Obituary: Gary Cox (1943-2021)

Mr. Cox is a legacy. Coach Cox, a true Warrior with a gift for making everyone feel good about themselves. Gary Cox, a man of faith known for his humor. A role model and inspiration. A hero to many and a father figure to others. A mentor with a beacon of kindness and compassion. He is a voice of wisdom and positive influence with willingness to extend tough love. Gary is a rock solid class act that etched a permanent spot on our hearts. He has great enthusiasm for all things Warrior “Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.”

Gary Bruce Cox died July 3, 2021 at his home in Redmond, OR surrounded by family.

Born on December 21, 1943 in Cottage Grove, OR to Tom and Mary Cox. He grew up in Drain, OR and graduated from Drain Union High School in 1962. After graduation he married his high school sweetheart on August 16, 1963. He went on to attend college at University of Oregon, Columbia Basin Junior College and then graduated from Linfield College in 1968.

Gary and Diana moved to Philomath in 1968 where they made their home for 36 years. Gary began his career with the Philomath School District in 1968. The couple had two children, Christina Cox Rosborough and Kathi Cox Sollars. After 30 years as teacher, coach and athletic director, Gary retired in 1998. Gary started as a volunteer firefighter with the Philomath Fire Department in 1972 and retired in 2003 after 31 and a half years of service. Gary and Diana were members of Suburban Christian Church for 33 years and most recently of Redmond Christian Church.

Throughout the years, Gary was recognized for:

• NAIA Baseball Championship, 1966.
• 4A Athletic Director of the Year, 1991.
• Al Neet Educator of the Year, 1998.
• Inducted into Linfield College Athletic Hall of Fame (Baseball), 1999.
• Inducted into State of OR Sports Hall of Fame.
• Inducted into Linfield College Athletic Hall of Fame (Football), 2010.
• Inducted into the OR Athletic Directors Assoc. Hall of Fame, 2012.
• Philomath Fire Department Most Inspirational Firefighter and Firefighter of the Quarter.
• Philomath Community Service Award.
• Philomath High School Legend Club.
• Founder of the Warrior Scramble.
• Board of Directors for PYAC.
• Recently honored by having the PHS/Gary Cox Hall of Fame named after him.

He enjoyed spending his time fishing, golfing, gardening, camping, traveling, sports and attending his grandkids school and sport activities.

Survivors include: Wife, Diana Cox, daughter Christina Rosborough (husband Todd) of Oregon City, OR, daughter Kathi Sollars (husband Shad) of Lahaina, HI. Brother Steve Cox (wife Sharley) of Medford, OR. Four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Preceded in death by his parents Tom and Mary Cox.

Gary will be laid to rest in a private burial at Comstock Cemetery in Curtin, OR.

A celebration of Life will be held August 7, 2021, 1:30 pm at Suburban Christian Church located at 2760 SW 53rd St. Corvallis, OR 97333.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made In Memory of Gary Cox to:
Philomath Youth Activities Club (PYAC)
PO Box 1358
Philomath, OR 97370

or online
Venmo: @PhilomathYouthActivitiesClub