Family pays tribute to Vietnam veteran Peter Cochrane who died in Lara blaze

A Vietnam veteran who died in a Lara house fire has been remembered for his “infectious personality” and great sense of humour.

Peter Cochrane marched yearly in the Anzac DAy parade. He is pictured here with grandson Tristan, then 14. Picture: Mike Dugdale

The 74-year-old Vietnam veteran killed in a Lara fire was a “hero” who sacrificed his life as he tried to save the boys in his care, his family says.

Peter Cochrane and 11-year-old Elihjohn O’Donnell died when fire tore through the man’s Forest Rd North home in the early hours of Monday.

Elihjohn’s 10-year-old brother, Braxton, was the sole survivor of the devastating blaze.

Mr Cochrane’s daughter, Kathryn Rigby, described her father as “larger than life” and a “loveable larrikin” who was well-known and loved in his community.

It’s understood he was a family friend and grandfather figure to Elihjohn and Braxton.

Mr Cochrane was born and raised in Heathcote and served in the Vietnam War before raising his four children in Seaford and working for Telecom.

He moved to Lara in the late 1980s.

Ms Rigby said her father was a “one-eyed Geelong supporter” who watched his team’s devastating loss at the 1989 grand final.

The family gathered together at Mr Cochrane’s home to watch the Cats win the 2022 premiership, and Ms Rigby said these times were among her father’s “happiest moments”.

“He couldn’t wipe the grin off his face,” she said.

Ms Rigby and siblings Sean, Sarah and Gabrielle said in a joint statement that words “cannot begin to describe” their dad.

Peter Cochrane marched yearly in the Anzac Day parade. He is pictured here with grandson Tristan, then 14. Picture: Mike Dugdale

“Pete was a proud Vietnam veteran with a generous and genuine nature,” they said.

“He was described as a salt of the earth type who was deeply loved by his family and friends. “He would also do anything for them, they just needed to ask, sometimes without them asking.

“A father of four, grandfather to 10 and one of seven siblings, he was fiercely loyal and dedicated to his family.

“His greatest wish in life was to see that those closest to him were happy, settled and healthy.”

Mr Cochrane’s niece Stephanie Cochrane said every moment spent with her uncle was memorable.

She said he had a story to “talk your ear off with” each time he saw you.

“He was a kind and caring man who spent his life devoted to his children, grandchildren, family and friends,” Ms Cochrane said.

Peter Cochrane has been remembered for his stories. Pictured with son Anthony. Picture: Supplied

“Each moment spent with Peter was a wild and funny one.

“He was young at heart with an infectious personality who loved to show off his dance moves on every occasion he could.

“He made us all laugh until our bellies hurt.”

Ms Cochrane said her uncle’s loss was felt “widely across many communities”.

She said he will be remembered very fondly.

“We will remember him as the most funniest uncle with a life of accomplishment and as the most loving and protecting big brother to my dad,” she said.

“We will miss him dearly and love him forever.”

Mr Cochrane’s family said while the circumstances of the fire had not yet been fully determined, authorities indicated Mr Cochrane likely died trying to save the life of a child.

“To ensure the safety of a child would have superseded any thought or worry for his own wellbeing which makes him a hero in our eyes and we take comfort from that,” they said.

“We are being strongly supported by family, many friends and the veteran community which we are most grateful for.”

Authorities are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze, but have ruled out an electrical fault as the cause.

A funeral for Mr Cochrane is likely to be held in the new year.

Originally published as Family pays tribute to Vietnam veteran Peter Cochrane who died in Lara blaze