Ronald Cochrane

Cochrane, Ronald E., 80, of St. Johnsbury, VT, formerly of Lisbon, NH.

Although he spent most of his adult life working in factories doing quality control and associated tasks, Ron Cochrane was a gifted musician and artist with a wide-ranging intellect and a deep curiosity about many different things. On any given day, he might be engaging in a “battle of wits” with complicated puns of his own making, having a conversation about musical theatre, or diving deeply into the life and work of Nikola Tesla—and anything in between. He was supremely proud of his Scottish heritage, and a favorite snack was butter shortbread, second only to anything blueberry! Ronald worked in tandem with his wife, Claire, of 53 years, developing dozens of plays and musicals for generations of school children. Together, they also devoted many years to local theatre, both acting and directing.

After a long period of declining health, Ronald passed away on May 2. He was predeceased by his wife, Claire (Payne) Cochrane in 2018. He is survived by his daughter, Carlene M. (Cochrane) Gadapee and her husband, Geoffrey, and his daughter, Elise M. (Cochrane) McCaffrey and her husband, Michael. He is also survived by his grand-daughter, Meghan K. (Gadapee) Christ and her husband, Timothy, and great-grand-daughter, Holly Christ, his grandson, Sean McCaffrey, and grand-daughter, Madison McCaffrey, as well as his sister-in-law, Patricia Adams, and her husband, Thomas. Ronald will be missed by his many friends in the arts and in the community.

There will be a private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local theatre group such as Upstage Players (Littleton, NH) or Weathervane Theater (Whitefield, NH), or your local school music and arts programs.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Pillsbury Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 101 Union Street, Littleton, NH. To view Ronald's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.