Floyd Elroy Cochran

On April 10, 1938, Floyd Elroy Cochran became the 2nd of 9 children borne to Joseph & Florence Cochran of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

From a young age, Floyd was always very curious, loved his studies and was especially fond of geography and travel. He always knew that he was going to travel and worked very hard to achieve that dream and satisfy his sense of adventure. 

Starting his construction career with his father as a cabinet maker, his determination and amazing work ethic led him to become the District Manager for Engineered Homes at the age of 19.  Floyd never lacked ambition – he successfully studied, wrote the exams and was appointed Notary Public for the Province of Saskatchewan as well as being a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church and Jaycees.

In the Spring of 1960, Floyd set his eyes upon the most beautiful girl in town and he knew he just had to meet her. Her name was Doreen and it was on their first date that Floyd, being so sure that he had found the girl of his dreams, asked Doreen to come to his wedding.  Doreen was a little taken back by this, as she couldn’t believe that he was inviting her to his wedding! What she didn’t realize at the time was that Floyd was intending for her to be his bride.  On July 8, 1961, Floyd & Doreen were married at Saron Lutheran Church in Hagen, Saskatchewan. That was 63 years ago…

For 7 years they made their home in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan before Floyd drove to B.C in the Spring of 1968 to see what life out West would look like. He came to Langley and stayed at his cousin’s farm. 

Floyd saw an old, abandoned farm just down the road from his cousin and made a deal to purchase the 30 acre farm. After purchasing the property, he warned Doreen that the house ‘may need a bit of work’.  

On the last day of April in 1968 Floyd and Doreen, along with their two children, Brenda and Laurie put everything on the train and headed West. True to his promise, Floyd took the first year off to fix the house – in fact the house was in terrible condition; -the floor was sloped up to 8 inches, there was no insulation, no wiring, no hot water tank and no siding. He added a front porch, back porch, roof and appliances. The only thing that was any good at all was the barn – well, it was half decent.  

He bought the kids a Shetland pony, cows, calves, pigs and chickens from the Auction barn in Langley, at that time located on Fraser Highway, across from The Langley Hotel.      

He bought more horses, trail bikes for the family and even a monkey on one of their trips to South America. Floyd would tell the story for many years of how the Canadian Border Guard in Vancouver WAS NOT going to allow the monkey into Canada – and how a letter from his friend, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker changed it all.  

Floyd & Doreen completed their family with two more children, Nancy & Clark. In 1975 Floyd designed and built their family home on the same property where they spent the next 20 years enjoying their family life together.  

Floyd was a well-known contractor and businessman in the Lower Mainland and Northern B.C. After a very successful career in the construction industry Floyd traded in his hobby-farming days for world-wide travel with Doreen; often taking the family with them. Floyd and Doreen shared many successes over the years, but none more successful than the love of their family. As a result of their love for one another they had four children; Brenda (Forrest), Laurie (Walt), Nancy (Kirby) and Clark (Julie).  Their legacy of love continues with their 6 Grandchildren; Kelsey (Cody), Cody (Melissa), Liam, Joey, James and Oisin as well as 3 Great-Grandchildren; Brooklynn, Hunter, Shayla and ‘one on the way’ that Cody & Melissa were so excited to share with Floyd and Doreen only days before he passed.

To many, Floyd was a businessman and others a friend. To his family he was; A role model, a teacher and best friend.  A mentor, an inspiration, a first love and a second dad. He was our hero. He was everything.  He was quick with a joke and he just loved to laugh.  He loved his home in Palm Springs, crib games and Chinese food.  He could play almost any instrument that he picked up and on an elementary level could speak and understand many foreign languages. He was one in a million!  

Floyd was predeceased by his parents; Joseph & Florence Cochran, brothers: Robert, Daryl, Robin & Bruce and sister: Irene (Charles) Dent. Surviving are his sisters; Shirley (Howard), Marva (Don), Debbie (Barry) as well as many nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Floyd had a great sense of adventure and an unwavering love for his family.  He was so appreciative for such a wonderful life and expressed his appreciation every day through his love and generosity.  Floyd was larger-than-life and his positive attitude was an inspiration to so many.  He leaves us all to forge another path for his family, where one-by-one they will be together again. Floyd had an amazing life.  He gave so generously and loved with all of his heart. “It’s been a heck of a ride” he would say.

Remember him with a smile – he’d love that. Floyd’s family and friends are so blessed to know that they were truly loved. Floyd heard a Norwegian phrase many years ago and when he left this earth, he put it all out there.  Floyd always knew what to say and you know what? He nailed it! His parting message to us all; Takk for Alt (Thanks for Everything).