Kurt Cochran
January 08, 2019
Gloucester - Kurt Cochran, 66, of Gloucester, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. He leaves his wife and best friend Bette Cochran with whom he shared 37 years of marriage. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward M. Cochran II and Eleanor S. Cochran. In his early years, Kurt lived in Wakefield, Massachusetts, before moving to St. Petersburg, Florida. He and his family spent every summer in Rockport. He was a 1975 graduate of the University of Florida, Gainesville, with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Advertising and Marketing. After graduation from the University of Florida, Kurt returned to Rockport where he resided and worked for several years. He met Bette while they both were working at the Rockaway House in Gloucester. They were married on September 26, 1981. Besides Bette, Kurt is survived by his brother, Edward M. (“Dee”) Cochran III and wife, Judy Cochran of Pinellas Park, Florida; his brother-in-law, Bradford W. Lawrence II and wife, Patty; his sister-in-law, Barbara Lewis and husband, Jim; and sister-in-law, Marcia Weidner and husband, Glenn, together with eight nieces and nephews who adored him and sometimes referred to him as “Uncle Buck.” Growing up in Rockport and Florida, Kurt was well known as a strong swimmer and surfer. He loved the ocean and boating whether with sail or motor. Together, they had many adventures at sea, some of which were of the “exciting” variety, and Kurt was fond of recounting the many “close calls”. Kurt worked as a lifeguard and bartender before working for Essex County Newspapers as advertising sales manager for 22 years. Later he worked as a boatyard worker at Brown’s Boatyard. Kurt loved animals and in particular dogs, very large dogs. After graduation from college, Kurt came north from Florida to Rockport with a hound dog, Calhoun, who lived with Bette and Kurt for many of the early years. Subsequently they took on English mastiff’s, Kodiak, Madigan and now Thor. They also had a Great Dane named Brody. Kurt was an expert skier. He and Bette were a regular presence at Sunday River where they skied for many years with friends from the Gloucester and Bethel areas. On Tuesday, January 8, 2019, Kurt was doing what he loved when he was stricken while skiing on a double black diamond trail at Sunday River. His friends and relatives, including the “Rhumb Line family” are devastated by the loss. When Kurt was in his thirties, he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma which required extensive surgery on his back. Approximately two years later the melanoma returned in his lymph nodes and required additional surgery as well as chemotherapy. He was part of a study utilizing an experimental protocol in which he was only one of two participants who survived. He was known for his happy disposition, willingness to lend a helping hand, his big smile, great love of the ocean and mountains, and, most of all, as a loving husband. He was often overheard saying: “enjoy every day to the fullest…this isn’t a dress rehearsal.” Funeral arrangements are private. Those wishing to remember Kurt are requested to send donations to World Wildlife Federation. Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester. Online condolences may be given at www.greelyfuneralhome.com.
Published on January 15, 2019
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22 posts
Jan 21, 2019
Bette,
I'm so sorry to hear of Kurt's passing -- thinking of you.
I'm so sorry to hear of Kurt's passing -- thinking of you.
Jan 18, 2019
Kurt....Joy and I remember you as always the great guy....I remember you as my friend and co-worker...and my brother Paul and Joe O remember you as the craziest skier of all time....god bless...Bette and kurt
Jan 18, 2019
Way too soon and way to young. It just seems like yesterday we were doing our summer trips to Thatcher Road hanging out with Dee while you sat in your lifeguard stand and always ending our day with some fried seafood. I always thought that Dee and Kurt reminded me of Dave and Ricky Nelson with Kurt being the teasing little brother Ricky the heartthrob ! Enjoyed your mom's annual sing along with that cool dog Calhoun. Great howling !! Kurt and Bette loved the ocean and snowy mountains. I remember one very windy September night after dinner an a few beverages at the Rhumb Line Kurt invited the men for a ride on the Annisquam River when we stopped a potential Stephen King moment by regaining ou...r senses and going back inside much to our wives delight. I will truly miss our fun in claiming to be the favorite Godson of our Aunt Bernie. I guess we will just keep it at a tie forever. One thing that will never fade away is that big booming Sheridan Smile. Miss you cuz !!!!!!Read more
Jan 18, 2019
Betty, sorry to learn of Curt's passing. I have fond memories of the good times we shared on Rocky Neck!
Jan 17, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Jan 17, 2019
Bette,
Both Cory and I are so sorry to hear about Kurt's passing. Words seem to fall short in how we all truly feel. It seems like yesterday that we were talking on the phone and laughing. I know I spoke with him recently, and as always, we had each other laughing. We always spoke about our past, and how we should all get together soon.
Now, all we have is our past.
But what a wonderful and happy past it was. I first met Kurt in 1983. And right out of the gate we were friends and creative partners. From our crazy times at GDT, to our Art Jewelers campaigns, to the times we did get together. We laughed a lot.
I'm sure your pain and loss feels overwhelming, but you should know, that in t...ime, things will get better. Not today. Not tomorrow. But someday in the near future, laughter will return.
We won't ever forget Kurt. I know I never will. If it's OK with you, I'd like to continue to send you my wacky Adlantic cards. I know how much he loved them.
We remain faithful as friends forever. I've attached a photo of you both at our wedding. 31 years ago.
With Love and Respect,
Ralph & CoryRead more
Both Cory and I are so sorry to hear about Kurt's passing. Words seem to fall short in how we all truly feel. It seems like yesterday that we were talking on the phone and laughing. I know I spoke with him recently, and as always, we had each other laughing. We always spoke about our past, and how we should all get together soon.
Now, all we have is our past.
But what a wonderful and happy past it was. I first met Kurt in 1983. And right out of the gate we were friends and creative partners. From our crazy times at GDT, to our Art Jewelers campaigns, to the times we did get together. We laughed a lot.
I'm sure your pain and loss feels overwhelming, but you should know, that in t...ime, things will get better. Not today. Not tomorrow. But someday in the near future, laughter will return.
We won't ever forget Kurt. I know I never will. If it's OK with you, I'd like to continue to send you my wacky Adlantic cards. I know how much he loved them.
We remain faithful as friends forever. I've attached a photo of you both at our wedding. 31 years ago.
With Love and Respect,
Ralph & CoryRead more
Jan 16, 2019
Bette our hearts are so heavy. We can't imagine the pain you are feeling right now. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. We have been reminiscing of all the happy, funny memories we have of Kurt and yourself. My favorite is skiing at Wildcat and my ski lock that was in the pocket of my ski jacket got caught on the chairlift and lifted me into the air as I was exiting the ramp. The chair was stopped for quite a bit while they lowered me down. I could hear Kurt yelling back to other skiiers "Yup we got a Hangar" as Deb,Jeff, Dana, Beth, Linda and Anne were laughing on the ground. It still makes me laugh to this day. I hope it brings tears of laughte...r to you to remember it today. Kurt always made everyone appreciate living in the moment and to remember "we are here for a good time...not a long time"
Love you, Pattie and SteveRead more
Love you, Pattie and SteveRead more
Jan 16, 2019
Bette,
We are so sorry to hear about Kurt. Remember all the good old days.Hoping that all your wounderful memories will help you during this time.
Peace
We are so sorry to hear about Kurt. Remember all the good old days.Hoping that all your wounderful memories will help you during this time.
Peace
Jan 16, 2019
My Dearest Bette, my heart is breaking for you. Kurt was a wonderful human being and this world was a better place with him in it. The love between you is strong, may it give you comfort. I hold you in my heart and in my prayers, love to you my friend.
Jan 16, 2019
Hi Bette. So sad. Know that me Deb and the kids are praying for you. It's not an easy time. I will always remember the days at Sunday river. Weather it was a boys weekend at Fred's or Kurt blowing out his accilies in the woods next to white heat or the day my kids skied Bobby into the ground doing laps on agony. So many memories. Deb and I miss you a lot. We dont get to Sunday river as much these days. Mater of fact, deb had her first ski day in 3 years this past Sunday. Hope to see you soon.
Love always,
Deb, Jeff, Aly & Jake
Love always,
Deb, Jeff, Aly & Jake
Jan 16, 2019
I am shocked and saddened beyond words. I have many fond memories of Kurt and Betty, Kodiak, Madigan and Thor, the Rockaway Hotel years, massif walks on the beach, and Kurt's curious and wonderful way of viewing life. He was real people, the salt of the earth, and will be sorely missed. I would like to express my most sincere sympathies and condolences to Bette, Thor and all of his family.
Jan 16, 2019
So many great great memories of Kurt. Our times with the two of you flood our hearts. You helped fill our winters in New England with joy and happiness and they were many great years. We wish we were there to hug you and let you know that we love you Bette.
Jan 15, 2019
So sorry Betty!
Jan 15, 2019
Bette:
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We have always enjoyed being in Kurt's and your company and will hold those memories close to our hearts.
Our deepest sympathies.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We have always enjoyed being in Kurt's and your company and will hold those memories close to our hearts.
Our deepest sympathies.
Jan 15, 2019
Some of the very best memories we have over the years are with all the fun we had with Kurt & Bette in North Conway (where we originally met them!), Gloucester, Utah, Taos and Sunday River. Kurt always kept us laughing with his great observations of the absurdities of life - he never took himself seriously and was always a Joy to spend time with: Whether skiing - Yikes could he ski! Hanging out on a boat in Gloucester Harbor, at the beach, at the Cochran estate on Ferry Hill - way too many memories to share here.....Always Good Times, Laughs, Kindness and Love.
Our hearts are breaking for Bette and we wish we were there to hug and kiss and cry together. We are dedicating many of our ...Purgatory runs to the memory of Kurt - most of which start with: remember the time.......Love, Love, Love you Bette!Read more
Our hearts are breaking for Bette and we wish we were there to hug and kiss and cry together. We are dedicating many of our ...Purgatory runs to the memory of Kurt - most of which start with: remember the time.......Love, Love, Love you Bette!Read more
Jan 15, 2019
Bette:
Claude and I have been thinking of you since we heard the news. So sorry for your loss. Peace be with Kurt. He was a kind and gentle soul. Take care. Sending you love and strength.
Claude and I have been thinking of you since we heard the news. So sorry for your loss. Peace be with Kurt. He was a kind and gentle soul. Take care. Sending you love and strength.
Jan 15, 2019
Bette - We send you our love and strength ❤️
You and Kurt inspired all of us with the way you have lived and loved to the fullest 💞
You and Kurt inspired all of us with the way you have lived and loved to the fullest 💞
Jan 15, 2019
So sorry Bette! You are in my thoughts and prayers. He will never leave your heart!
Jan 15, 2019
Words describe Bette, how sorry I am to hear of Kurt's passing. He was such a great guy and you two are one of the sweetest couples I know. Deepest Condolences.
Jan 15, 2019
It is so hard when you find you have lost such a great person that you were blessed to have known and be in the Company of many times.Kurt always with a smile that warmed my heart as the sun does on the snow,and a hug that made me feel as I had never left.when I would be so lucky to be in there company once again, on my ventures home. Which made me feel so welcomed as I had never left.,as well as his beautiful wife Bette,who also made me feel so welcomed and also had the pleasure of working with from time to time.I will always remember going down river or on backside and there they would be the two of them with there dog( not sure the name of) hanging on the bow,bigger than the boat itself,...the two of them with there smiles larger than life behind the wheel,with a wave as we would pass by ❤I know that they had gotten a puppy sometime ago as the dog on the bow I was referring to had gone to the rainbow bridge.The puppy also was not of small size and I am sure was not when he/she grew.They would always have there 4 legged family members with them you could always feel the love they had for there furbabies.I am not sure if I ever had the pleasure of being in there company on the winter festivities if so it would have been some time ago on a Rhumbline ski gathering.Bette all my love to you,stay strong and may your memories in time bring that beautiful smile of yours to your face. Kurt may you rest in peace and soar high in those mountains in the sky.till we meet again.❤Read more
Jan 15, 2019
Bette, when I heard the news, my first thought was a vision of Bobby waiting at the top of the lift for Kurt. Greeting him with a big smile, Bobby says, "Come on, buddy, we got this" ... and they ski off into the sunset. I love you so much, sweetie, and I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling. Sending biggest hugs from Costa Rica. If you ever need an escape, come on down.
Jan 15, 2019
So much in our thoughts... RIP Kurt..