Douglas A. Cochrane

Douglas A. Cochrane, 75, of Penacook, passed away peacefully at the NH Veterans Home Friday, October 28, 2022, following a period of declining health.

Douglas was born in Concord, NH May 22, 1947, to Oren Cochrane Sr. and Viola (Miller) Cochrane Brown. He attended Penacook High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduation. He proudly served his country from 1965 through 1969 during Vietnam. Upon honorable discharge from the military, Douglas spent many years working for his brother at Dunkin Donuts, followed by a decade-long career as a mill worker with Rivco.

Douglas deeply enjoyed nature the great outdoors. Whether he was fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, or canoeing, Douglas was happiest spending time alone outside. He also loved to sing all his life. He was lead singer in a band called The Tri-Three during high school and, much to their delight, he regularly serenaded nursing staff during his residence at the Veterans Home. Douglas was always full of infectious joy that he shared freely with those around him and in keeping with his favorite Elvis song ‘My Way’, he lived his life his way with purpose and without apology.

Douglas is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Cochrane. Though their marriage spanned 41 years, they had known each other their entire lives. He also leaves behind his sons, Douglas Cochrane Jr. and wife Joslyn of Bellingham, MA and Jason Cochrane of FL; his sisters, Brenda Demary and husband Robert of Penacook and Len Shanks of Allenstown; grandchildren, Tosh Lee, Rytham Sol, Andrew, Ryan, Taylor, and Blake Cochrane; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends including Don Lodge and Gary Tewksbury Sr. as well as former bandmates Steve Wright and Bruce Abbot. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his son, Derek Lee Cochrane and his brother, Oren “Butch” Cochrane.

Graveside service with military honors will take place at noon on Monday, November 7^th at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway in Boscawen. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately at the American Legion, 11 Charles Street in Penacook. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the New Hampshire Veterans Home in gratitude for the expert care provided by staff. Please make checks payable to “NHVH Resident Benefit Fund” and mail to New Hampshire Veterans Home, 139 Winter Street, Tilton, NH 03276 or visit https://www.nh.gov/veterans/ to donate. Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to https://phaneuf.net/.