Wendell Cochrane

Wendell passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital with his wife and many of his friends and family at his side. He was born in Moscow, Idaho on June 30, 1951, to Marlyn and Virginia Cochrane. He was adored by his favorite sister Linda and later became the favorite brother to his favorite brother Kent. He graduated from Potlatch High School with the class of 1969.

Wendell married Bobbi McAllister on June 25, 1971. They started their life together in Idaho and spent several years living in Alaska where Wendell logged for Larrabee Logging alongside his dad and brother. The couple later moved to Hatter Creek, just down the gravel road from his childhood home where they made a warm and inviting home for the next 38 years. After a career of more than 40 years sawing, running line, and leaving sawdust on the laundry room floor, Wendell finally retired from Hansen Logging in October, 2016.

Wendell “Pete” was a tough son-of-a-gun and even after heart surgery, cancer, and multiple strokes, he continued logging, hunting, and living life with joy in his heart and an ornery twinkle in his eyes. He was the unwavering and often times bullheaded anchor of his family and throughout his life he demonstrated love, fairness and humility. Wendell may have been the first to crack an inappropriate joke at the wrong time but he was also the first to help to a friend, neighbor, or stranger. He offered a strong, dependable shoulder to lean on and a loving bear hug to any who needed it.

Wendell was happiest with his loving wife by his side, a chainsaw in his hand, or a grandson on his lap. Papa Pete loved a good game of cribbage and sharing early morning cookie breaks with his gang of grandsons he dubbed “Papa’s Men.” He was enjoying retirement, learning to sleep in past four o’clock in the morning and looking forward to many fishing trips up the river in his new jet boat.

Wendell will be greatly missed by many including his darling wife of almost 46 years, Bobbi; daughters Renise (Casey) Jones; Crissa (Steve) Fracz, Wendy (Nick) Krasselt; mother, Virginia Cochrane; sister Linda (Mick) Weinmann; brother Kent (Bonnie); 6 grandsons: Casey Jr., Nolan, Weston, Guy, Marshall, and Harper. He was proceeded in death by his father, Marlyn and son, Rodney Dale.

Memorial gifts are suggested to Potlatch Ambulance Fund, PO Box 63, Potlatch, ID 83855 or the Potlatch Scenic Six Park, PO Box 525, Potlatch, ID 83855.