Obituary of William F. Cochran

William “Bill” F. Cochran of Bath, NY who was born on 5/11/49 passed away on 4/10/2021 and is now reunited with his predeceased parents, Charles and Dorothy Cochran. Anyone who knew Bill knew that there was one way and that was Bill’s way to do things. He truly lived life to the fullest as he worked hard and he played hard, sometimes a little too hard. Bill was a family historian and he embraced his Irish and Scottish Ancestry. Bill loved his animals and by now is surrounded by his happy pets that are so glad to see him again. He idolized his grandfather, Frank Cochran and as a young boy was always in his shadow. As an honor to his grandfather Bill started a hobby farm, not to make money, but to reconnect to the lifestyle his grandfather and he grew up with. The sheep and chickens became beloved pets and having such a big heart this proved difficult for him. Bill worked in construction for Bethlehem Steel, Lane Pipe, Union 1358, L.C. Whitford, and started his own business, “Bretson Crane Service”, named after his sons. He was a proud construction laborer and foreman to the extent he wanted to honor his occupation by decorating his home with shovels and other hand tools he was accustomed to using. He enjoyed talking about his various road, bridge, and multi-plate structural steel construction projects. Locally, the Corning Benjamin Patterson Bridge, tunnels at Watkins Glen Race Track, and I-86 will forever have his handprints on them. Bill helped his son build a log home and barn in Campbell, NY. He enjoyed “hot rods”, as he would call them and reminisced about drag racing his Dodge Dart and 1957 Chevy. Many will remember his days of riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. Bill loved to travel and his son, Jason acquired that passion from him. What stands out most is his incredible friendships. He loved each and every one of them dearly and they were always there for each other. They checked on him daily, talked to him on the phone, and fulfilled the important social connection he cared so much for. A testament to the passion Bill had for his friends was evident when a beloved friend would pass. He would construct a memorial honoring each of them and in his special way celebrate their life. Bill was also a member of the American Legion, Elks Lodge 1547, and the Bath Rod and Gun Club. Grateful for having shared his life is his x-wife Doris (Thompson) Cochran (Hammondsport, NY) his sons, Brett Cochran (Campbell, NY) and Jason Cochran (Los Angeles, CA), sister Sandra Rake (Fairport, NY), Daughter-in-Law Ann Cochran, Grandchildren Kade and Meghan Cochran (Campbell, NY), niece Terra Rake (Fairport, NY), nephew Todd (Laurie) Rake (Guilford, CT), great-nieces Emily Rake (Fairport, NY) and Sofia Rake (Guilford, CT) and many loving cousins. Bill loved and cared deeply for his family as well. One of his favorite past times was spending time with them. He loved to watch his grandchildren participate in school activities and sports. A phrase Bill would often use with his children and grandchildren were “… makes my Heart Happy”. Although our hearts are in sorrow with Bill’s passing, our hearts are also happy as he will no longer have to endure earthly physical or mental pain. He has now reunited with loved ones that have passed, and he is finally at peace. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all the caregivers at the Arnot Ogden Hospital and his caring friends, who are truly his angels. Bill’s wishes were to be laid at rest with his grandfather, Frank Cochran located at the Howard, NY cemetery. Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Fagan’s Funeral Home in Bath, NY. We thank you for all your thoughts and prayers that have made Bill’s life so special. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society, 99 Victor Rd., Fairport, NY 14450.