Joseph M COCQUYT

1 JAN 1943 - 4 MAY 2008

• BIRTH: 1 JAN 1943, Mishawaka, Indiana
• DEATH: 4 MAY 2008, Mishawaka, Indiana

• MARRIAGE: 27 AUG 1966, St Joseph County Indiana

INDEX

[N17658] Birth: Jan. 1, 1943
Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, IN
Death: May 4, 2008
Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, IN

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 whom precede 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 was a very good card player, frequently playing at the BK Club in Mishawaka. He was also a member of the DiLoreto Club, and
DeAmicis, both of Mishawaka, and Mishawaka High School Alumni Club. Joe also enjoyed coaching. He coached boys and girls in the MSA soccer and IYHL hockey leagues in the 1970's and 80's. Joe worked for Indiana Bell Associates located in Indianapolis, first as a Communications Specialist, later as a MarketingStaff 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. Joe, along with his brother, Jim, took a small companymaking dry dog and cat food and turned it into a major manufacturer of super premium pet food. In the early 1970's, the company made private label pet food for elevators and individuals, primarily in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois andIndiana. Eagle Products brand pet food at the time was Hy-Ration. Joe, along side his brother, graced the cover of Petfood Industry Magzine as a youngcompany making an impact on an emerging market. By the 1980's, Hy-Ration was the number one selling brand in Western Michigan through distribution by SpartanStores headquartered in Grand Rapids. In 1983, Joe introduced Eagle Pack SuperPremium Pet Food with distribution primarily in the Midwest. Joe worked tirelessly in building the brand. He developed the formulas and was the solesalesman at the time. In 1985, Joe had meetings with several customers to
promote Eagle Pack and discuss changes taking place in the business. The outcomeof the meetings initiated many customers to open stores to compete with the new concept pet food stores, such as Petsmart and Petco. Feeders Supply inLouisville became an eleven-store multi-million dollar business. Joe acted as an advisor to the Chowhound stores in Grand Rapids, Vermont Pet Food in South Burlington, Vermont, and Hollywood Feed in Memphis, as well as many other businesses, throughout the years, all becoming successful stores. Joe was truly a pioneer in the in pet food business, introducing several items to the industry
that, to this day, are copied by many other manufacturers. In 1988, Joe brought Eagle Pack to the Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska. He was able to persuade thefounder of the race, Joe Redington, SR., and native Alaskan, Herbie Nayokpuk, known as "The Shishmaref Cannonball," to try his brand. Redington was at the end of his sled-racing career, racing already for fifteen years at the time;however, he shocked everyone when he was leading the difficult race at the halfway point. He did not win the race, but edington had high praise for the Eagle Pack dog food that he fed. Joe Cocquyt later provided sponsorship for Martin Buser and Libby Riddles, the first female winner of the Iditarod race. Martin Buser would become a 4-time Iditarod champion and establish record times. Joe became well known in Alaska for his support of the Iditarod. Eagle Pack became the preferred brand of a majority of Iditarod participants. In March 2008, Joe was awarded an Iditarod finishing plaque at the pre-race banquet. He
is the only person that has received the award whom hadn't run the race. Using the success of the Iditarod, Joe opened markets all over the world. He was soon selling to Japan, Finland, Norway, Singapore, Korea, Russia, Australia, and countries in the Middle East. Forty countries in all were selling Eagle Pack. In 1996, Joe was given the St. Joesph's County 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 has a special way of dealing with and treating people, regardless of race or status. Joe would always give an opportunity to those that never thought another would come along. If you had character and worked hard, he would always lend a hand. Joe, amongst his many other passions, was a culinary expert. Whether it be fast food, bar food, casual or fine dining, Joe could direct you to a good meal. We often thought Joe should have written a dining guide. His travels took him all over the world and he could always find a good place to eat. Joe Cocquyt was one of a kind and the world will miss him. Family and friends may visit on Thursday, May 8th from 2 to 8 p.m. in 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 Ct., South
Bend, IN 46637 or to the Charity of the Donor's choice. Submitted by; elevenfloors

Parents:
Maurice T. Cocquyt (1911 - 1992)
Herlinda J. Van De Casteele Cocquyt (1918 - 2001)

Sibling:
James R. Cocquyt (1941 - 2016)*
Joseph Maurice Cocquyt (1943 - 2008)

Burial: Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, St. Joseph, IN