David T. Cochran
Another cowboy has crossed the divide.
David T. Cochran died peacefully at Touchmark Care Center on Oct. 17, 2014 after enduring a long battle with COPD. He was born at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena on June 23, 1933, the second son of Joseph E. Cochran and Selma H. Cochran. David was raised on the family ranch on Beaver Creek, Nelson Route, near York. He attended the Beaver Creek School, and he was among the last class to graduate there. He graduated from Helena High School, class of 1951, and attended MSU at Bozeman for a while before entering the Army. His primary duty station was in Greenland, where he served as a heavy equipment mechanic. After his service he returned to the family ranch and shortly moved to Helmville to establish their ranching operation on Nevada Creek. He was horseback almost before he could walk, and was amiable to any job as long as it could be done from the back of a horse. He raised and broke many horses and kept a quarter horse stud for many years.
David was very active in the Helmville Community, serving as a 4-H leader, and then turned out to be a 40 year position as a supervisor for the North Powell Conservation District. He was also a director of the Nevada Creek Water Users Association; a Deputy Brand Inspector for many, many years, and a director and treasurer for The Fledgling Blackfoot Challenge.
David was a member of the Helmville Community Fellowship Church and a 50 year member of Helena Lodge No. 3 A.F. & A.M.
David was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, JoAnne Hayes; and is survived by his Brother Charles Cochran of Helena, his Brother-in-law Donel G. “Skip” Hayes of Helmville and numerous nieces, a nephew, and various cousins.
At David’s request no services will be held. He has been cremated, and his cremains will be interred at Forestvale Cemetery in Helena alongside his father and mother. Anyone wishing to send memorials may direct them to Helmville Memorial Scholarship, Helmville, MT 59843 or to any memorial of the donor’s choice.
The Family would like to acknowledge and thank both the entire staff at Touchmark, including the memory care unit, and all of the staff of Hospice of St. Peters for the tender and loving care given to David during his confinement, and especially those who took the time to talk “horse” with him. He took great comfort from that on his journey.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Susan Brewer Andersen says
Just want to let you all know that all the Brewer children are sending their deepest sympathies. David was one of those we all remember kindly.
Reg and Kathy Brewer
Marilyn and Dave Miller
Susan and Bob Andersen
Linda Collier
George Brewer
Neil Midtlyng says
I was Dave’s ranch hand over the summers for many, many years through high school and college. So many fond memories of those times with Dave and Selma. One of my favorite is when we’d feed the cows with Dave’s team of Babe and Brownie. I was blessed to have opportunities like that. It’s hard saying goodbye to the last of the valley’s cowboys. Ride in peace Dave.
Neil
Sandy Stitt says
David and his mom, Selma were probably the first people to welcome us to the Helmville Valley in 1976 when we moved there with our two youngsters, Jennifer and John. They were so helpful and kind, sharing their knowledge of the valley’s history and its people. They invited us to church, let us know what the customs and habits of the community were and invited us to join whatever social activities were going on. Always ready with a cup of coffee and time for a friendly visit, I spent many hours getting to know the Cochrans. Skip and Joann were a wonderful addition to our little town when they moved to Helmville, too. It was so sad to lose Joann so soon, but we were fortunate that Skip stayed on to be a companion and help to David. We send our condolences to all the family and hope you all know how highly thought of David, Selma and Joann were. Jay and Sandy Stitt
Penny O'Neal Takala says
My grandparents Larry and May O’Neal were friends of Joe and Selma Cochran. When I was a child, I lived at Hauser Dam which Selma told me was “right over the mountain” from their ranch on Beaver Creek. So one day, a friend and I decided to hike over that mountain and visit. I always thought their place was so cool, with the creek running right by the house.
Anyway, we did find the ranch. Selma and JoAnn had gone to town, but Joe and David were there and we had lunch (Franco-American Spaghetti) and they let me ride Sage, the old white horse. I was really horse crazy. (still love them)
To get back home we hiked down Beaver Creek to the Missouri and back up the river to the dam. It was much easier than hiking up and back over the mountain, I’ll tell you. Anyway, I will always remember that day. Also, a few other times going to visit the Cochrans with my Grandpa and Grandma. Good memories for me.
Anyway, my sincere condolences to the family. I did not remember there being a brother named Charles, but know that I’m sorry for your loss.
Penny O’Neal Takala
Valier, Montana