Ross Calvin Cox
Ross passed away March 4 at his home on Takysie Lake, B.C. after an extended illness. He was born May 22, 1919 in Pheshastin, Washington to James and Katheryne Cox. He grew up near Coupeville and graduated from Oak Harbor High School where he excelled in football and track. In 1941 he joined the U.S. Army, earning the rank of Master Sergeant, during WWII. Ross landed in North Africa with the Third Division and fought through the French Morocco, Sicilian, Tunisian, Naples, Rome Amo, Southern France, Rhineland, and Central European campaigns. He earned over a dozen decorations including Expert Marksman, Bronze and Silver Star Medal, and The Croix De Guare Avec Palme from the First French Army.
After the war he returned home and started farming in the Skagit Valley and also worked part time as a Skagit County Deputy Sheriff. He married Irene Anderson in 1948 and in 1955 they began a dairy farm in Sedro Woolley. In the early 1960’s they sold the dairy and he returned to the Sheriff’s Department and also raised beef cattle. In 1966 they purchased a ranch in Grassy Plains, B.C., and moved there with their family in 1967. They stayed there until the early 70’s when they moved to a smaller farm on Takysie Lake where he resided until his death. Ross loved nothing more than just being at home where he could farm, garden, fish, and visit with family and friends. The highlight of the week was to go to the Takysie Lake store to drink coffee and trade tales with the neighbours.
His wife, Irene, passed away in 1991 and he later married Sylvia Krakana. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, at the family home. Sons, Tim (Jan), Takysie Lake, Randy (Connie), Sedro Woolley, WA., and daughter, Cathy, of Soap Lake, WA. Stepsons, Steve (Andrea) Krakana, Smithers, B.C., and stepdaughter Darlene (Jim) Fehr, Prince George, B.C. Two brothers, Al and Lee Cox in Washington State. Grandchildren, Sarah, Dan, Jenni, Rob, Katy, Cari, Amie, Jordan, Brady, Hailey, Tannis, Tyson, Daryl and Randy. Eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, June and Edith, and a stepson, Darryl.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 11 at the Grassy Plains Hall. Pastor Brent Deering officiated in conjunction with the Canadian Legion. Donations can be made to the Canadian or American Cancer Society, VFW, or a favorite charity.