MOUNT WILLIAM – Richard Frank “Ritchie” Cochrane, Sr., 80, passed away Friday, March 5, 2021 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late William Trelea and Alice Kathleen (Vance) Cochrane. As a young man, he worked at Merritt MacKay Motors where he developed a passion for cars. He moved on to the Mattress Shop where he learned the upholstery trade. Ritchie was a long-time, dedicated, and loyal employee, of the former Cameron and Fraser Limited, New Glasgow. He was widely respected for his expertise in the casket manufacturing industry. In retirement, he enjoyed his daily meetings with the A&W “Breakfast Club” prior to his move to Ivey’s Terrace. Richard loved the solace of going for long drives, he often reminisced driving the Trans-Canada Highway to the west coast and back. Richard passed his time attending auctions and driving the county on Saturday’s trolling yard sales. He was an avid TV Bingo player, loved old movies and appreciated English comedy. Richard never passed up an opportunity to have dessert and knew where to buy the best pie all over Nova Scotia. Richard was a loving father, grandfather, brother-in-law, and friend. Surviving are his sons, Richard Jr. (Eleanor Halliday), Mount William; Mike (Helen Francis), Pictou Landing; Tim (Pam Cassidy), Thorburn; daughter, Tracey (Elton) Hoxha, Langley, B.C.; grandchildren, Laura, Samantha, William, Brett, Darkat, Erik and Benson; brother, Bill Cochrane, Springville, Mo.; sisters-in-law, Kathleen MacDonald, New Glasgow; Ruth (Ross) Campbell, Scotsburn; nephews, Blaine MacDonald and Dr. Clayton (Dr. Priyanka) MacDonald. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Lois Marie (Johnston); sister-in-law, Marlene Cochrane; brother-in-law, Jeff MacDonald. Richard’s family would like to thank Dr. Henry and the Aberdeen Hospital ICU nurses who “gave him back to us” in 2016 after his fall, the nurses on the 4th and 5th floors for their kindness over his extended stay, and to the many VON nurses and CCA’s who provided home care over the years. They wish to thank the wonderful staff at Ivey’s Terrace for the amazing care he received, which gave him great joy. A private service will be held in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home Chapel, New Glasgow with Fred Jeffery, CSM (Ret’d) officiating. Donations may be made in Ritchie’s memory to Canadian Diabetes Association. (Please click the underlined to donate on line.) Livestream available, 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 10th. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Richard Frank Cochrane, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.