Submitted by: Dan Rich
Jan. 7, 1943 - May 4, 2008
South Bend Tribune 5/5/2008 (Excerpts)
MISHAWAKA - Joseph Maurice Cocquyt of Mishawaka died late
Sunday night, May 4, 2008, in his home. He was 65 years old. His
wife of 41 years, Jodie, his two children, Kevin (Jana) and
Kristin (Pete) Pica, six grandchildren and his four
siblings, Jim Cocquyt, John Cocquyt, Judi Hurst and Maury
Cocquyt Jr., survive him. Joe was born on January 7, 1943, in
Mishawaka, to Maurice Cocquyt and Herlinda Van De Casteele,
who preceded him in death. Joe attended St. Bavo's Catholic
elementary school and attended St. Joseph's high school. He
graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1961 and attended Indiana
University in Bloomington, Indiana. He graduated in 1968 with a
bachelor's degree in business administration and a minor in
marketing.
He married Jodie Daffron in 1966 in
Mishawaka, Indiana. Joe served on the Board of Directors for the
St. Joseph County Humane Society. Joe worked for Indiana Bell
Associates located in Indianapolis, first as a communications
specialist, later as a marketing staff consultant. He returned
from Indianapolis in 1971 to work for the family business, Animal
By-Products, in New Carlisle, a parent company of Eagle Products
in Mishawaka.
In 1996 Joe was given the St. Joseph
County's Small Business Award and was Indiana's Small Business
Exporter of the Year. What had started as a small business making
private label pet food had become a major pet food manufacturer,
not only in the United States but around the world. People took
notice. In 2004 Eagle Products was sold to a private equity
group, Swander Pace Capital. Joe was asked to continue working
for the company, even though he had been diagnosed with prostate
cancer. He continued to travel the globe and sell his brand,
Eagle Pack. In 2005 the Holistic Select line was introduced and
has since become one of the fastest growing brands in the United
States. In 2007 the "small family business" bought by
Swander Pace Capital in 2004, was sold to Berwind Industries. Joe
was asked to continue working. His prostate cancer had turned to
bone cancer; however, Joe continued to work through the last few
weeks of his life. Joe touched many people through his kindness.
He had a special way of dealing with and treating people,
regardless of race or status. Joe would always give an
opportunity to those who never thought another would come along.
Family and friends may visit on Thursday,
May 8th, from 2 to 8 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th
Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at
10:30 a.m. Friday, May 9th, in St. Pius X Catholic Church, with
visitation one hour prior in the church. Rev. William Schooler
will officiate. A graveside service will be held at a later date.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions be made in Joe's name to The Center for Hospice and
Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or
to the charity of the donor's choice.