Obituary
COX, Robert Albert passed away peacefully in Richmond, B.C., giving his soul back to the Creator on October 12th, 2018 at the age of 93.
Survived, after over 41 years in unending eternal love, by his wife Susanna Heinrich-Cox, his children; Priscilla, Elisabeth, Grace, Joanna and Stephen, step children Richard and Michelle, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bob was an accomplished engineer who graduated from UBC in 1947 with a B.A.Sc. in Electrical Engineering. He worked for B.C. Electric Ltd. (now B.C. Hydro), B.C. International Engineering, Ltd., Columbia International Engineering, Ltd., and in 1975 he founded the Elicon Industrial Control System. He served as president of the organization until his retirement in 2001. Robert was also proud to serve on many membership boards within the profession. He was a lifetime member of the Registered Professional Engineers of B.C., a member of the Oregon Registered Professional Engineers and of the New York Academy of Science, a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and is listed on the International Directory of Distinguished Leadership of the American Biographical Institute.
Bob was a man of varied interests. He enjoyed reading, floor hockey and boating to name a few. He remained active in his interests well into his later life. He continued to play floor hockey at lunch with the “boys” until he retired at the age of 76. He continued the ability to control the helm of a boat into his early 80’s enjoying the beauty of the Vancouver Coast Line, Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands. Bob had a keen interest in technology and remained up to date on technological advances and continued to grow and learn on computers. As his mobility decreased, he continued to “soak up all the beauty of nature” from his expansive view at his Stevenson waterfront home.
Bob’s greatest interest was his faith. Both his father and grandfather were scholars, one being a Sunday School Superintendent with Grandview Methodist School in Vancouver. It was only natural that he would seek God. From the age of 17, Bob started reaching out to children, teaching them and calling them toward God. At UBC he was a key figure in the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Organization. He was a great supporter of the Union Gospel Mission always enlisting more and more of his friends and classmates to help him with his volunteer work for the poor. He remained a contributing supporter of the Union Gospel Mission until his final days.
Later in his life, Bob converted to Catholicism becoming a parishioner of Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church. Joining the Catholic religion from a Protestant background, he was slowly educated in the Catholic Church’s teachings but always worshipped under the same cross. Robert found his roots in the Catholic Church by taking an interest in reading each of the many bibles, Catholic dictionaries, books written by Catholic scholars and any literature he could get his hands on. He found great comfort, direction and spiritual guidance from his very good friend in Christ, Father John Horgan. Bob had finally found what he felt was “home”. On July 15th, 2005 Bob received his first Holy Eucharist. His life changed, he was at peace and felt he was finally able to be as close as possible to his Creator during his earthly life.
In 2008 along with Father John, Susanna and Bob made the journey to the holy land under the Foot Steps of Saint Paul Pilgrimage. They arrived with 104 other pilgrims under Father John’s “wings”. He felt he was lifted high into God’s love on this journey and it remained an unforgettable experience. He often recalled the memories of this trip and the impact it had on his faith. Even on his death bed, he relived his incredible experiences with Father John Horgan and stated he was prepared and ready to meet God face to face.
He left time and space as his spirit soured into eternity in the presence of his beloved daughter Grace and devoted wife Susanna, all the while praying, meditating and asking God to pour deep faith into all his extended family in God’s presence.
He promised to continually pray for all those he loved from above.
He was a well-respected man, loved by his large extended family, his church family at Sts. Peter and Paul, and all his friends both past and present.
He will be sadly missed and forever loved.
Please join in remembering Robert (Bob) Albert Cox at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, located at 1430 West 38th Avenue Vancouver, for a Prayer Vigil on Wednesday, October 24th ,2018 at 7 p.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, October 25th, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. with Fathers John Horgan and A. Frank Landry presiding.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Robert Bob Albert Cox July 22 1925 October 12 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique
