David Cochran


David Rea Cochran was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska from 1974 to 1981.

Biography

Cochran was born in Buffalo, New York, on April 9, 1915 to Clement Cochran and Agnes Haynes. In 1939 he graduated from the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, after obtaining his B.A. degree from Hamilton College, New York, in 1936. He has served parishes in Michigan, Massachusetts, and North Dakota, and during World War II served as a U.S. Army chaplain. From 1946–1952, Cochran was the Episcopal chaplain at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Bishop

On August 28, 1974, Bishop Cochran was consecrated by Presiding Bishop John Allin. Co-consecrators were William Gordon, former Bishop of Alaska and George T. Masuda, Bishop of North Dakota. Bishop Cochran had served as director of the Dakota Leadership Training program prior to his election to Alaska. A typical Alaskan welcome was given to Cochran following the consecration, and included native entertainment by the Arctic Coast Dancers and Singers and the Minto Dancers and Singers. Cochran retired in 1981 and settled in the Washington where he served as Vicar of Holy Family of Jesus Cambodian Church between 1984 and 1988 and as interim rector at St. Matthew's Church in Tacoma, Washington.

Death

Bishop Cochran died on October 30, 2001 during his sleep. He died 24 hours after submitting his memoirs for proofreading.

Personal life

Cochran married May Elizabeth Zabriskie and they have three children.