We Remember
COCHRANE, Glen MacLeod
January 29, 1958 — January 13, 2024
It is with immense sadness and the heaviest of hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Glen Macleod Cochrane on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at age 65.
Glen was born on January 29, 1958, in Kamloops, BC. The Cochranes lived many places, but Glen always considered Cranbrook, BC his hometown. Glen was a natural-born athlete and outdoorsman, he excelled in soccer, track and field, fishing, and most notably, hockey.
He left home at the age of 15 to play junior hockey in BC and Alberta before he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1978. He enjoyed a long and fulfilling NHL career playing for the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, and Edmonton Oilers. His role as a loyal protector and defender extended off the ice and into the countless, valuable friendships he formed along the way.
Always a hard worker, Glen opened up a Little Caesars franchise in Maple Ridge, BC after retiring from hockey. When the opportunity came to open a store and move his family to Kelowna in 1994 he jumped at the chance to leave the big city for the mountains, where he and his family have lived for the past 30 years.
Glen was passionate about the development of kids in hockey, from starting the first all-girls hockey team in Kelowna, to coaching minor and junior league hockey teams. He eventually worked as an amateur scout for the Colorado Avalanche and the Anaheim Ducks, with whom he worked for 17 years, right up until his death. He loved his Ducks scouting family and the promise and possibility that came with the job.
Glen was a curious soul who cared deeply for those around him. He laughed easily and had the gift of telling one heck of a story. His relaxed nature put people at ease, and he could sit for hours, making you feel like the most important person in the world. His ability to make genuine connections with people made him a widely loved and trusted friend.
Though Glen was able to accomplish many amazing things in his 65 years, his most proud achievement was undoubtedly his family. A “girl dad” in every way, he was gentle, caring and endlessly supportive of his girls. Glen’s light and legacy will continue to shine on through the family he and Joan have built.
Glen is survived by his loving wife, Joan; his treasured daughters, Shelby (Jeff), Paige (Allan), and Tegan (Jackson); and beloved grandchildren, Everly, Paisley, Neyla, William, Wyatt, and Millie. He is also survived by his brother; Gordon (Eunice); sisters, Heather (Doug), Sheilah, Kathleen, and Nicole (Mike); brother, Matt (Saphia); as well as a large and loving extended family. Glen was predeceased by his parents, Ken Cochrane & Margo Cochrane; sister, Naomi; and brother, Curtis.
Glen’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Tom Nevill and the entire Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) team at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) who took such loving and compassionate care of Glen.
The family requests those who wish to express their sympathies to consider making a donation to the VGH Foundation, A donation page has been set up in Glen’s memory.
A Memorial Service will be held on his birthday, MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024, 10:30 AM (PST), at TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH: 1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below) a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024, 10:30 AM (PST)
Location
TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH, 1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
Share with Others:
VGH Foundation Link: join.vghfoundation.ca/fundraiser/5189145
Service Information
Service Details
The service for COCHRANE, Glen MacLeod is scheduled for MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024, 10:30 AM (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH, 1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
I send my sincerest condolences to Paige and the whole family. Although I never met your fine father, the stories I heard were so filled with love. Much love is sent to all.
Heather and family:
Thinking of you at this time of your loss. Sending hugs and prayers❤️
To Joan and family we are sending all our love in this difficult time. To Gordie and Eunice im so sorry this has happened. You packed up your life in aussie once you knew Glen wasnt well. We are all sending our love
To all of the Cochranes across the sea, we are thinking of you and sending all our love to you all. All the way from Adelaide. Sorry we can’t be there with you all.
RIP Glen.
Love from your great nephew Jordan
To Joan, Tegan, Shelby and Paige,
From my family to all of you; Our deepest condolences on your loss.
I have always carried respect for Glen and always considered him as a good man. I remember very well the first time that I met Glen. I had just hooked him from behind during a shinny game at Prospera while he was carrying the puck (in my defence, I’m pretty sure he hooked me a few times first). Clearly Glen didn’t like my actions, but instead of really taking it out on me, he just let the puck go and went off for a change. The ‘oohs’ and ‘oh-oh’s’ from the other players certainly told me that I may have crossed the line, but the look that I got as he went off for the change sent a stronger message. I didn’t go anywhere near him for rest of that night. Skating around the ice prior to our next skate, I nervously skated along side of Glen and sheepishly apologized for hooking him last game. He laughed and kind of pretended to not remember (but I’m sure he did); he gave me a pat and said not to worry about it, but don’t do it again! Needless to say; I did not do that again.
Glen always treated me well and always took the time to shake my hand and chat whenever we crossed paths.
He will be greatly missed.
Again, our condolences to all of you.
Sincerely,
Jeff Thorburn
Our family was so saddened to hear of your of Glenn’s passing. He was a dearly loved husband, father , and grandfather and will be immeasurably missed. Hugs to you all. Andrea, Erryn and Sarah Lye
Oh my dear friend Glen. I was shocked and saddened to hear this news. I first met Glen and Joan and ran the Little Ceasars Pizza with them in Maple Ridge. We became like family and I will always cherish and value those days and all he gave me over the years. One of the funniest yet most caring human i have ever known. He recently mailed me a picture he took of me with my first fish at his Dads lodge , almost 30 years ago. Who does that??? Glen did. My biggest inspiration in my life. I will miss you friend.
All my love Joan and family.
I am so shocked and sorry to hear of Glens passing. Our families grew up in Cranbrook, and I was good friends with Glens sister Naomi . I did not know Glen well but the times I did see him he was always kind and gracious. I had great respect for his commitment to his sister Naomi during her years of fighting cancer. I will always remember how proud Naomi always was for having Glen for a brother, his support and selflessness was unmatched.
My sincere condolences to Glens family.
Dagny Kasner(Beresford)
I had a lot of fun playing oldtimers hockey with Chewy for 10 years in Kelowna and getting to know him. Great guy and lots of great memories. So sad to hear the news of Glen’s passing. Another great guy gone way too soon! RIP George
I am so very sad to hear of the passing of Glen, my condolences to all of the family. When Glen moved to the Crows Nest Pass at age 15, he lived with our family, those years are full of memories, Glen and his fun loving personality became a very close and dear to my parents ( whom he had a lifetime friendship with ) and myself and sisters. He was very much like a brother and absolutely loved to tease and laugh. I know my whole family has felt blessed that Glen was a part of our lives, he was truly ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS…..
Joan and family my deepest condolences Glen was one of the best guys when we were on the Canucks always a guy and friend left us too soon
We were so sad to hear the news of Glen. He was a protector of so many teammates and one tough ombré. A great teammate who made me laugh along the way, I cherished the times we had together while playing. Our prayers and condolences go out to Joan and the family. Dave and Carol Mackey
Our deepest condolences to your entire family. We have very fond memories of Glen and all the Cochranes. This is a huge loss and words are not enough to express how sad it is to lose such a great man so young. May the support of family and friends and all your fond memories make this a little easier to bear.
The Cullen family
I first met Glen when he opened his Little Caesar’s (LC) location in Mission, BC. I think it was 1990.
I was a bit of a rascal when I was younger (and I’m still a bit of a rascal today). I worked at the KFC across from LC very briefly – two weeks, and was fired because I was a bit of a freak show (i.e. colored hair and punky clothes).
I tried my hand applying at LC because it was about to have its grand opening but wore my brother’s clothes and tamed down my hair for the interview. My strategy worked, and the General manager, Chet Powell, hired me!
On LC’s opening day, I walked in with bright blue hair and my “normal clothes”. Glen was there for the opening and looked at Chet, who was also taken back by my appearance, and they both had befuddled and confused looks stuck to their faces. Somehow, they endured.
I had many great times with Glen but briefly headed in a different direction. Glen phoned me a couple of years later and asked me to manage his KLO LC location, but the difference was this time he knew what he was in for. I accepted the offer.
I’m sure my lifestyle and my appearance pushed Glen to his limits sometimes, and I’m certain that Joan was a big help for my here. Nonetheless, Glen and Joan invited me into their lives, and their home, and I have fond memories of Shelby, Paige, and Tegan when they were young. The girls grew up beside me.
I’m sitting here thinking about memories that I have of Glen, and something struck me. It’s not only the memories of Glen that I love, but it’s also the mundane moments that I cherish. Sitting on his couch watching TV with him, lounging by the pool, the drives to work, popping into LC to check-in, chatting about stuff, and all the other things that are a faint memory. Glen was an incredibly special man, and just being in his presence was special. Glen always made me feel valued, respected, and supported.
My condolences to Joan, Shelby, Paige, Tegan, and their families.
Joan and family I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you all
We want to give our deepest condolences to
all the Cochrane family and to everybody who loved him.
I had the chance to work with him with the Anaheim Ducks as a scout too and he was always so good to me making sure that I am welcome the right way in the staff.
It was such a fun time to be around him and always respect others opinion and was always well prepared.
Meetings since last year were not the same without him , he was a great leader in our group.
I will missed him deeply.
Love you Glen
Dear Cochrane Family, News of Glens passing upset me so deeply. My first husband, Blake Wesley and Glen were roommates in Maine where they both played for the Maine Mariners. I moved into our place in Pine Point where we laughed and joked as much as possible.. Glen loved his family more than anything. When Blake was called up to Philly, Glen soon followed and once again we were all roommates. Those years in the NHL brought us back together whenever Glen and Blake played against one another on opposite teams. It was a wonderful friendship and as we lost touch with Glen over the years, we could never seem to find where he ended up. He was such a delightful friend and one we will never forget. We loved his big heart ❤️ and joyful laugh. Our thoughts are with you all as you grieve your beautiful sweet husband, father, brother and uncle.
Joan and family: I send prayers and hugs your way from our family. The boys and I carry the fondest memories of spending time with your family.
Glen had an amazing & caring spirit. Take care – with love
Kathy & sons Tyler (Melissa ), Matthew, & Luke (Jennifer) Carson🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
I am very sorry to hear about Glen’s passing. I first met Glen after one of my hockey games for the Coquitlam Express in 2002. I was having an average year and was awestruck to meet not only a former pro player, but an NHL scout. Admittedly, he was very intimidating! In what I considered a mediocre season, riddled by injury, Glen saw something in my game that he liked. We stayed in touch after games throughout that year and he called me weeks ahead of the 2003 NHL Draft mentioning I was in a pool of players and he was hoping Colorado would select me. I thought there was no way….weeks later I got a call when I was at work that someone from Colorado called and they had selected me in the 9th round of the 2003 draft (288th overall). Soon after,
I met Glen and he gave me my jersey and hat from the draft. Prior to meeting Glen I had contemplated quitting hockey and pursuing something different as it seems it was a dead end. After meeting Glen and taking his advice on the ice I was able to secure a commitment to Dartmouth College where I went the following year to continue playing hockey and get an education. Three year later I played my first game in the NHL. I owe much of my success in hockey to Glen. His name comes up often when I tell of my hockey dream coming true. I will be forever in debt for someone in his position to stick his neck out for a nobody out of North Vancouver. My deepest condolences to his family. Rest easy Glen.
Dear Joan and family,
My deepest condolences to all of you in this huge loss, just heartbreaking.
I remember when Joan met Glen and how exciting it was, leading up to their marriage, (the wedding was beautiful), their children and life together. ❤️
Glen was a good man and loved you all so much.
Sending love and hugs ❤️❤️
Linda Kreutz
We were just thinking of Glen yesterday and then I found that he had passed away in January. We are so sorry for your loss. When I was real young in Maple Ridge, Glen always let me know when Hockey players were going to be at Little Ceasars so I could meet them and get their autographs. Glen will be in my thoughts and prayers.