Obituary of Robert Cochran

A native Oregonian, Bob was born in Reedsport February 5, 1930 to Stanley and Gladys (House) Cochran. The family moved to Springfield in 1945 where he graduated from high school in 1949. While in school he excelled in Track and held a state record for many years in the high hurdles. After high school he joined the Air Force spending time in Texas and Florida with many a story to tell on his return. On December 4th 1955, Bob married Dixie Davis. Together, they had three children. They were married 30 years and later divorced. He married Catherine (Cass) Campbell February 15, 2002. Cars were always a central part of Bob’s life. At age 11, Bob bought (and sold) his first car. Specialty cars, hot rods and racing remained true passions of his. And this passion was passed along to all his children, who have fond memories (and many amusing stories) of being a part of the car business and their own racing adventures. In 1951, he opened a car dealership and stayed in the automobile business for the rest of his life. Bob Cochran Auto Sales in Glenwood was a fixture in the area for many years, especially for the “Hot Rodders” of the time. In 1971 he opened the first Suzuki motorcycle dealership in the area and was able to meet Mr. Suzuki himself during a trip to Japan. He served on numerous auto dealer association boards including the National Independent Auto Dealers Association national board and was voted the Oregon Auto Dealer of the Year in 1974. He also built a successful real estate investment company and was involved in developing numerous ventures. In 1972, Bob was one of the founders of Centennial Bank and served as the Chairman of the Board for many years. Along with his many professional accomplishments, Bob served as a part of numerous business and philanthropic organizations in the community. He was a charter member of the Springfield Elks Club, a Sister Theodore Marie Society member, on the Sacred Heart Hospital board, and a local Rotarian for 56 years among many volunteer efforts. He was also a faithful supporter of the University of Oregon Ducks and enjoyed attending many sporting events over the decades. In addition to his wife Cass, he is survived by a sister, Betty (Chet) Kean and a brother Bill (Shari), two sons; Greg (Tami) of Cottage Grove, Kelly (Susan) of Coburg, a daughter Kimberly (Mark) Harvey of Eugene, two step-sons; Timothy (Chris) Campbell and Patric (Holly) Campbell of Eugene and eight grandchildren; Molly (Brady) Hyde, Tiffany Harvey, Megan Cochran, Katey Harvey, Megan Campbell, Max Campbell, Lauryn Campbell and Miles Campbell. Bob considered his good friend Larry Cartwright as a part of the family. Larry was at Bob’s side throughout the difficult last year, telling countless stories and bringing much joy to Bob’s bedside. His generous spirit and unwavering presence was a tremendous support to Bob and the entire family. In addition, the family would like to extend its utmost thanks to Hospice for their guidance and support, especially Lisa, Tawnee, and Dora, who were special angels to Bob in his last few months. And it must be noted that the love and devotion of wife Cass made it possible for Bob to stay in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the things and people he loved--just the way he wanted it. A Celebration of Life to be 2:00 July 1st at the Eugene Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please support Sacred Heart Hospice or the Cochran Scholarship program of the Sacred Heart Wellness Center, making it possible for men and women to receive important post-surgical rehabilitative care when their insurance coverage runs out. Either donation can be made c/o; SHMC Foundation, PO Box 10905, Eugene, OR 97440. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook and read more about the Cochran Scholarship fund at musgroves.comSacred Heart Wellness Center - Donation Information