Obituary of Bryan Arley Cocks

December 1, 1960 – Fort St. John, British Columbia

December 18, 2024 – Airdrie, Alberta

It is with great sadness that the family of Bryan Cocks announces the passing of this wonderful and amazing person on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the age of 64 years.

Bryan was born in Fort St. John, BC, on December 1, 1960. His family moved to Airdrie, AB, in 1964, where he attended elementary school. He was interested in all sports and played hockey and baseball. Bryan set a 3000-meter track record in Calgary, AB, for junior high, which stood for many years.

He and three of his close friends formed a fastball team called The King and His Court, and they enjoyed playing against his sister’s ball team. He and his sister were always in competition against each other but were each other’s biggest cheerleaders as well.

At age twelve, he was riding his bicycle with a friend when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. He experienced a massive head injury, as well as other injuries, and spent four years in the Alberta Children’s Hospital. During this time, he relearned basic functions such as breathing, speaking, moving, eating, and completing basic schooling, all while confined to a wheelchair.  

At sixteen, he was at home with his parents and attended a vocational facility, participating in different activities such as coupon sorting, being a bottle depot cashier, assembling oil and gas meter boxes, running his own tuck shop, banking, and other activities. Vecova changed the curriculum, and Bryan started other activities outside of the facility, such as art classes, bowling, exercise programs, music, and art, which was his passion.

At age eighteen, he moved to an assisted living facility (Calgary Society for Persons with Disabilities) and rode the Handi-Bus to all his programs. Bryan also began sharing his life-altering story in presentations to various groups, including schoolchildren. He worked to remind them of the need for road safety while demonstrating his positive attitude by living a fulfilled life with a disability.

He was home with his parents and family every weekend. Bryan loved watching his nephews play hockey. He loved being at the lake cabin, swimming, fishing, campfires, and especially trips to Hawaii, Mexico, and Punta Cana. He had a love for all sports and attended many football games with his sister and watched games on TV. Bryan was a fun-loving person and always made people laugh with his jokes, quips, and double-meaning words.

Bryan will be missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

He loved his Tim Hortons coffee, so when you have a cup, think of Bryan’s smiling face.

Bryan is survived by his parents, Arley and Myra; sister Camille and her husband Brian; his nephew Jeremy (Tanis) and their children, Dominic and Porter; his nephew Justin (Chrissy) and their children, Presley and Sadie; his aunt Sharon and her family, including friend Debbie, his uncle Garry and aunt Cheryl and their family, and many friends.

The immediate family will celebrate Bryan's life of achievements and memories.

The following were organizations where he spent very pleasant and fulfilling days. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Society for Persons with Disabilities (3410 Spruce Drive S.W. Calgary, AB, T3C 3A4) https://www.cspd.ca/ Telephone: (403) 246-4450. Or Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research (3304, 33rd Street NW Calgary, AB T2L 2A6) https://vecova.ca/ Telephone: (403) 284-1121.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bryan’s family here.

In living memory of Bryan Cocks, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.