By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
LESLIE James Cochrane lived an extraordinary life in many ways.
Born in Bentleigh in 1894, Leslie was the son of David and Lucy Cochrane. The family moved to Caldermeade just after the turn of the century, where Leslie would take the train from Caldermeade to Jeetho state school every day. At the age of 21, he enlisted in the Australian Army. In 1916, he was deployed as part of the 46th Infantry Battalion and served in France before returning to Australia in February 1918.
Upon his return, Leslie married Ivy Wildes of Yannathan. He and Ivy lived on a soldier settlement in Kooweerup and had two children, Stewart and Irene.
His service to Australia didn’t finish at the end of the war. Mr Cochrane involved himself passionately and whole-heartedly in his local community throughout his life. He served on the Cranbourne Shire Council during the town’s formative post-war years, from 1930 to 1964. His service included four terms as shire president.
Mr Cochrane was then elected as the Member for Gippsland West in the Legislative assembly for 20 years, a position he retired from less than two years before his death. He was a member of the Country Party but universally respected within politics for his commitment to West Gippsland and his loyalty to its people. In 1971 he was recognised with an OBE.
A 1971 edition of the Gazette sang his praises in an extended obituary.
“What was it about this man, one may ask, which won him so many true friendships, that thousands have experienced in his passing a sense of deep personal loss?” it reads.
“Perhaps it was because Les Cochrane was one who could ‘walk with kings, yet keep the common touch.’ He loved people, loved helping people, was a true friend to everyone at all times.”
He died a local identity and a national legend in 1972 at the age of 77.
The week after Leslie Cochrane passed, tributes were made in parliament by Premier Sir Henry Bolte, Leader of the Country Party Mr Ross-Edwards, and Member for Gippsland West Mr Maclellan.
Sir Henry Bolte said of Cochrane: “He could well be classified as the most respected member of this parliament. He did everything in such a quiet and benign way that he captivated hearts and won the friendship of all.”
Leslie was survived by his wife, children Irene and Stewart and two grandchildren. His wife Ivy died in 1986, son Stewart died in 2000 and daughter Irene died in 2001.
Also among his many achievements was also a life membership of the RSL and a period served as the president of the Westernport Memorial Hospital Board.
The memory of Leslie Cochrane lives on in many ways, most notably Cochrane Park in Kooweerup, which was named after him.
