It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share that our dear Dr. David Douglas Cochrane passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Feb. 17, 2024.
In keeping with his character, Dr. Cochrane was courageous and thinking of others right to the end. Dr. Cochrane was born in Cambridge, Ont., Canada, in 1950. His childhood featured family, time at the cottage, Pinecrest and Taylor Staton summer camps, sports and a remarkable curiosity for learning. In high school, he met his future bride, Barbara Radke, and soon found his life's purpose — improving the lives of sick children with complex neurosurgical problems.
With Barb at his side, Dr. Cochrane graduated as the 1975 gold medallist from the University of Toronto medical school. After completing his neurosurgery residency at the University of Calgary, Dr. Cochrane completed a pediatric neurosurgery fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, mentored by Canada's pediatric neurosurgical pioneers, Drs. Hendrick, Hoffman and Humphreys. Returning to Calgary in 1981, Dr. Cochrane's academic faculty pediatric neurosurgery career was launched, greatly facilitated by his supportive colleagues. Dr. Cochrane moved his growing family to Vancouver, where he joined the division of pediatric neurosurgery at British Columbia Children's Hospital and the University of British Columbia in 1986.
He worked tirelessly as an extraordinarily skillful, compassionate surgeon, always striving for excellence and manifesting utmost integrity. Dr. Cochrane was honoured to share the journey with his many patients and their families, and credits them with his accrued skill and wisdom, which he in turn imparted to generations of Canadian and international medical students, residents and fellows. All who met him will always remember his unhurried thoughtfulness, endless kindness, good humour and especially his smile. Dr. Cochrane was an inspiring leader who emphasized the importance of teamwork. He served as surgeon in chief, vice-president of B.C. Medical Affairs and the Provincial Health Services Authority, and the chair of the B.C. Patient Safety and Quality Council. Dr. Cochrane was the architect of patient safety in B.C. and his team's protocols and standards for safety are internationally recognized and employed across Canada.
While Dr. Cochrane's career took him and Barbara to a number of international meetings, lectures and conferences, one of the highlights was volunteering in Kenya and Angola, where Dr. Cochrane performed surgery from many disciplines. While this was a brief opportunity, it made a lasting impact on them and reaffirmed Dr. Cochrane's dedication to improving children's health. Post-retirement, Dr. Cochrane turned his mind and considerable energy to B.C. Interior Health, particularly during the evolving needs of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was passionately committed to the needs of First Nation and Metis, and was instrumental in guiding Interior Health's reconciliation efforts. Dr. Cochrane stepped down as chair of the board only a few weeks before his passing.
For Dr. Cochrane, the most important partnership was that with his wife of 51 years, Barbara. Together they raised daughters, Dawn and Katherine. Despite his rigorous schedule, Dr. Cochrane was a present and loving father, taking great joy from all aspects of their lives. Dr. Cochrane always heard what was (and wasn't) said, dispensing wise counsel when needed. He was tremendously proud of the women they grew into and became the besotted grandfather of their four children. Dr. Cochrane's final days were spent in reflective gratitude for all those who have shared his life and, more recently, the experience of kidney transplantation.
Dr. Cochrane and his family thank the remarkable transplant team at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, and his post-transplant team at Kelowna General Hospital. Dr. Cochrane was most grateful to his beloved sister, Dianne Woodward, who didn't hesitate in giving him her second kidney. This generous spirit allowed Dr. Cochrane two more precious years of life. Dr. Cochrane leaves his devoted wife, Barbara; daughter, Dawn (Jamie), and grandsons Max and Ben; and daughter, Katherine (Jonathan) and grandchildren, Sophia and Gabe; as well as his sister, Dianne Woodward (Bob). Dr. Cochrane shared a mutual admiration and many delightful memories with his 102-year-old mother-in-law, Myrtle Radke, and was predeceased by his loving parents, George and Madeline Cochrane. Dr. David Douglas Cochrane, aka (Dougie), will always be missed by his extended family, many friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Condolences, photos and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his memorial page.