Reverend George Edward Cox
Died: October 29, 2011 | Place:
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Obituary
COX: Reverend George
Peacefully, in London, on Saturday, October 29, 2011, Reverend George Edward Cox in his 93rd year. Loving husband of Reitta (Ellis) Cox for 68 years. Father of Katheleen Ellis (Kathryn Forester) and the late Sterling Cox (1997) (Margaret). Dear grandfather of Richard Cox (Sian) and Suzanne Uren. Also loved by his great-grandchildren, Zachary, Emma and Luke Cox and Timothy and Jonathan Uren. Predeceased by his sister Rhoda Ellis and brothers Clifford, Victor and Ernest Cox. He was a good husband and father with great love for his family and took pleasure in celebrating the milestones in their lives. George attended Kingsville High School and the Salvation Army Training College in Toronto, graduating as a Salvation Army Officer in 1940. He pursued further theological studies in South Africa and attended Huron College at UWO, graduating with a Bachelor of Ministry in 1971. He spent 13 years with the Salvation Army in Canada and South Africa, and 14 years with the Congregational Church in South Africa, before returning to Canada in 1968. With the United Church of Canada, he ministered in Melbourne, Windsor, Corunna and Comber, as well as working with the UCC Conference office in London. He assisted in the opening and served on the 1st Salvation Army Mission Station in the African township of Lobatse near Johannesburg. While in South Africa he was a founding member of the first Lion’s Club in South Africa. He retired as a full-time minister at 65 years of age and returned with Reitta to her home town of Essex. He continued to conduct Sunday church services in the area, helping churches that had no ministers. He became very active in Essex’s Rotary Club (serving in many capacities, including President), and in the Legion as Chaplain for several years. He was also active in the Essex Heritage Committee and spearheaded the drive to refurbish the old Essex Railway Station. Whatever responsibility he took on, he gave it his best knowledge and energy. He was an interesting and forceful preacher and every church thrived under his leadership. Friends will be received by the family from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Thursday, November 3rd at Colborne Street United Church, 711 Colborne Street, London followed by the funeral service at the church at 1:00 pm. Interment at a later date in Greenhill Cemetery, Kingsville. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to your local church or the charity of your choice. (A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184) On line condolences accepted at www.amgfh.com
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Hello Katheleen, sorry to hear of your father’s passing, but I am sure a blessing as well as he is now at peace. I hope your mother is doing as well as can be, and be sure to take care of yourself.
Dear Katheleen and Kathryn, I am sorry for your loss.. Bill
Rev. George was the first President of our organization and served for several years. He was the most visible of town clergy and could always to counted on when needed. He wrote a weekly column in the Essex Free Press that was very popular.George was a strong supporter of our history and made many friends.God Bless you Rev George.
Your friends at the Essex Railway Station & Heritage Essex. Tony Malkowski President, Sean McGivern Vice President, Bill Gay, co-ordinator.
Reitta, Kathleen and Margaret: Our sincere sympathy on George’s passing. Our families go back so many years with the SA, United Church and Essex connections. We wish you God’s peace and comfort as you share your memories of George and know that he has taken his eternal place in heaven.
Sincerely, Gail and Grant
I am sorry to hear of George’s passing. I knew George when he was in the Conference Office as I was beginning my ministry. Our paths crossed several times, most recently in Essex Presbytery when I served at Roseland United Church in Windsor in the 90’s. I remember George’s enthusiasm for preaching and his commitment to serve. We had many conversations about our experiences in Africa (I served in Zambia 1967-74)and about the mission of the church. My sincere sympathy to Reitta and the family.
So sorry to hear about your dad’s death. No matter what the circumstances I know loosing a parent is never easy. take care of yourselves
Reitta and Family – On behalf of the Physical Maintenance Program at Parkwood, our condolences. It was a pleasure to have met and known George. He will be fondly remembered by the program staff and participants from the time he attended.
Sorry to hear about Reverend Cox. I fondly remember him at Essex United Church. Sincerely Cindy Cobby
So very sorry to hear about uncle George, He was a sounding ear to our father (Victor) and we enjoyed the viits we had with him although
not as many as we would have loved to had, I hope to see
the family at the cemetery in
Kingsvile , We are moving this week and so very sorry we can not make it to london
Our thoughts and prayers are
with yous
Becky and MIke Foldesi
Dear Lord, thank you for blessing this earth with your wonderful servant, Rev. Cox, for 92 years. Thank you Lord for blessing me with his Friendship during my time in Essex. Grant him eternal rest, and bless the hearts of his family and all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.
Amen.
Often times it is not until someone who has had an impact on our lives in no longer with us, that we stop to reflect. As a Thinking Teen of Chalmers United Church I am grateful for time that Rev Cox gave to us. He instill in us the idea that even as young teens our efforts and our contributions were valuable and could have an everlasting impact on the community in which we lived.
From Stain Glass Windows to Cry Rooms to Pancake Suppers Rev Cox allowed us to never be limited by our age. I thank you for the inspiration that you were. I will always remember with fondness the advice to, always button your sweater from the bottom up. My condolences for Rev Cox’s family and others who were impacted by Rev Cox’s service to his church members.
Our symathy to Reita and other family membeeers. News of George’s death brought back many positive memories. We were living in Essex when he returned from S. Africa WhereverGeorge served his congregation experienced new life. He was a very special person. We regret that we can’t be present for the celebratiion ofo a life filled with service.
God’s blessing be with you
My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Katheleen. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.