George Cochrane, 80, passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at his home in Thousand Oaks after a lengthy illness, with family by his side.

George was born on Aug. 26, 1929 in Los Angeles to Alice and George Cochrane, Sr. They had three children, Agnes, Fred and George. George's father came to this country from Ireland and passed his Irish pride on to his children and grandchildren. March 17 always included corn beef and cabbage. George enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 during the Korean War and spent two years on Okinawa.

He arrived back in the U.S. on Sept. 17, 1953 and married his sweetheart, Tommie Simms, on Sept. 20, 1953 at The Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nev. The first year of their married life was spent in Great Falls, Mont. George was discharged in October, 1954, and they returned to California. George and Tommie moved to Thousand Oaks in 1959.

They raised three children, Brad, Rick and Kelly. George went on to become a deputy sheriff for the Ventura County Sheriff's Department from Jan. 8, 1962 until his retirement April 30, 1987. George was one of the original 10 deputies to serve Thousand Oaks when the city incorporated in 1964.

George's career as deputy sheriff was filled with acts of compassion and service. His history as an investigator with special focus on juvenile issues has been, and will continue to be, remembered and appreciated by the many young people he helped get their lives straightened out. George's devotion to young people was evidenced by his many years of volunteering in youth organizations including coaching his sons Little League team for many years.

George and Tommie renewed their wedding vows at Big Bear Lake on their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 2003 with their family present.

George is survived by his wife, Tommie, of 56 years; sons, Bradley Cochrane of Simi Valley and Rick Cochrane, wife Donna, of Thousand Oaks; daughter, Kelly Rinehart, husband Rick, of Littlerock, Calif.; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Cochrane, Sabrina and Ryan Rinehart; brother, Fred Cochrane, wife Laurel, many family and friends. George was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and George Cochrane, and sister, Agnes.

We would like to thank his doctors for many years of trying so hard to keep him well. Oakview Skilled Nursing when he had his Halo. Also, Buena Vista Hospice, with their care and compassion, his nurse, Teresa, and aide, Josie, who were able to keep him comfortable in his home. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate the life of George Cochrane at 11 a.m. on April 1 at the United Methodist Church of Westlake Village, 1049 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village, CA 91361. Burial will take place at the Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, Westlake Village. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, 101 E. Wilbur Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360; 230-2800. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Ventura County Sheriff Association, 981 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93003, to be used toward Ventura County youth groups would be greatly appreciated by his family.