Cochrane, Leslie William 99, resident of multiple fabulous places including Minneapolis MN, Richfield, MN, Minnetonka MN, New Smyrna Beach FL, and Garrison MN. He passed away peacefully on 12/30/2020 after a long and fruitful life. Leslie William Cochrane was born on 6/2/1921 to William Leslie Cochrane and Alma Arletta Loerch in Minneapolis MN. He was affectionately referred to as "Bud" for all those who knew and loved him. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Bud went on to study at Dunwoody Technical Institute and the Minnesota School of Business. In between his education, he served his country and worked to carve out a life that many would never imagine. Bud landed a career at Ford Motor Company. In the midst of this, Pearl Harbor was attacked and Bud immediately signed up. First with the Merchant Marines, and then signed up with the Navy as an Aviator. He was sent to Hawaii and was assigned a PBY gunner assignment. While flying, Bud played the trumpet (which he did well) and was invited to join the base band and was embraced. He also created a 'side' sandwich business. He was able to purchase a used Chrysler convertible (of all things a Ford man) with his earnings. After WWII he returned to Ford. He was tasked with being a test driver for cars fresh off the line, making sure the quality was in control. Overtime, he was promoted to manage stock and records in the office, creating a 'state of the art' system that made him a legend! Bud was very thankful to be retired longer than the 38 years he worked at Ford. On Feb 2, 1945, Bud and Yvonne Marie Cloutier married. They had 2 boys, William Leslie and Patrick Dean, as well as multiple dogs, notably Beans. They were married for nearly an astounding 76 years! After retiring in 1977, Bud and Yvonne split time between their lake home (Smith Lake) in Garrison, MN and their snowbird home in New Smyrna Beach, FL. They were the youngest couple to move into the Florida residence and eventually became the oldest when they chose to return to Minnesota. Bud enjoyed golfing, and he also couldn't resist a heated game of Aggravation over coffee and doughnuts. He also enjoyed playing Skip-Bo with Yvonne, and there was always a spirited conversation over who actually won. At the lake, Bud loved his John Deere mower, and was always willing to have a grandkid or a great grandchild on his lap while mowing his 'fairway'. Life was kind to Bud and he was usually surrounded by family and dear friends. He had a wonderful smile and always smelled fresh with a dash of after shave. He had an amazing life. Leslie William Cochrane is preceded in death by his parents William Leslie Cochrane and Alma Arletta Loerch and his sister LaFoy (Hill). He is survived by loving Yvonne Cochrane, sisters Marlene Lindgren (Gene) and Vonnie Norquist (Roger). Children, William Leslie (Susan, deceased), Patrick Dean (Rae Ann). 6 Grandchildren; Sarah (Hornig), Anne (Shane Fineran), William Barrett (Sherry), Patrick, Bryan and Bradley. 9 Great Grandchildren; Elaine and Cathryn Hornig, Grace and Carrick Fineran, Camilla, Barrett, and Creighton Cochrane, Cole Peterson, and Rylen Bannon. Interment date is tentatively set for Bud's 100th Birthday at Fort Snelling, MN. Wednesday June 2, 2021. With a celebration of life after. Cremation Society of Minnesota Edina Chapel 952-800-1008

Published on January 24, 2021