THEODORE G. COX

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THEODORE G. COX After a brief illness, peacefully in his sleep at St. Boniface Hospital, Theodore G. Cox was reunited with his beloved wife Teresa in the presence of our loving Creator, on Saturday, July 14, 2001. He leaves to cherish his memory his son F. Leslie Cox (Diana) and grandchildren, Brian (Cheryl), Gary (Yasko) of Tokyo, Japan, and Corinne (Tim Zacharias) his daughter Elsie dEschambault (Gilbert) and grandchildren, Joanne (Les Deezar), Marc, Lisa (Roger DeBlois), and Paul (Andrea Leger) 18 great-grandchildren, Chantal, Renee, Genelle and Noele dEschambault, Alexandre, Josee and Theodore Deezar, Camille and Leo DeBlois, Joel dEschambault, Taylor, Brandon and Erin Cox, Kiyono, Takato, Hiro-Taka Cox and Darian and Jordyn Zacharias. His wife in 1993 and his brother Gerry predeceased him in 1983. Ted was born in Oss, Noord Brabant, Netherlands on June 7, 1906. He was the son of Anna deBije and Hendricus Cox. He immigrated to Canada in 1910 with his family to homestead in Fisher Branch, MB. The family later moved to Winnipeg where he attended St. Edwards School. His father died when he was 14 and he went on to become the man of the house. At this time he entered into the working world as an office boy for an insurance company which led to a satisfying and challenging career with the Canadian Surety Company for over 40 years. He retired as Branch Manager in 1971. He was actively involved in his community. He was Past President of Western Canada Insurance Underwriters Association as well as the Blue Goose Insurance Fraternity. He served as a member of both Knights of Columbus and Rotary International for over 60 years. He was president at the Norwood Community Club during the 1950 flood and worked as a volunteer for Share Mental Health at the Selkirk Hospital. He was a faithful parishioner of both Holy Cross and St. Bernadette. Career aspirations to become an umpire in the big leagues were thwarted by immigration and green card stipulations but baseball became a lifelong passion. He continued to be a well known umpire in Wesley Park and later at Norwood Community Club. Being a self taught man he was a lifelong learner. His retirement years allowed him to go to university where he pursued courses in Philosophy, Astronomy and Liberation Theology. His intellectual musings and forward thinking made for stimulating, humorous and challenging conversations around the dinner table. He was a family mentor and always provided a good ear and counsel when needed. Ted was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He married his sweetheart from the 20s and had a loving marriage with Teresa for over 60 years. Though he missed her tremendously after her death, he continued to share the legacy of love and commitment to family which they had built over the years. Spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a favourite pastime. We remember fondly outings to the zoo, cinema, Childrens Museum and parks. He recently celebrated his 95th birthday by taking the entire family to "Tinkertown" for a day of fun. Ted was a true gentleman and great humanitarian. We will miss his presence, but we have comfort knowing he has left a beautiful legacy of a loving family with a thirst for knowledge and the capability to share it all unconditionally with others. A private service has been held and cremation has taken place. Grandpas children, grand-children and great-grandchildren were the most important people in his life. He loved them dearly and their love was returned in great abundance. Therefore we have decided to celebrate grandpas long and happy life by waiting for the time that we can all be together. The funeral will be held on August 24 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadettes Parish, 820 Cottonwood Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2J 1G1. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, a donation in his memory to St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements 233-4949; toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 21, 2001