“Beanie” passed away peacefully at the North Bay General Hospital - Scollard Site on Saturday October 4th, 2008 at the age of 85 yrs. Beloved husband of 60 years to Lina (née Burton). Dear father of Brian of North Bay and Debbra of London. Also survived by a sister Flora Stuart and a brother Jack Cockburn both of Sudbury. He will be sadly missed by many kith and kin. Walter was with the 429 Squadron during WWII, returning to Sturgeon Falls to operate Cockburn Photography and Cockburn Fisheries. He also worked for Abitibi for many years before retiring with the Sturgeon Falls License Bureau. Walter was also well known for his many years serving on the area School Board and the Sturgeon Falls town council. He was especially proud of his involvement with the opening of the West Nipissing General Hospital. He was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 225 and also a member of the Sturgeon Falls Lodge A.F. and A.M. #447 and the North Bay Rorab Shrine Club. As per his wishes there will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held at a later date. The family is grateful to Dr. Trenker, Dr. Paul and all the staff at the North Bay General Hospital, Dr. Pritchard with the Regional Cancer Program in Sudbury, the support from the Community Care Access Centre, all the nurses from VON and Para Med, and the Metis Nation of Ontario. Donations in memory of Walter to the Canadian Cancer Society will be gratefully acknowledged by his family. Funeral arrangements entrusted to HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES (705 474 7655).
