Michael Big Mike Dennis Cochran

Michael Dennis Cochran was born to Athena & Howard Cochran on Wednesday, June 12, 1946 @ 7:54p.m. He was born @ Auburn General Hospital in Washington and never one to dally when a job needed to be done he arrived in just under 2 hours!

Michael was a student and football player for Kamiah High School in Idaho which he graduated from in 1965. Once he had diploma in hand he headed off to Kirkland, WA. Later he moved to California where he worked as a bouncer, rode bikes with the Hells Angels and started his career in construction. In May of 1973 he made a trip up from California to visit some old friends. These friends worked with Jan at American Building Maintenance in Seattle, Washington where sparks flew when they 1st met. After several attempts to invite her out and not one to take no for an answer he finally brought her a single rose at which time she then agreed to go on a date with him and the romance started.

Again, getting the job done in record time Michael and Jan were married a short 5 ½ months later on November 2, 1973 and he became an instant father to 2 year old Sean, which he quickly legally adopted. 11 months later he again became a father to Joshua Michael, who was born on October 22, 1974. Having 2 boys was great but to sweeten the deal he became a father once again on June 4, 1977 with his girl, Stefanie Lynn who quickly wrapped her little hand around his little finger and melted his heart.

As the kids grew up the house was always filled with their friends. Michael always had enough food ready to feed an army and a rule that if you didn’t leave by 10:00pm you were there for the night and couldn’t leave until the morning because those were “quiet hours”. Even after the kids all grew up and started families of their own he just couldn’t quite get the hang of not making large amounts of food!

Sean and Cathi were married in July of 1990, making Michael & Jan Grandpa & Grandma with the addition of the 1st granddaughter Catie. In January of 1991 the family grew with the birth of Anthony, the 1st grandson. Their family now includes Molly , Bradley, Kimmie & Warren.

Joshua met Shonda and they were married on August 14, 1999. On November 17, 2005 their family grew with the birth of Kaelyn. Stefanie welcomed the second granddaughter of Michael and Jan’s, Shaymarie on September 16, 1995. All totaled Michael and Jan are blessed with a total of 6 grandchildren.

The family has continued to grow with the next generation of 8 great-grandkids, including Brayden, Robert, Dannica, Lucas, Delaina and the newest addition, Conner. The last 3 were all born within a month of each other!

Michael loved the outdoors and spent many hours hunting and fishing. He encouraged the kids in their chosen sports and attending their games, trailering horses, camping, dirt bike riding and going for long drives to just see the sights. He loved to travel and took trips to many different states of Mexico, took a Disney cruise to the Bahamas and got to dive and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia as well as visiting a large number of states right here in the good ‘ole USA.

One of his favorite trips in the US was a trip he took with Jan and two of his granddaughters, Shaymarie and Molly to Yellowstone National Park. He was the best spotter of creatures and taught the girls how to do the same. Not once did they complain about the very early mornings (best to catch seeing the animals @ dawn ) and the late nights getting back to the condo after a long day of sightseeing.

Michael was a hard worker and took a great deal of pride in his work. “Early to Bed, Early to Rise” fits him to a T. He worked for Bill King @ King Construction where he and Jan met lifelong friends and enjoyed MANY good times with them and their families. He also took a shot at owing his own company, Straightline Construction and MC Construction. In 1985 he started his career in commercial renovations and new construction. He worked for SDL Construction on the Broderick Building, Boeing International Headquarter, Our Home Hotel and many other projects throughout his 3 years.

In 1988 he went to work for Bill Brier and continued to work for him for 21 years and retired on March 24, 2009. 7 months later Michael started “his retirement project” with the addition of Robert Riley to their family. The two of them became the best of buddies and Michael showed Robert how to enjoy the great outdoors by participating in Ann and Rhonda’s Tiny Trek program where they enjoyed many adventures!

Michael was a pretty straightforward, honest man who had no problem letting you know how he felt about things. When he had to fill out a “Values Statement” before his last knee replacement surgery in June of 2012, his answers really tell you what he was like!

Are you happy to be alive? Yes What makes you laugh? My 2 ½ year old great-grandson What makes you cry? Nothing What do you fear most? Nothing What upsets you? People acting like idots. What goals do you have for the future? Seeing my great-grandson grow up. What does death mean to you? If God wants me he can come get me! What will be important to you when you are dying? Family and comfort.

Michael didn’t have much on his bucket list. He crossed off going to Australia & Fiji when we traveled there in November of 2005 and this past October he and Shaymarie got to take his long awaited hot air balloon ride. The next item was to travel to Savannah, Georgia and meet Ms. Paula Deen and have a meal at her restaurant. He passed away on the day he was to meet her, November 11, 2013 surrounded by family and loved ones, just like he wanted.

Michael always had a knack for making friends, sharing stories, and I don’t think he ever met a person or animal, wild or tame, that didn’t like him. His smile, sense of humor, great cooking and that famous “scowl” will be greatly missed by all of his family and wonderful friends he made in his lifetime.