Monday, December 5th, 2016
We as a family are very sorry to announce the passing of our beloved Grandfather Bob Cokayne. Gramps passed away surrounded by his beloved family early in the morning of December 5th after a long and amazing life. He leaves to mourn, his grandchildren; Jan Boley (Merle), Doug Bell (Donna), Tom Bell (Diane), great-grandchildren; Robert Boley, Lee Boley, Jessica Cuthbertson (Rich), Tracy Rauch (Blaine), great-grandchildren; Emma, Daisy, Selena, Kayley, niece Virginia Hoover as well as extended family; Dennis Garrood (Sue) and Carole Qureshi (Dr. Ehsan Qureshi).
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Jan and daughter Jean Bell.
Gramps lived a long and amazing life. Born and raised in England, the son of Brien Cokayne (“First Baron Cullen of Ashbourne” and Governor of the Bank of England). He was schooled at Eton and the Royal School of Mines in London. He served as a flying officer during the Second World War flying bombers in England, then being transferred to Canada to train bomber pilots. While stationed in Canada, he met and fell in love with Grandma and returned to England with her near the end of the war.
After the war he began a mining career in Manitoba that eventually took him to Ontario and then to Merritt, British Columbia as the manager at Craigmont Mines. He finished his mining career as the manager of a copper mine in Arizona.
Upon the death of his brother Charles “Second Lord Cullen of Ashbourne”, Grandpa assumed the title “Third Lord Cullen of Ashbourne”.
Gram and Gramps retired back to Merritt where they were active in the community for many years. Gramps continued to work as a volunteer for the Red Cross and Library well into his 90’s.
Gramps enjoyed his life to the end, spending many hours singing in the choir and playing in the band as well as spending time with his good friends Ed and Len.
Thank you to Dr. Ross, Linda and staff at the Florentine, Merritt Hospital and the Coq/Gillis House.
A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.
(Merritt, British Columbia)
