SMU’s Phil Cochran remembered as mentor, celebrated outdoorsman

The sudden and unexpected loss of Dr. Phil Cochran, a biology professor, department chair and 1977 alumnus, left a tremendous void at Saint Marys University but his legacy lives on in his work and the memories he has left behind. Cochran, 59, died March 4 after a brief illness.

To those who knew him best, he was many things.

A rugged outdoorsman, Cochran could frequently be found catching fish on the Mississippi River, trapping bullsnakes in the Weaver area, or relocating rattlesnakes who innocently slithered into Winona-area backyards. But Cochran was no less the gentle and loving husband, father, and grandfather who relished having his young granddaughters sleep peacefully on his chest.

An avid and accomplished researcher, Cochran was never one to boast, despite being published hundreds of times on topics ranging from lampreys and rattlesnakes to wood turtles, mudpuppies, and parasitic catfish. He also co-authored a book about the fishes of Wisconsin, was active in numerous professional organizations, and regularly presented papers at conferences across the U.S. and Canada.

To those who played noon pick-up ball with him in the Saint Marys gym, he was a basketball enthusiast with a wicked hook shot who wasnt above a little good-natured trash talk, all delivered with a sly smile.

To his college buddies and fellow GOOF (Get Together of Old Friends) members he was Carrot, a treasured friend and occasional prankster, full of quick and witty one-liners camouflaged by an otherwise calm and quiet exterior.

Bob Bo Rettig 77 met Cochran in 1973 on the basketball courts. He and Carrot (nicknamed for the reddish tinge of his once uniquely fashioned Fu Manchu mustache) were roommates twice at Saint Marys and remained close for 42 years.

One night (in college) I awoke to thumping in a desk drawer, Rettig said. Cochrans response was, Oh, thats a box turtle for my Animal Collection and Preservation Class. I had a blue racer snake in there last night, but you couldnt hear him.

Between the animals and basketball clothes drying on the radiator, we did not have many visitors, Rettig joked.

To the students Cochran taught since he joined the Saint Marys Biology Department in 2000, he was an inspirational mentor, teacher, and researcher.

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SMU's Phil Cochran remembered as mentor, celebrated outdoorsman