Ronald Marvin Cockrell

Ronald Marvin Cockrell, 82, of Conrad, passed away on September 2, 2026 from Glioblastoma. Ron was born August 23, 1944 to Marvin and Lillian and raised in Galata. Ron graduated from Flathead County High School in Kalispell and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from Montana State University in electrical engineering. Ron was married to Cindy on August 5, 2001. They were married 25 years. He was previously married to Kathleen Anderson with whom he had two children. Ron worked as an electrical engineer for PG&E before serving as Master Electrical Engineer at Cascade Electric for forty years.

Ron enjoyed many hobbies. He loved golf, gardening, fishing, camping, cars and the need for speed, and sweets. Yes, sweets were one of his hobbies. He also had a collection of drones. When he lived in California he raised chinchillas. Later, when he moved to Conrad, he became a chicken tender. He also enjoyed traveling. He loved Costa Rica, the Mexican Riviera, his trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats and the cruise he took in Alaska. He enjoyed speeding up to Pike’s Peak and driving Highway 1. He and Cindy spent fifteen years as snow birds in Arizona. He enjoyed visiting with his family and grandchildren. He was very proud of them and all of their accomplishments. Ron was also very proud of his sobriety for 26 years, thank you to that family and friends for all their support. Ron had a keen sense of humor, and his sarcasm was unparalleled. It will be greatly missed. Ron was especially handy. With the exception of plumbing, there was not a thing around the house he couldn’t fix. Ron really disliked plumbing.

Ron is preceded in death by parents, Marvin and Lillian. Survivors include brother, Dennis (Jan) Cockrell; sisters, Vicky (Doug) Johns, Cheryl (Doug) Hatton and Debi (Rick) Gilsoul; wife, Cindy; children, Rodney (Tonya) Cockrell and Michelle (Daryl) Lavender; stepchildren, Eric (Mireia) Smith, Stacey Smith, and Ryan (Melissa) Smith; grandchildren, Megan, Ryan, and Kaitlyn; step grandchildren, Preston, Aina, Bridjer, Nayeli, Lila, Holter; and step-great grandchild Percy.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, October 17, from 11:30am to 3:30pm at the Mansfield Conventional Center. A luncheon will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Benefis Peace Hospice, your local food bank, or charity of your choice.