missed by everyone!! - Posted by: Maria Bear (friend) on: Jul 18, 2015

  • No words can say how much I loved this man.His heart and spirit were an inspiration to everyone that knew him.His spirit will live on in my heart.RIP Bill - Posted by: Ed Zink (Step Son) on: Jul 17, 2015

  • Bicycle bill was my neighbour when i was a kid growing up with my brother Jared in gimli, him and dorothy invited us over to see there dogs in the back yard and treated us like there own grand sons,and we felt the love! I remained friends with them and got some really cool stories from Bill! My favorite one was the time he almost hit bigfoot with his car close to brandon, he said this thing was 8 feet tall and Gimli to some live music i joined them. Bill is something special i wont forget him! - Posted by: Daran Jonasson (Friend) on: Jul 17, 2015

  • I have such fond memories of Willie and Dorothy, always giving hugs when we met and Willie would bring me medicine when I had a cold or flu! I miss those hugs and will forever cherish my card that has his portrait that he signed for me "with love". Condolences to Dorothy and family - Posted by: Sandra P (friend) on: Jul 16, 2015

  • Dear Dorothy Loved Grandpa Bill's stories. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed. Take care. - Posted by: Francine Albertson (friend) on: Jul 16, 2015

  • So very sad to hear about Willies passing. I met Willy and his wonderful wife Dorothy about 10 years aga but it was like we had been friends all our life. To define Willy would include such words as a gentleman, friend, kind, contagious laugh, a smile one could never forget, compassionate, genuine and if angels do walk or ride bikes among us, then he was an angel. Thank you my friend for the many laughs we shared, sharing your life's experiences but most of all your friendship. Going to miss you but know one day, we shall meet again and pickup where we left off. Going to walk among our herd of horses tonight and think of you Willy, because of your connection to these amazing animals. Heartfelt condolences to Dorothy and the families. - Posted by: Scott Hamblin (Friend) on: Jul 15, 2015

  • My heart goes out Dorothy and to the rest of her's and Willie's extended families. I will always cherish my memories of times spent with Willie and the many lessons he taught me about life and horsemanship. Rest in peace Willie. - Posted by: Tim Schouten (Friend) on: Jul 14, 2015

❮ Go Back to Listings