Much-loved Belfast shop owner remembered after death aged 81: ‘Service was his heart’

Mr Cochrane, who was 81, spent his working life in the upmarket Cochrane’s men’s clothing shop in High Street, Belfast, which was established by his father RL Cochrane, as well as a business in Ann Street dating from 1926.

In 1959 John sold the Ann Street premises, and opened the well-known Connswater shop, which helped the High Street outlet financially during the Troubles. John and his staff cleared up the aftermath of many explosions close to the High Street shop.

This shop had also been affected much earlier by the 1941 German blitz of Belfast. Mr Cochrane kept the premises open on the day after the bombing and had even sold some overcoats.

One of John Cochrane’s proud boasts was that his clientele included the musician-songwriter Phil Coulter, and Vernon Handley, the former Chief Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra, both noted for their natty dress sense. His wife Ruth recalls: “John loved talking to people, and many of his customers remained loyal to Cochrane’s for years.”

John had a deep Christian faith, and was a long-serving member of High Street Presbyterian Church in Holywood. His son Colin, speaking at his funeral, said: “Service was perhaps the heart of the shop, and the heart of Dad’s life as a whole.”

John Laird Cochrane, the son of Bertie and Winnie Cochrane, was born on February 11 1943, and educated at Cabin Hill and Campbell College. After school he entered the family business with his father.

John Cochrane served as the Scouting District Commissioner for Holywood and Treasurer for Scouting in Co Down, for which he was awarded a Silver Acorn in 1999, and a Bar 10 years later. He was also a talented artist, and latterly specialised in fine drawings of Irish lighthouses. He was also a member of Cockle Island Boat Club at Groomsport, and the Royal Ulster Yacht Club, and also a member of Helen’s Bay Golf Club.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, children Colin, Janet and Timothy, their spouses Joanna, Brent and Susie, grandchildren Emily, Sam, Jack, Jonah, Lily, Juliet and Ezra, sisters Helen and Frances, the wider family circle and his many friends.

News Catch Up: Friday 29th November