CLIFFORD J. (UPPIE) COX

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CLIFFORD J. (UPPIE) COX On November 8, 2008 with his family by his side, Cliff passed away at the Riverview Health Centre. He was 86. Cliff was predeceased by his wife Gladys and six brothers and sisters. Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Melanie Gooch (Richard) and Dori Rutherford (Ross) and the five grandchildren who brought him so much joy, Casey, Kevin, Catie, Courtney and Stephanie. Uppie's enthusiastic outlook on life was an inspiration to all of us. He was born and raised in Winnipeg. Cliff graduated from Daniel MacIntyre Collegiate. As a young man, he was an avid sports enthusiast who excelled in baseball, basketball and hockey. Later as he began his career in the insurance industry, found the love of his life Gladys and started his family, he still found time to play in senior men's sports leagues. Cliff loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. But underneath it all was a keen mind, interested in everyone around him and everything that was going on in their lives. It was a characteristic that helped him throughout his life, from the days he taught Sunday School to the creation of his own successful insurance agency, Clifford J Cox Insurance Services. After retiring Cliff and Glad travelled and enjoyed the cottage at Ingolf. However they took their greatest joy in spending time with Melanie and Dori, and the kids . They never missed a chance to cheer on their grand-children at sporting events, dance and piano recitals, band gigs or any other activities the family was involved in. Cliff loved his morning breakfasts with Melanie and Dori and Richard and Ross, often followed by a shopping trip. His expertise at finding a bargain was always in keen demand. Cliff and Gladys were preparing to celebrate their 60th anniversary this year when she suddenly passed away August 31. Uppie was determined to continue to try and live his life to the fullest. Known as Mr. Christmas he loved the magic of the season. He looked forward to everything from the lights to the decorations, to the annual Christmas Eve party, he and Gladys had thrown for more than 50 years. Uppie had spent the last several weeks organizing the games and planning the menu for December 24. With everything starting to look a little brighter, Cliff's health suddenly took a turn for the worse. But he never gave up. He finished his Christmas shopping, handpicking each present himself, as he did each year. Cliff was a lifetime horse-racing fan. He enjoyed being around all the excitement at Assiniboia Downs. He knew the horses, the jockeys, and many of the employees. Over the years, it was a daily ritual for he and Gladys to drop in for coffee, meet friends, and have some fun. Cliff exhibited the same spirit as the thoroughbreds he loved to watch. Come out of the gate as fast as you can and never stop running. In the end, Uppie may not have won every race in the game of life, but in our hearts he will always be in the Winners Circle. At the request of Cliff, a private burial and service has taken place. A celebration of Cliff's life will be held 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19 in the Terrace Dining Room at Assiniboia Downs.....overlooking the finish line and the Winners Circle. Thank you to all of our family and friends who have been there with their love and support during the past two months. Special thanks to Dr. Ahmet Leylek, whose professionalism, compassion and friendship will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, ON109 - 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2008