Our families have shared, concerts, snow trips, kids parties, kids soccer teams, movies, dinner, and parties. Losing Ben is much like losing my quirky, adventure seeking big brother, who loved to drive a little too fast. He always had a joke to share, and a loud, infectious laugh that brightened up a room. 
We've been friends since I was 18, before Ben and Lindy built their home. I remember how over the moon he was to build his dream house so close to the ocean so that he could surf 24/7.
He was a big kid, adventure seeker, intellect, who brought everyone along with him. Ben, even taught my brother, and brother in law, how to surf, when he learned they couldn't. If he wasn't surfing, he was snowboarding, helping his kids, family, or keeping up the little pathway at the cove down to the beach, he was so proud of creating. Ben was Ben. He would jump up and down, around his living room, binoculars in hand, checking the surf, with that floppy, curly hair, jamming out to the oldies, like Love Shack, while Lindy got dinner ready. 
We had our kids close together. I'll never forget our first disagreement when I was pregnant with my second child. Ben told my husband and I, we shouldn't name it Luke, because he and Lindy already had a kid named Lucas. He felt we would just get the kids confused at get togethers. Two Luke's would be confusing. It wasn't until Lindy let him know that she got the idea for Lucas' name from me, that he finally put up the white flag and surrendered. 
He later became my doctor, and my kids doctor. Fortunately, I was able to chat with him a few days before we lost him. He was excited about being "nearly" retired, working just 2.5 days, opening more time up for surfing, snowboarding, travel, and family time. I teased him about becoming old on us. It was always obvious how in love he was with Lindy in all of our conversations. He shared he was looking forward to being a grandpa "eventually" when he learned I was going to become a grandma this August.  He was really excited for April's boyfriend and gave me a link to his nutrition site for me to "check him out".  When he pulled it up, I teased she was dating a mini Ben. He grinned ear to ear and pulled out more pics of April and her bow. He was so very proud of being a dad, always lighting up when he shared about what incredible people April, Travis, and Lucas are. 
There are so many good memories of Ben, over decades of time, a friendship my entire adult life, and one my family and I dearly cherish. Life will not be the same without Ben, but we are all so blessed to have such wonderful memories with him. He is greatly missed. 

Like so many others, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ben's passing. My deepest condolences to Lindy and all of your family. I want to share a memory that makes me smile. It was a Halloween of perhaps fifteen years ago. Ben came flitting into the hospital cafeteria in a full bumble bee costume. There was a little toddler sitting in a high chair wearing the exact same costume. The smiles all around as Ben made contact with the baby bumble bee were priceless! He will be missed.

Ben was a wonderful colleague and friend. Seth and I will miss him greatly. Years back, he tried to teach me how to surf by lending me a skateboard to improve my balance before I tried my luck on the water. The resulting mishaps were hilarious. When I go boogie-boarding this summer with my daughter, we'll dedicate our thrills and spills to Ben's memory. Seth, Luthien, and I convey our deepest sympathies to Ben's family and patients.

I remember my first time learning to surf, Ben showed me how to get up on the board to catch a wave, he was always the nicest person and an amazing dad to his kids!!!He will live in our memories forever, My thoughts and prayers to Lindy, April, Travis, Lucas, and all the people hurting over this loss.❤️

Ben was such a warm and giving Doctor, so empathetic in every aspect. Working with him was fun and interesting too, he "included" you in care conference, he knew his paitents and took their care very seriously, and he supported my efforts. He participated fully in work life, family life and life LIFE, always willing to help out. He was fun. But also a great doctor for my entire family, including my mom, she loved him too. I know how BIG his role at PSH is and how much he will be missed.
God's comfort ❤ peace for Lindy and the kids and his extended hospital family. Robynn Evans

I said today while I was at work to myself, wondering if I would see Dr. Cockcroft on Wednesday knowing I wouldn’t. Realizing that I had taken for granted every time he would come in Wednesday through Friday, the smile he brought to all of us the calming spirit that he had brought to all of us and it didn’t matter what kind of chaos we were in for the moment, him being in the clinic always brought US together. This is a new chapter in OUR lives, I know personally I am not ready for. My dear friend Mindy told us today, we together will now be the calming spirit for the clinic and each other, Mindy is a beautiful light among lights in this world and was Dr. Cockcroft’s MA for several years, so listen when I say Dr. Cockcroft’s spirit will live on in all of us! Thank you,  Lindy, April, Lucas and Travis for sharing your husband, father and friend with all of us! Lynn Katherine Rogers McGrady

I only got to meet Ben in the last few years. I am a friend of Ben's father Jim and his stepmother Susan. During Jim's last illness I saw first hand the care and support Ben and his brothers provided for Jim and Susan. They were an invaluable support to their father in a time of need and it is clear from other tributes that compassion and caring were major elements of Ben's personality. Our hearts go out to his wife and family for their loss.

Uncle Ben was incredibly supportive of me when I first moved to Portland, all on my own. I didn't have any friends but it was always comforting knowing that I had family only an hour away at the Coast. He and Lindy even provided me with a car to use to get myself around places. Thanksgivings and visits to the coast were always an amazing time and I would leave thinking to myself "gosh I really need to visit my family more, they are such incredible people". They always had open, welcoming arms and I could bring friends over as well. Every person that I have brought with me to Seaside for visits felt the warmth and love that Ben and Lindy share with the world. He is going to be missed by so many.
Ben was also the one to call me when Grandpa Jim took his last breaths, he gave me the opportunity to say my goodbyes and I will forever be so grateful for that. We spread Gramps' ashes at Friend's Lake together, with my parents and Susan. I was sobbing, and I'll never forget the comforting hug that he gave me as we grieved together over Gramps. It rained immediately afterward, and he told me that James was crying too. We then canoed to the bird sanctuary and went fishing, where we all felt a little better. I imagine Uncle Ben, Gramps, and Uncle George off in the afterlife (whatever that is) catching huge salmon and cracking jokes. They all had the most thunderous laughs. Uncle Ben makes me want to be better, spread more love, and help more people. His adventurous energy was contagious and the way he was able to check in on everyone in his life is very impressive, and inspiring to want to do the same.
I'm going to miss his texts telling me to watch Supernatural in Spanish and what episodes have the best dialogue to study up on.

Ben was one of my all time best friends and favorite people over the last 25 years as my personal doctor, one as an RN I had a professional relationship with and can attest to his being a great doctor with an unsurpassed humorous and affable yet adept bedside manner and an acutely motivated medical scholar who always kept keenly attenuated to cutting edge research and treatments. He was also just a great guy to hang out with. Ben used to round at the nursing homes in Astoria and come surf with me at the South Jetty since I seldom surf Seaside (another story) and hang out with me in Astoria or Hammond where I lived if he wasn’t too busy plus numerous surf trips, Panama, Mexico, Hawaii, Westport, Crescent City and locally. 
I’ve had some serious medical problems requiring referrals to specialists and out of town surgeons but Ben didn’t just turf it out to them, always stayed integrally involved day to day as an active clinician in my decisions and care, even up to a couple of weeks ago though I’m a Kaiser member now through work and he’s no longer even my actual doc. He was much more than just a distant medical advocate.
I owe him so much and am just devastated that he’s gone. Praying for Lindy, April, Travis and Lucas and pray tranquility somehow can find them even in their present fragility.
Ben loved them so devotedly and profoundly he wouldn’t want them in pain but knowing how beloved he was and his family is in the community he would also be gratified at the love and support being showered upon them now and in the future. Heaven help them find calm and that Ben can quickly find the lineup there in Paradise where even there I suppose he’ll have that to sort out. He’ll get it absolutely wired there too, just as he did here.
❤️

I did not know Ben Cockcroft, but have known his name since I moved to Seaside in the early 90's. You will be missed by our whole community. Blessings to Lindy and family.

Doctor Ben is what what his father would call him on our fishing trips over the years. I had the opportunity to get to know Ben through our daughters school and sports events years ago. Ben and I were very passionate spectators when it came to our daughters sports. I recall a soccer game against an undefeated team where another one of our friends had to tell us to keep it down. Our daughters were victorious that day, we were so proud of them. Seems like yesterday. I also recall a crisp September morning on the Columbia river with Ben and his father Jim.  We were between the Astoria bridge and buoy 29, the sunrise was spectacular. I recall my pole going down and quickly grabbed it and handed it to Jim. After a few minutes Jim managed to get the fish to the boat where I knocked it off with the net. Jim was not happy! For the rest of the day I would not touch the net. It was up to Doctor Ben or Jim net the salmon. By the end of the trip Ben was pretty good with the net as we all had our fish. I feel blessed to have this memory and many more with Ben and his family. Doctor Ben you will be forever loved and remembered.

For my own sake and my own tears, I write this.
In Chinese horoscopes, year of the Dog he was... just like me and both of our sons, Travis and Taylor.  1958 is specifically Earth Dog. He did LOVE the snow, surf and all of the Earth it seemed, you know that more than anyone. 
I liked how he liked taking the kids to the snow on Hwy 26. Teaching your kids the love for surfing will be one of the many everlasting legacies he left for them.

Lindy, he saved my life did you know that? Along with many, many more I’m sure.
I know not how to help yet, but when I think about all of you I send a huge pink bubble that represents gratefulness and love for having been a part of you and your family’s life

You and Ben have contributed so positively to our community.

P.S.... remember all of those funny Bitmoji’s Ben was sending you that day we saved the forest from fire? That was a good day! Love you Lindy!

My condolencies to April and all the family for Ben´s departure. I have the pleasure to meet Ben in person in Lima in Oct 2019 when he came with Brian to surf peruvian waves specially Chicama one of the longest left waves in the world. We managed to take them to some of our local spots near Lima and enjoy some nice local food. Joaquin my son stayed in Corvallis for a couple of years and enjoy the Cockcroft hospitality at their home at Seaside. Ben left with me a nice and good longboard which he brought to Peru and was a very kind and friendly gesture. I told him I will keep it with me for your next visit. We used to talk in spanish and he was very updated on the situation in Peru. Descansa en paz querido Ben. 

Poseidon knew him by name, this Herculean mover of rock and sand, cutting a path for others to enjoy. His big smile cast a bright light, and through his sideways glance I saw someone who could be shy but never timid. Follower of rules and taker of risks, he put his family at the helm and lived democratically among them. These are the glimpses I had of him, a friend and mentor to my husband. He served our community his entire career, his departure leaving a large vacancy in the lives and institution he served. I'm certainly no consultant to the decider of fate, but this one for sure feels much too soon. Too soon to the Gate, there's no debate, but what can we do sides accept it? Once we can convince ourselves to believe it. Carpe Diem if you have one - there is absolutely no doubt that Ben always did exactly that.

"Before You Go"

Please say Hello
Before you go
So I can say Goodbye

Because if you don't
How will I know
If it's okay to cry?

You certainly were not finished
with your life and a family you adored
and it breaks my heart to pieces
that you just didn't get more.

It won't ever be the same
without you day to day
there are hundreds who respect you
and love you just the same

A wife as kind as anyone
that I have ever met
and kids who are bright like sunshine
and only wanted for you the best

Our Team you led
with humility and smarts
The Anchor in our Providence Ship
we hold you in our hearts.

There are many of us that feel broken
and can't stop weeping for your loss
and there are many of us
that are stuck standing still
and don't know how to let you cross

so please just say Hello
from where ever that you are
it can even be just a sign
that lets us see your Star.

You have meant so much to us
Awesome in your unique way
so please maybe next time
if you could just say Hello
before you go
Then maybe I could say Goodye.


Love you so much Dr. Cockcroft
Cheryl

Ben has been one of my closest friends since the first days of medical school, 39 years ago. - I remember him bounding up to me with his beloved dog Butch stoked to find another surfer in the class. I remember our weekend runs to Mexico - ditching class to surf and our numerous ski and surf trips over the years. I remember him telling me about meeting and falling in love with Lindy and remember being in his wedding. I remember his sense of humor. I have never met a kinder man. I spoke to Ben the afternoon before he passed and remember him sending love to me and my family. I miss him so much.

Uncel Ben was a kid at heart! Always seeking adventure and kept you at the edge of your seat. If he wasn’t dropping in on waves or craving snow, he’d be playing football with littles in his backyard. I’m so blessed that my family was apart of his family in our time together. We shall never forget his warm no sugar blackberry pie, gopher hunting strategies, and tree cutting skills. We love you Uncel Ben ♥️ Thank you for all the wonderful memories.

You have been my primary doctor for over 20 years. Always a caring person and helped so many lives and you will be truly missed. Our heart goes out to your family and the loss our community shares. You are a true angel and now have your wings. RIP

I shared an office with Ben my first year in practice at PMG in Seaside. He made my first year interesting, rewarding and fun. My fondest memories were of him sitting like a little school boy at his desk eating his lovingly-prepared lunch every day by his dear wife, Lindy. He always struck me as a peter pan, never growing old, never growing up. Mischeivious grin on his face, always light-hearted with an easy laugh.

He made my first year of practice comfortable. He was always kind and helped me feel competent and capable. I loved working with him and will always appreciate the easy-going, fun, professional relationship we developed. You will be dearly missed.

I have known Dr. Ben Cockcroft since he started working at Seaside Hospital in the nineties. He was, in my eyes, a new doc from California who came to Seaside to practice medicine and surf. I thought to myself, great, another surfer who wants to ride my waves! (surfers can be somewhat territorial, as we know) It turned out not to be the case. He was the nicest guy you would ever want to know. Over the years of working with him, he was always professional and caring. No matter how difficult it might be to care for his patients, he was almost always smiling and hopeful. He will be sadly missed by the community he cared for and the people he worked with. My heartfelt condolences go out to Lindy and his children.
I no longer surf, but visit the Cove often. Whenever I am there, I will be thinking of him as he rides that perfect wave we all look for in life.



 

Ben was my doctor for many years. He was was always competent, caring, and very personable. I credit him with saving and lengthening my life. Losing him is a big loss to the community. To Linde, April and the boys my heartfelt condolences.

REMEMBERING BEN

The last time I rode with Ben was in the 2019 July 4th CANNON BEACH parade . Ben was riding my gentle 14 year old mare called Cricket. A friend, EVANDRO, was riding my big gelding called The Senator. At the end of the parade we tied up to have lunch on the patio of the Wayfarer restaurant. When lunch was finished we got out on the beach riding north. I signaled to the two of them to ride ahead and I would catch up. To my surprise, like two teenagers, they took off flying down the beach at full gallop. Their legs were flapping on the sides of the horses the way a barrel racer run a horse. When I finally caught up to them I scolded them for running my horses that hard. I explained that my horses hadn't been worked that much recently to be prepared for such a hard run. I remember being anxious regarding the possibility of either horse coming up lame. As it turned out everything was fine. BEN was a very fearless rider. Probably the way he approached surfing and skiing.

Another Ben story comes to mind. We were riding north on Cannon Beach and we decided to race. I always felt my Palomino colored gelding, Sensational, was the fastest horse in my barn. As I took the lead I never expected to see BEN on my smaller black mare, Cricket, come sailing past me at a hard gallop. He broke my heart.

The silliest time I ever saw BEN on a horse was the day he, his daughter, April and I road to Indian Beach. As usual the mounties tended to ignore our horses invasion of the park that day. When we tied up to watch the surfers BEN decided to ride my big gelding, The Senator (aka BIG), backwards in the saddle down the parking lot. He gave us all a good reason to laugh.

BOB WAYNE 2/19/21

Memories will make it so you are always with us. Thank you for what you gave us.

So sad to hear the news of Dr. Cockroft my deepest sympathies go out to Dr. Cockroft's family and coworkers at Providence Hospital. 
Dr Cockroft was my personal physician, I really enjoyed my visits with him. He was a valuable member of our community he will be sadly missed.

I don’t even know where to begin. My mom called me while I was working today and gave me the sad news. I had to pull the car over.... I am sad, shocked, devastated, and I want this to be a bad dream. Please wake me up!
I met Ben in January of 2011. I had been plagued with drug addiction and was in a very bad place in my life. Ben was warm, welcoming, and he didn’t judge me. He saw something in me that I certainly hadn’t. I had tried several times in the past to get sober and it always ended in relapse. I even went to an impatient treatment program.... still relapsed. From the moment I met Ben and started his suboxone program.... I thrived. Ben was always kind, warm, and supportive. If he needed to be stern he would. He was strict but fair. I couldn’t believe it.... I never looked back and last month on January 12th I celebrated 10 years clean and sober. None of it would have been possible without Dr. Cockcroft. He pushed me to be better. He motivated me to want to be better. I remember he got a little emotional when I celebrated 1 year sober. He was so proud of me. Today, I am proud of the man I have become. I have a great job, I take care of my mom who is also a patient of Bens, and I am a contributing member of our community. I owe it all to Dr. Benjamin Cockcroft and I will never forget him. My heart, thoughts, prayers, and love go out to his wife and kids. Your husband/dad was truly a human angel who saved my life and I am honored to have known him.
Damon Thor Skogseth

PS: I had to mention this...about 6 years ago I had a terrible hand injury and had to have 2 surgeries on it. The pharmacy had screwed up my prescription and I called Bens office. I had to leave a message but within 20 minutes he was at my work with prescription in hand. It was a Friday and he worried I wouldn’t have my medicine over the weekend. That is the kind of guy he was. I will miss him.

Ben always visited me when he came to Nevada and we had lunch together.
In California, we always met in a Museum that had a place for children.
There we sat and chat a storm while April play in the toy kitchen and serve us sumptuous dishes. I'm left with this beautiful memory of him, his kindness and his smile that I loved. He was a supportive and wonderful friend and a great father to his kids. It is a terrible shock. It will take me more than awhile to recover.He is in my mind, my heart, and my prayers, together with Lindy and the boys. April, you have a special place in my heart. Lindy, dear, my condolences to you all!!! Suni Paz

Words can not express the heart ache that Brian and I have for the loss of our friend Ben. The Cockcroft family have been in our lives for over 20 years. We were brought together initially through our kids, but the Love of Surfing and Snowboarding brought us all together as one big family. Ben was our icon....his passion and love for surfing kept us in awe. Between us there are so many memories of surf contests, snowboarding trips and the endless pursuit of good waves and epic snow conditions. Ben was always on it! As Ben and Brian grew older (Ben had 10 years on Bri, but you never would have known it) Ben would continuously tell Brian to “use it or loose it” every time he was too tired to surf!! If Ben was sick or tired Brian would tell Ben to take care of himself...Ben would just reply...you know me Brian I never take it easy!!!
We are going to miss Bens passion, enthusiasm, kindness, generosity and his laid back easiness of life in ways we can not begin to comprehend. We get comfort in knowing that all his qualities live on in Lindy, April, Travis and Lucas and that they will forever be part of our family.

I've known Ben since joining the Providence Group in Aug of '19----Just a few months before we all changed the way we practice medicine due to Covid. Ben and I shared an office, so we initially got to visit a bit. With Covid, Ben arranged his schedule to usually not be in the office when I was there so that we wouldn't contaminate each other's air. I appreciated that. 
Practicing with Ben, I got to know his style, and grew to really respect his way of practice. When he decided to go half time, I took on several of his patients. With these patients, my respect for Ben grew. He practiced at a level one rarely sees outside of an academic setting. Diagnosing and managing complicated and rare conditions seemed to be no problem for Ben, just taken in stride. He was a gem. I don't think that the practice really realized the quality of physician they had in Dr Cockcroft because he was a pretty humble guy. Sharing patients with Ben, I do know his quality, and I regret not having had the opportunity to let him know how much I respected his talents and abilities.
We always think there will be time to thank a colleague, to recognize him, to let him know how he is valued---and then there is no more time. I hope his family will know from me that he was an exceptional physician. He had rare skills and insights. His patients will really miss him. I will miss him.

I knew you before you were Dr. Ben. First year college political discussions late into the nite. Always asking if I wanted to come surfing with you, that you had a board for me and well, maybe a wetsuit. Butch running along side your VW Bug that second year on Opal Cliffs, giving that half timber wolf some exercise, while you checked the local surf spots from The Hook to Pleasure Pt. Music blasting, that restrained chuckle from you always, surfer or serious student, the guy who recorded the periodic table into cassette tapes and played them on headphones as he fell asleep. Driven to greatness and what a life you lived. Loved by all who knew you, helping so many people, and embracing life to the fullest. I'm so glad to have called you a friend if even only forged over those several college years that created a bond for life. It didn't matter how many years went by, when I saw you and spoke with you it was always the same Ben, but all that you achieved, and all the lives you touched made you so much more. I'm so sorry for your family, Lindy and the kids, your brothers and family. Your light burned bright, my friend. May it inspire us all to make the most of our time, to make a difference in our lives. Live fully. Like my friend, Ben.

I met Dr. Cockcroft in 2017 when my Worker's Compensation claim was still open.  Having him there as my doctor during a tough time in my life helped me to not feel like a "number in the system" anymore.  He was one of the sweetest doctors I've ever met and I will remember the times I told him about my hobby in gardening.

Dr Ben has been my physician since my wife and I moved to Seaside over 7 years ago. I was supposed to see him today Thursday and got a call this morning that my appointment was going to be postponed or canceled at that time they did not give me the reason why. This is such sad news and I pray for not only his wife and family but all the other people that knew Dr Ben. Dr Ben, you will be missed.

I began working with Ben in September 1994, and spent the next 12 years working directly with him. I saw how caring and compassionate he was with ALL of his patients, it didn’t matter their financial or insurance status, he treated them all equally. He was a model for the Providence Mission.  He did everything within his power to keep his patients as healthy as he possibly could. Most all of my family called him their Doctor, because I knew they were in caring and capable hands. He diagnosed my mom with lung cancer, at an early enough stage that she was cured, and lived many more years. I knew he touched many lives, and reading through his memorial page just confirms what a tragic loss this is to so many.
Lindy, April, Travis, and Lucas, I am so sorry for the hurt you are experiencing. I hope you are able to find some comfort in reading through the remembrances, and knowing the impact Ben had on so many. There are people living today because of his perseverance and dedication to caring for them.
And to my co-caregivers, and members of Team A, we will never be the same, but we have some great memories of the antics of Dr. Cockcroft. He will be missed and there will never be anyone who can fill his shoes. Fist bumps and hugs to all.

I am just shocked that Ben is gone. Last saw him in August when I went in for my annual check up. He was my doctor for at least 30 years maybe longer. Ben was one of the nicest, friendliest, honest, and most caring people I have ever met. He and I caught a lot of waves over the years in Seaside and he took me to Mexico for a week and we camped out with his fellow doctors. He was just in all around great person and humanitarian.

I've gotten the privilege of working with Dr Cockcroft for the past 10 years. 10 years of learning from him, 10 years of his kindness. 10 years of memories and learning experience that I get to keep. He was a brilliant and amazing provider for our patients. He will forever be missed, but not forgotten. Definitely taken way too soon from us. My heart breaks for lindy and the kids, but you guys have memories that you get to keep too. He has left a hole in our hearts,
but our memories will keep us going.
Love you guys.

Dr Cockcroft was our family practice doctor who treated my husband and son and I. We are so heartbroken that he passed away. What a huge loss for the community. We will miss him so much. He was a good doctor and a really great person. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

I have been a patient of Dr. Cockroft’s for 6 years. I have to give him thanks for giving my family and my life back. He truly cared about his patient’s, he truly had compassion for each one of us.. He made the world a better place... I was blessed to have him as my doctor.

Last time I saw Ben, we hadn't seen one another for a while, we were both working out at Sunset Pool, we had goggles and head caps on, but he still recognized me. We worked together for years at Providence, me doing my admin thing and him with his busy practice and the occasional stint in Medical Staff Affairs. Misdirected emails found their way to one others mail box when folks picked his name rather than mine on the giant email roster. Always patient centered, happy go lucky and a great person. My thoughts are with LIndy, and the rest of the family, so very sorry for this devastating loss for your family.

Through many people who I have met at the beach and as it happens, many become my friend. Ben was one of those people at the beach who became my friend. I have always had respect for his surfing and as a human being.
My deepest sympathy for his family.

Dr. Ben Cockcroft was my primary physician for over a decade. He was the kindest most empathetic doctor I have met. He is the standard that I compare all doctors to. I haven't met one as good. He was a wonderful man and I am deeply saddened and pained to hear of his tragic loss. He is an irreplaceable asset to the community and will be fondly remembered and forever an example of what a doctor should be. My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family and his coworkers at the hospital.

So sorry to hear of Ben's passing. I was the new doc after Ben had been at the clinic a while. He was always helpful and supportive as I got my bearings. He was so loved by his patients and staff, it is a great loss for the community that he dedicated his life to serving. My condolences to Lindy and the family.

I am from Seaside where Dr. Cockcroft spent caring for many and raising his family! I am now at UC Irvine School of Medicine where he trained many years ago. On behalf of the Anteater family I offer my condolences to family and friends of the Cockcrofts!

My deepest sympathies go to Ben’s family; Lindy, April, Travis, and Lucas. I am crushed by the loss of Ben. He was my surfing buddy and he brought so much joy with his stoke and kindness. He got me into contest surfing for old men and we used to duel for results—good natured, but he was very serious about doing his best in competition. His humility showed when he seemed to not recognize how good his surfing really was. His stoke came through when he would text me to discuss when the waves would be good, even if the surf would be sub-par. Along with Travis, we would often be the only ones out at our favorite spot. The Seaside surfing community has suffered a tremendous loss, but will always remember Ben’s smile, easy going nature, and enthusiasm.

Dr. Cockcroft,

How do we say goodbye, we can not, Dr. Cockcroft you affected EVERYONE of us in way, that made us want to be better human beings. YOU have left behind a legacy, which starts with a beautiful wife and beautiful children and through them YOU will live on forever.

The next part I wrote for Dr. Cockcroft on his 30 Anniversary with the hospital, little did we all know then the short amount of time OUR MENTOR, OUR FRIEND, THEIR FATHER, and Lindy’s beautiful husband that SHE chose for HER life would be gone to soon.

Let us remember he WILL BE WITH US ALL ALWAYS, riding the surf, caring for us, exploring the world and most of all LEAVING THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE!

​How do we begin, some of us have only known you a short while, and some of us have known you for all of the 30 years that you have been with US at this HOSPITAL. You have interacted with OUR community, which intern has made you FAMILY.
​Everywhere YOU go out and about you have affected everyone that you have come across. You leave an everlasting memory with all of us.
​So we will come together to honor you and THANK YOU for your service, to your patients, to your fellow caregivers, to collogues, to your friends, to your family most of all, to people that have come in and out of your life that you do not even know the lives that you have touched that you have made a difference in. So again thank you, WE owe a debt and gratitude.
​WE have this to say to you:

As we begin this Day and all days let us remember the example of Dr. Ben Cockcroft and the service he has given of the last 30 years and continues to do today, tomorrow and the next chapter of the book. We all need to remember we have been granted another day of life and love, to spend with each other. It seems we go through each and every day waiting for the next day to be here. We forget to enjoy the day we have been given. So I say as we go through this day and tomorrow with OUR chapters in OUR books with family, friends, with everyone and ourselves,remember you are all so very blessed, cherished and loved. Remember how special YOU really are. We as humans are not mistakes. We have been added to this beautiful world to make a difference. So make difference, start with yourself and like a ripple in lake you will see the difference in the world. You have given this life, youre chapter in this part of the story, so write it. May love in your life always be with you. Follow your dreams, ride the surf, travel the countries, walk the dog, explore the mountains, write the book, care for the poor and vulnerable, care for each other, remember today is all you have, tomorrow is not promised and yesterday is your treasured memories. All of this YOU have DONE Dr. Cockcroft so thank you.
By Lynn Katherine Rogers McGrady

Doctor Cockcroft delivered my daughter Kelsey 1990. He was willing to help me have a natural birth 3 years after having a c-section with another doctor. He encouraged me that everything would be alright and made me feel safe. My heart goes out to Lindsay and the rest of the family.

There have been a few friendships in my life that I’ve been able to actively maintain over several decades, and my wonderful friendship with Ben was one of those.
In the early 1990s, Hugh Stelson and I recruited Ben to join our medical practice in Seaside. I would like to think he joined because of the quality of health care that we provided. Actually, it was the quality of the surfing that was available. We accepted whatever worked!
Initially I was a mentor to Ben as he started his family medicine practice, but subsequently the relationship continued as a trusted colleague, and as a long “family” friendship with Ben, Lindy, April, Travis, and Lucas. It didn’t actually take very long to develop that way, however, as I was fortunate to be chosen as the medical provider for all three pregnancies and kids.

A favorite recollection: At times I would get calls from Ben when he was “on call” for our medical practice. 
“The surf is looking good. Can you cover for me for a couple of hours?” 
My response: “Sure, but you’ll owe me.” And he would unfailingly provide coverage for me later, for a music practice of mine, or a school event of one of my daughters.
Ben will be truly missed by Ann and me, by his family, his patients, and his Seaside community.

Dr. Cockroft was my Doctor for 20+yrs. He was such a good doctor, and friend. He was always there when I even needed to chat, he took great care in carrying for my health. Ben will forever be missed, I am absolutely broken hearted, no other doctor will ever come close to Dr. Cockroft

When Dr. Cockcroft was a young doctor and first came to Seaside, I owned Holiday Drug, and was the pharmacist. We had many opportunities to be in contact. I got to know him very well.  I'm shocked to hear the news. Dr Cockroft will be greatly missed in our community. May GOD bless him and his family.
Sincerely,
Frank Stuart

I am so very sad to hear this. Dr. Cockcroft was my doctor for close to 20 years. He was always kind, funny, caring, compassionate, spent a long time with me, was very intuitive to any and all of my health needs. He never rushed over anything. He was such a people person! we would also talk about many things, like about God...rare is the doctor that would be willing to do that! I am praying for his family. My heart is broken. I pray God will comfort his wife and children. I shall miss him. I really can't even think of having a different doctor. 

We will miss Dr. Cockroft.... He had a wry sense of humor which made it fun to be his patient ... Both my wife Barbara and I always enjoyed our interaction no matter what the visit was about... Also we could see that his staff loved him... Wow ...this is a difficult time for all who loved him... Family, friends and patients... We are praying for all the family and for those who knew him... He will be truly missed...

My heart goes out to Doctor Ben's whole family. He was an amazing person and inspiration. He was there for me through the hardest time of my life and he was always a friend more than a Doctor. He will be forever missed and loved.