A Sacramento businessman and elected official of the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees passed away from complications from sinus cancer at the age of 74 on Feb. 14.
Terry Cochran, a fifth-term member, had previously served as both president and vice president of the LRCCD.
A trustee is a member of a group that manages the money of an organization and are responsible for setting policy for the district.
“American River College is saddened at the passing of Terry Cochran. Terry devoted almost two decades of generous service to the education of our communities. His loss will be deeply felt, but his legacy will live on far into the future,” said American River College interim President Pam Walker.
Cochran was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 1996.
“Terry always approached his service on the board with passion, prudence and commitment. He cared deeply about our students, and was a wonderful colleague to those with whom he served,” said Los Rios Chancellor Brian King in an email to members of the Los Rios community.
There are seven board members elected to four year terms by registered voters, the board will have an opportunity to appoint another member or wait until the next election.
“I worked with Terry for many years and had a profound respect for him,” said ARC communications and public information officer Scott Crow.
Cochran was a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, later earned a Juris Doctorate and was a retired member of the California Bar.
After spending several years in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot and in military intelligence, he started his career at Kaiser Steel and retired from Aerojet Corporation in Rancho Cordova as vice president of Human Resources.
Cochran was active in local chambers of commerce, college foundations and Rotary International.
He is remembered by his colleagues in the district and flags on the ARC campus were at half-staff to honor his passing.
“It’s a tremendous loss for the board. He was a gentleman in the best sense of the word,” said King.
