Richard Cochran, of Clark Lake, passed away Thursday, September 30th. Ruth Ann, his wife of 65 years, died December 8, 2020. Dick and Ruth Ann leave behind three children– Robyn (Max) Steffen, Ronald (Angie) Cochran, and Robert (Trena) Cochran, in addition to 10 grandchildren, 21 greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Their last name is known to many because of the company that bears it—Cochran Electric.
Both Dick and Ruth Ann were heavily involved in all things Clark Lake. Dick took a major role in the development of the Clark Lake Spirit Trail. Here is an excerpt from an article on this website about Dick’s Spirit Trail role: Dick took on the task of convincing property owners to let the Trail pass by, or through, their land. George had the foresight to invest in some large property maps. Given their 8-foot by 4-foot size, these extraordinary maps fascinated property owners who hadn’t seen their own parcel, or those around it, in this way. Dick said, “I knocked on doors and told people why I was there, and asked them would they like to see their property on this map.” Quite often he would be welcomed into their homes. The process demanded of Dick a strong sense of confidence that the Spirit Trail was right for Clark Lake. Calling on neighbors required many hours to persuade property owners of the Trail’s potential value to the community. Some “yeses” took repeated efforts, and some consents were never given. More about Dick’s Spirit Trail work, and the history of the Trail by clicking here.
Below, the Cochran Clark Lake “welcome.”
