Obituary of Peter Andrew Cox

Peter Andrew Cox died at Bonnechere Manor, in Renfrew, on  April 3, 2024. He was in his 80th year.  He was the dearly loved husband of Elizabeth (Narraway) Cox, and proud father of Deborah Cox, (Craig), Courtenay BC.  He is also survived by his siblings, Jim (Sue), Toronto, Jane Quackenbush, (late Don), Arnprior, Bill (Linda), Carleton Place, Bob, (late Liz), Ottawa, Don (Sandy), Jasper, AB, George, Jasper, AB, and Cathy, Arnprior.  Also survived by his sister-in-law, Kathleen O’Grady, (late Preston), and many Cox and O’Grady nieces and nephews.  He will also be sadly missed by our loyal friends, David and Carol Sulpher.

Peter had a distinguished career as a teacher for 31 years, 25 of which were spent at St. Michael’s School, in Douglas.  He loved his school and the Douglas community.  Peter encouraged his students to strive for excellence in their studies, and he modelled good physical fitness and healthy eating practices.  During his years there, Peter coached many sports teams to Renfrew County Championships.  This was quite a feat for such a small school.  He spent countless noon hours supervising intramural activities.  Upon his retirement, in 1999, the gymnasium at St. Mike’s was dedicated to him, and it bears his name above the door.

Peter developed a great love of travel, especially to exotic destinations in the Caribbean.  Trips out west to visit with Debbie and Craig were always highly anticipated and enjoyed.  In later years, he and Elizabeth spent their winters in Florida, where they had a close-knit group of friends.  At heart, though, Peter was a homebody, and loved nothing more than to putter around his property.  He loved attending dinner parties with friends, and looked forward to co-hosting an annual New Year’s Eve party.  With the same group of friends, memorable trips were made to the British Isles, New York City and Las Vegas.

Peter was a rabid sports fan and rarely missed a PGA tournament or Raptors contest on TSN.  A proud Canadian, he gloried in the accomplishments of our athletes at the Olympic Games.   Canada’s 2010 Men’s Gold Medal Hockey win over the USA was one of his biggest thrills ever.

Peter maintained a daily fitness and jogging routine well into his retirement years. Following his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease, which he met with tremendous courage and stoicism, Peter did his utmost to retain good mobility and to push related health challenges aside.  Eventually, the ravages of this cruel disease could no longer be denied.

Friends and family will remember Peter for his gentle demeanour, humility, keen sense of humour, and legendary sweet tooth.  Most of all, he will be remembered for his love and devotion to family.  He had strong core values and lived his life with honour.  His loss is very hard to bear but his memory will be a blessing.

His family wishes to thank Dr. Pinard, for his persistence and kindness in treating Peter’s illness, and the wonderful, dedicated caregivers at Bonnechere Manor.

A Memorial visitation will be held at the Goulet Funeral Home on Monday April 8th from 2-4 and 6-8 pm only.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church, Renfrew on Tuesday April 9th at 10:30 am

The family welcomes memorial donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation Canada or Sunshine Coach.  Tributes, condolences and donations may be made online at www.gouletfuneralhome.com