Eric A. Cox
1936-2022
Eric A. Cox passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on
February 11, 2022. He was 85 years old.
Devoted husband of 45 years to the late Jo-Ann Cox (nee
McCabe). Loving father to Karen (Barry Livingston), Cathy (Johnathan
F. Lee), and Kevin (Jennifer Elvidge). Delighted grandfather to Rowan
as well as family dogs, Seamus and Frodo.
Younger brother to Avis (Allen) Brown and Elsie (Reg)
Harrison, and twin to Shirley (Joe) Brinton, he was predeceased by his
elder brother George and younger brother Ron (Terry Arseneau).
Brother-in-law to Charles (Lorraine) McCabe of Ottawa and the late
Malcolm (Sandra) McCabe of Fredericton. Also survived by numerous
nieces and nephews who were all dear to him.
Born to Alfred and Melinda (Atkinson) Cox and raised in
Springhill, NS. He had youthful passions for sports, bicycling, racing
homemade “cars,” and Scouts. As a young man he honed his
driving skills in the military and became an avid instructor, igniting
a lifelong love for being behind the wheel. Discovering a special
talent for woodworking, he attended Normal College to become an
Industrial Arts teacher and never lost his passion for science,
technology, and building.
He met his beloved Jo-Ann during his first job teaching in
New Glasgow, where he also served as her little brother’s
scout master. They married and set up life near New Glasgow. After the
birth of their second child, they sought greener pastures in the
Annapolis Valley. Eric taught briefly at Horton District High School
before finally taking the helm of the industrial arts program at
Wolfville Junior High School, where he taught until his
retirement.
Outside of work Eric served decades with New Minas Lions Club
where he was repeatedly elected club secretary. As a Lion he derived
pleasure in providing scholarships to students and judging debate
competitions. Respected by his fellow Lions for both his diligence and
humour, he was the proud recipient of Life Membership and a Melvin
Jones Fellow.
He and wife Jo-Ann were an inseparable team. They
collaborated on a number of creative projects for the community: the
design and construction of award-winning floats for the Apple Blossom
Parade; displays for the Kings Historical Museum, where they served as
patrons; and wooden toys created for and cherished by the
children’s centre at the Port Williams Baptist Church. After
Eric suffered a heart attack in 1996 the pair sought new habits with a
focus on health, enjoying daily walks along the old railroad path
between New Minas and Kentville in advance of their morning coffee.
They were eager travelers, scrimping and saving in the early years of
their marriage to afford the Airstream in which they would spend
summers exploring the country with their young family. In retirement,
their group tour of the British Isles was a dream-fulfilling
experience and a fresh adventure without “the kids.” Avid
patrons of local amateur and professional theatre, while in England
they attended a production of “Mama Mia” in
London’s West End which they later raved about to their
children.
Cancer put an end to long distance excursions as the
ever-devoted husband cared for his dying wife. Her loss was something
he deeply felt until his last breath.
As a widower, Eric kept himself active tending fields and
delivering apples for long-time friend Charles on the Embree farm.
Eric eventually reconnected with his high school sweetheart Sherry,
and they became caring companions to each other until sadly she, too,
passed away.
Eric relished hard work and lovingly maintained his precious
homestead for a good 50 years, with the support of wonderful
neighbours. The man who built his house, Grant Forsythe, was
neighbour, mentor, and dear friend until Grant’s death in
the early 1980s. More recently, Eric enjoyed the generosity of his
kind neighbours, Gisele, Christine and Jeff. Nephew Peter and his wife
Dana, for many years his closest-living family, were also generous in
their love and support.
Eric’s children would like to express gratitude to
all who touched their father’s life especially in his later
years, from the former students who would greet him at the store to
the staff who doted on him at his favourite restaurant,
Applewoods.
We will miss our father dearly but take solace in his
reuniting with his beloved Jo-Ann.
There will be no visitation or funeral service. A private
family graveside service will be held in Pine Grove Cemetery, Oxford,
at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of
Eric to the Lion’s Club, Heart & Stroke Foundation,
Canadian Cancer Society, Port Williams Baptist Church, or other
charity of your choice.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the
White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Eric A Cox 19362022..
Death notice for the town of: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia