Don Cockrell

1956-2009

By: Kristin McKenzie

Posted: 5/4/09

Don Cockrell, athletic and equipment coordinator for more than 25 years at Brookhaven College, who was loved and depended on by thousands of student athletes, died April 24 in his sleep at the age of 52.

Lynne Levesque, athletic director, said, "There is a long, extended list of thousands of student athletes over the years that have come through our program who were certainly touched by him."

Don Cockrell's wife, Gail, said his dedication to the students and athletes proved his biggest accomplishment, and he always took time to listen when they needed someone to talk to.

Gail Cockrell said she met her husband at Brookhaven while she was working and going to school part time. After she got a job in the Fine Arts Division office she said she got to know him and "things kind of went from there."

Gail and Don Cockrell were married for nearly 21 years.

Cedric Clark, computer science sophomore and co-worker of Don Cockrell for four years, said: "He had love for everybody he saw. If he could help you, he would help you, even if he didn't know you. Don didn't have a hateful bone in his body at all. He was a good person all the way around."

Clark said Don Cockrell never minded helping resolve a situation.

"If there was something we didn't know how to do, we just asked him," he said.

Levesque said: "He was bigger than life, very caring and a warm person who would give you the shirt off his back, whether you were a friend or stranger. He loved the kids here, the students. Especially the student athletes, he kind of took them under his wing. … He was their father figure and he kicked them in the pants when they needed it. He taught them a lot about respect. Not only respecting themselves but individuals … taking care of business and getting that degree."

She said a basketball player from 10 years ago called Gail Cockrell from New Jersey as soon as he heard the news of Don Cockrell's death. She said Don Cockrell, a genuine friend to her, would arrive at the school early and turn on the athletic program office lights. To come in and see the lights off, she said, was very saddening.

"I can't even walk in the gym yet because everything is just him," she said. "I know all my coaches feel that way.

"So, Brookhaven loses another great one. [They are] hard shoes to fill; they are never going to be filled."

Levesque said with a smile that she could tell many of Don Cockrell's fishing stories about the one that got away.

Gail Cockrell said, "Don was equally comfortable holding a fishing pole or a woman's purse."

The family requested people donate money to any non-kill animal shelter instead of sending flowers for the April 29 memorial service.

Don loved animals, and anybody that cares about animals, cares about people, Gail Cockrell said.

She said they had animals since the day they married. They adopted several pets from the Humane Society and "it broke his heart when he'd hear about one of the shelters that was losing funding. He really appreciated the non-kill shelters."

Don Cockrell is survived by his wife, one daughter and seven grandchildren.

Through e-mail, several Brookhaven employees expressed their memories of Don Cockrell.

- Marie Maness, physical education and nutrition professor

"I was not in town when I heard the sad news about our dear Don passing away. He has been such an integral part of the PHED and Athletics division for so long! I can't remember when he wasn't here, caring for students and staff alike, always willing to help in whatever capacity he could. What a pleasure to have known this gentle and warm person and to have worked with him for so many years."

- Glenn Kasparian, biology professor

"I am shocked and deeply saddened at the news of Don's death. Don was my student here when he first started college at Brookhaven, and over the years, we had many good discussions about health and nutrition as it applies to sports. We also shared a love of martial arts: Don was accomplished in Tae Kwon Do. I remember Don and H. Gill breaking out the sparring gear to test each other's skill. I will miss his greeting as I walk by the equipment room and seeing him in the hall of the T Building. I will remember his interest in the welfare of others and especially of the student athletes. When one of our number needs help, we want to lift them up - Don was that type of person to all he met. The PE department and Brookhaven have lost a strong pillar and he will be remembered and missed."

- Rodger Bennett, interim vice president of instruction

"So many days I would get down to the PE weight room early in the morning and Don would already be there with a smile on his face getting the classroom ready for the students and the faculty. He was a mentor and role model for so many of the student athletes. He will be missed by all."

- Greg Jacobs, sociology professor

"Our community has lost one of its biggest hearts. Don was always there with genuine love and caring to everyone he met."