Orest was born in a log cabin in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta on March 14, 1926. The first child of Akim Cochkanoff and Barbara (Dournovo), refugees of the Russian Revolution; he was a deeply patriotic Canadian.
As a young man, Orest attended the University of British Columbia, graduating with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree in 1945, and joined the Canadian Officer Training Corps. Following V Day, Orest continued his education, receiving a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Toronto in 1952. In 1953, he accepted an Assistant Professor position in the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Nova Scotia Technical (later called Technical University of Nova Scotia, and recently Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University). While teaching he continued his studies and completed a Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University in 1963. He was among the small number of qualified Aerospace engineers of his generation, and was offered opportunity with the US Space program, but chose to return to Nova Scotia with his young family to continue an academic career, where he became Department Head of Mechanical Engineering and then Dean of Engineering in 1971. For over 50 years he shaped the hearts and minds of several generations of engineers in the classroom, including 38 graduate students. When hired, he was the youngest professor ever at TUNS, and was likely the oldest too as he enjoyed multiple retirement parties well into his 80s.
As an Administrator, he served on many Faculty, Senate and Board committees and was chairman of many. He is considered a key instigator in the movement to develop Engineering studies and merge Tech with Dalhousie. During his term as Dean he oversaw tremendous advancements and growth of the university.
Orest’s passion for Canada found expression in the military. He served in the RCAF reserve. Early in his career he was appointed to serve as a Scientific Officer for the Defence Research Board of Canada, and was responsible for the hydrodynamic and mechanical design of the 504 Variable Depth Sonar body for the Canadian Navy. He was a graduate of the National Defence College Senior officers’ course on strategic studies. He was appointed Honorary Colonel, 406 Squadron, Shearwater, was a Member of the VPI International Halifax Wing, lifetime member of the Royal United Services Institute and awarded the Canada Decoration. He found many opportunities to consult in national defence research and problem solving, aerospace engineering, and Arctic long range patrol.
He was awarded many distinctions. Some of these include: elected Fellow Engineering Institute of Canada, Professor Emeritus, Doctorate of Engineering, honoris causa, at both Dalhousie University and Carleton University, the F.H. Sexton Gold Medal Award for contribution to the Engineering Profession. In 2012 he was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Orest traveled the world extensively and held a special interest in aboriginal peoples and culture. He was a collector of many interests, especially books and militaria. He found time to paint and build model airplanes. He loved the west and the romance of the rugged roots he came from – a peaceful sunset and a star-lit night. Orest could not resist an opportunity to engage with life, and did so stalwartly. He is known for his over-arching directive: “Have Fun”, and he did so at every opportunity.
Orest was predeceased by his wife, Florence; his son, Gregory, and sister, Irene Nettles. He is survived by daughter, Tanya; sisters, Alexandra Jackson, Salmon Arm, British Columbia; Helen Fanslow, Montana, and Anna Gandossi, Vancouver, BC.; grandchildren, Hannah and Nicholas Cochkanoff, and daughter-in-law, Anne (nee Barteaux).
Orest’s family would like to thank the fabulous team of management, staff and residents at Melville Heights for welcoming us into their community. We had fun. A scholarship recognizing passionate engineering students has been created in his name. Donations can be made to the Dr. Orest Cochkanoff scholarship fund at Dalhousie University.
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