Obituary of Wade COCKS

August 7, 1955 – Edmonton, Alberta
December 2, 2020 – Cochrane, Alberta

Wade Martin Cocks 65, of Cochrane, Alberta, passed away on December 2, 2020. 

Wade was born in Edmonton, Alberta, to Ross and Marie Cocks on August 7, 1955. Growing up he played football and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and brother. He developed a passion for photography and turned into an avid traveler, visiting many countries in Europe and Africa. Through travel he gained an interest and knowledge in precious stones. He attended the Gemological Institute of America in Los Angeles, California and became a Graduate Gemologist in 1979.

Wade met his wife Deborah in 1981 while working as a gemologist. In 1983 they married and bought their first home. He returned to the Oil & Gas Industry as a Pipeliner and continued in that field. Over the last year he had been an avid volunteer in the Cochrane community, primarily supporting both the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank and The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area. 

Wade will forever be known for always lending a hand in the community, supporting his neighbors and friends and sneaking treats to all the dogs. He had a big heart and a soft spot for all the little people in his life. He loved the outdoors, exploring in the mountains by foot, and lakes by kayak. He was proud of his home gardens, which were always full of fresh veggies and particularly his exceptional tomatoes. 

Wade is survived by his loving wife Deborah, and fur-baby Sophie of Cochrane, AB. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his siblings, Wayne (Lianne) Cocks and family of Spruce Grove, AB; Lorna Roguski (Maurice) and family of Vancouver, BC; and Lorraine (Bryan) Hannah and family of Nanaimo, BC; as well as many other beloved family members in his extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Ross and Marie Cocks. 

A private family service will be held for immediate family.

If friends so desire in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to one of Wade’s favourite charities: the Cochrane Humane Society, 62 Griffin Industrial Pointe, Cochrane, AB, T4C 0A3, Telephone: (403) 932-2072, www.cochranehumane.ca,  Helping Hands, https://helpinghandscochrane.ca/, Cochrane Food Bank, https://www.cochraneactivettes.com/cochrane-food-bank/ or Cochrane Library https://www.cochranepubliclibrary.ca/. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Wade’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of  Wade Cocks, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.