It is with a heavy heart that we say “kiwapamihtin” to our Dad/Mumoo John George Cochrane of Ochekwi-Sipi Cree Nation.
John leaves to cherish his memory, daughter Laura Pratt, son John (Dolly), daughter-in-law Myrna, adopted daughter Lana Harper; 21 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Bernie Robinson of Maryland, USA, goddaughter Andrea Young (Bird), numerous nieces, nephews and cousins;
John was predeceased by his wife Shirley (October 2009), sons Allen Dale (December 2022), Charlie (September 2024), daughters Josette (March 2008) and Leslie Dawn (April 1973); Parents Andrew and Maria Cochrane, brothers Leslie (Margaret) and Nelson in infancy, sisters Mabel (George) Oye, Elizabeth (Jerry) Wheeler, Illa and Neestow Bill Bird, son-in-law Stacy Pratt and sister-in-law Helen Robinson.
John was born on October 11, 1935 in Ochekwi-Sipi Cree Nation, where he grew up and attended day school.
Dad worked hard all his life, at a young age he helped Moshom Andrew tend to the family farm. He left home at age 15 to look for work around Gimli/Arborg area, his first job was picking rocks to clear farmers' fields, while there he found a job as a fisherman's helper; this is where he found his love for the lake and remained a Fisherman for almost 70 years, until he retired at the age of 83.
In his late 20's, between fishing seasons, dad worked as a Diamond Driller for over 25 years, after a few years of experience he moved up to “run his own drill”. Dad also did carpentry work in the community, like building homes, and the building of the old Fisher River Arena in 1976; and he was also a Night Watchman for the community.
Dad met mom in 1958, while he fished out at Kinwow Bay, Lake Winnipeg, she was a Cook's Helper, which they were called a “Cookie”. They began dating and then married in 1962, they had 6 children, the youngest passed in infancy; they enjoyed and spent a great number of years raising their children. Mom and Dad were married for 47 years until her passing.
Dad had many hobbies and interests throughout his life, watching boxing, hockey, baseball, playing crib, horseshoes, reading, doing crosswords and word search, also building small tables and picnic tables.
Wake Service: Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Service: Friday, November 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Both Services at the Fisher River United Church, Fisher River Cree Nation
Interment: Fisher River Cemetery
Officiant: Rev. Craig Bartlett
Pallbearers: son John-John, nephew Gerald Bird, grandsons Ian James, Shane, Kyle and Reno Pratt;
Honorary Pallbearers: Old Fred Sinclair, Arnold & Joyce Cochrane, Dorothy Lydia Crate, Walter Patch Sinclair, Sam Murdock, Robert & Joy Sutherland, Leslie Mckay, Steve Mckay, Kasitine Murdock and all the Mcbeth Point and Lake Winnipeg Fishermen.
Appreciation:
We would like to thank Fisher River Cree Nation, Ochekwi-Sipi Personal Care Home, Fisher River Home Care, St. Boniface Hospital Staff, PEMH Palliative Care Staff who did an amazing job at caring for dad in his final days; also to the Fire Keepers, Fisher River Healing Centre and to family and friends for their prayers and caring words.
Akosani.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd:
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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