GEORGE ARTHUR COX

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GEORGE ARTHUR COX It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of George Cox on March 29, 2018, at the age of 96, at Bayside Home in Barrington, Nova Scotia. George was born in Shelburne on January 19, 1922 to parents Mildred (Houghton) and Harley Cox. His death was preceded by the death of his first wife, Helen Frances (Malzard) in 1985 and his second wife, Mary Elizabeth (Redding Rhuland) in 2009, by daughter Patricia Kane in 2001 and son-in-law Ken Daley in 1987. George is survived by his brothers William of Shelburne and Ronald (Louise) of Vancouver; daughters Susan Daley of Barrington and Jean Cox (Barry MacBride) of Winnipeg; son-in-law Brian Kane of Shediac, NB; grandchildren Andrew Daley (Nicole) of Upper Tantallon, Heather Kane (Bill Branscombe) of Toronto, Erin LeCain (Pete) of Cambridge Bay, NU, and Kathryn Kane (David Burrell) of Fredericton and stepgrandchildren Laura MacBride, Lyndsey MacBride of Winnipeg, and Matthew MacBride of Vancouver; great-grandchildren Claire, Rachel, PJ, Ruby, Elliot, Bailey, Alexa and Ethan; and stepsons Raymond and Sterling Rhuland. Family was so important to George; he loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren unconditionally. We feel lost without his leadership of the family. He displayed great patience and understanding; he encouraged us to fulfill our potential and supported us when we needed his strength. Precious were the times spent with family sitting on the porch at the cottage George built at Beaverdam. When asked what he would like for Christmas his response was always, "Just for us to be together". The loss of daughter Patti was very difficult for George; the natural order of life and death was disrupted. Despite this and other losses, George remained a positive and happy person; he was quick with a joke or an odd saying like "that's as black as the inside of a cow". George was valedictorian of the first Grade 12 graduating class from Shelburne Regional High School (SRHS). In 2016 George established a scholarship at SRHS, recognizing the student selected by his/her peers to act as valedictorian. After graduation he went to work for Clark Ruse Aircraft, working on the overhaul of aircraft for the war effort. That work also took him to Malton, Ontario and later to Fort Erie where, after the war, he worked on transitioning Lancaster bombers into transatlantic passenger planes for Victory Aircraft. After his return to Shelburne he worked alongside his father Harley and brother Bill at Shelburne Shipbuilders. This was followed by the establishment of Harley S. Cox & Sons Ltd. and a career as an entrepreneur, shipbuilder and businessman. Post retirement, one of George's greatest joys was building his own pleasure boat, aptly named "Thisisit". George was a loving and generous husband, father and Grampie. He met Helen, a registered nurse, new to Shelburne, at a dance and they made a life together raising their three girls. While family came first, George cared about his community, serving on Shelburne Town Council, and the school board for seven years. He played the baritone in the Shelburne Citizens Band, was a Kinsmen member, and was deeply involved in his church, Christ Church of Shelburne. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, collected for Heart and Stroke, and assembled many a replica dory for the Shelburne Historical Society. As a young man he was also an athlete, playing hockey, baseball, basketball and golf. He was a founding member of what is now known as River Hills Golf & Country Club. Sailing his snipe boat in beautiful Shelburne Harbour was a favourite Sunday pastime. Other pleasures included gardening, fishing, hunting and card playing with friends on their birthdays and cheering for the Blue Jays. He also loved animals, notably cats, dogs, and horses, but sadly his allergies complicated this relationship. A broken leg in 1966 allowed George to revive his love of music by learning the recorder and unfortunately put an end to his step dancing career. Bayside Home in Barrington has been George's home for the past three years. George was very content in his "two-room suite" and was beloved by the staff. The staff became an extension of his family; he enjoyed sharing a joke with them and had the utmost respect and love for them, saying often how wonderful they are. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 15, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at H.M. Huskilson's Funeral Home, Shelburne. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church, Shelburne, with Rev. Ed Trevors officiating. Persons wishing to make a donation in memory of George may choose a charity of their choice, or Canadian Diabetes Association.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2018