Obituary of Joseph James COX

January 27, 1957 – Beaverlodge, Alberta
July 29, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Joe Cox of Calgary, AB , passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday,  July 29, 2020 at the age of  63  years.

Joe grew up in Edmonton and moved to Calgary at the age of 17. He graduated from the University of Victoria in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics. Growing up, Joe was always inquisitive and loved to take computers apart and rebuild them, just to see the mechanisms behind the technology. Joe’s wonderful mother, Patricia, always fostered his love for learning and believed in his abilities.

Joe and Lesley met in 1978 at Mount Royal College. Their relationship began when Lesley asked Joe for a ride back to the University of Victoria.  Joe and Lesley married in 1987. Their marriage was filled with laughter and love. 

 In 1998 Joe and Lesley were blessed with daughter Jennifer and in 2000 daughter Lindsey. Joe and Lesley were so excited to be parents, and their daughters could not have been raised with more love. 
Joe worked for Murphy Oil, The City of Calgary, Geo-X and retired from Divestco in 2019. Joe always enjoyed fellowship with his colleagues, often his work relationships extended beyond the workplace, and became friendships. 

Joe was a fantastic father. One of his biggest joys of his life was spending time with his daughters. His eldest daughter, Jennifer, and he shared a friendship composed of love for the outdoors and going to garage sales every Saturday.  His youngest daughter, Lindsey, and he found joy in the everyday. Always watching a movie together, sitting in the family room and laughing, and enjoying late night snacks. Throughout both Jennifer and Lindsey’s education, their dad was their personal tutor. Joe would patiently help Jennifer and Lindsey with their schoolwork almost every night, as their success meant everything to him. 
Joe was kind and generous with his time and always enjoyed helping family and friends. He would do absolutely anything for anyone in need. 

With a love for his daily coffee and lotto ticket, finding good deals on Kijiji, a weekend garage sale and the Dollar Store, Joe found joy in the small things. Jennifer and Lindsey have fond memories of walking around the surplus aisle of Princess Auto while Joe walked around for hours and bought nothing. 

In his spare time, Joe loved working on projects around the house, gardening and jigsaw puzzles.  One of Joe’s favourite ways to enjoy life was spending time at the family campsite in Bowden. He would love to have a long day of building something for the campsite, and then relax by the fire pit with a cold beer. 

After surviving Prostate Cancer, Joe volunteered with Man Van at the Prostate Cancer Centre. He wanted to make sure others were able to get tested and conquer cancer, just as he had.

Joe leaves behind his wife Lesley and daughters, Jennifer and Lindsey. Also, to mourn him is his mother Patricia Cox (Victor Zubko) and brother Patrick Cox (Laurie). Joe will be lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law Alison Lindsay (Ken), sister-in-law Catherine Laureshen; brothers-in-law, Peter Laureshen and John Hawthorne; nieces, Sarah Watt, and Julia Cox;  nephews, Mason Cox, Justin Harris (Anna); and dear uncles, aunts, cousins and friends too numerous to mention. Joe was predeceased by his father Peter Cox, sister Pamela Cox, father-in-law William Laureshen, brother-in-law Gregory Laureshen, and sister-in-law Nancy Hawthorne.

Due to Covid19 restrictions a private funeral service will be held at St Anthony’s Catholic Church on Friday, August 14, 2020. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Joe’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre, www.prostatecancercentre.ca or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

In living memory of Joe Cox, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.