Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend at Wellington Hospice on May 28, after a brief illness. Born in Guelph, Glen grew up on the family farm in Eramosa township where he cultivated his passion for music as the organist of Mimosa Church. Starting at the age of 12, Glen secretly taught himself how to play his church’s pump organ in anticipation of performing at the ordination of the second female clergy member in the United Church of Canada. Upon graduating from high school, Glen began his career as a teacher in a one-room country schoolhouse, where he taught grades 1-8. During the summer months, Glen pursued a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Western Ontario. With a move to Guelph, he was promoted quickly to a Vice-Principal and Principal. He spent 20 years as the principal of College Avenue Public School, where Glen brought his passion for music and excellent pedagogy to his students and colleagues. During his bachelor days, Glen relied on the keen matchmaking skills of a neighbour to secure an introduction to his beloved Nancy. They were married in 1963 and began their family together. As a father, Glen instilled in his daughters a strong sense of service to others; a commitment to family; a passion to pursue goals and in all these things, he led by example. Together, Glen and Nancy gave their daughters a childhood where they were nurtured with meticulous care, and encouraged to pursue the things that made them joyful. They took great joy in their role of grandparents to four boys. It was such a gift to these young men to have their sage advice, unwavering support and boundless love for so many years. In addition to his professional life, Glen was a committed member of Dublin Street United Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees for many years, sang in the choir, and in his later years, created wonderful flower arrangements for the church altar. This community of faith was a foundational pillar in his life. Glen was actively involved in the Geranium and Pelargonium Society and the Guelph Horticulture Society where he had the honour of being made a lifetime member. Each summer, Glen loved to teach gardening workshops in his lovely backyard. He was delighted when visitors noticed the bespoke details that were interspersed throughout his elegant gardens. In his 94th year, Glen is predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Nancy (nee Hebden) Cox, his parents Fred and Velma Cox, his parents-in-law Catherine and Merrill Hebden, and his sister-in-law Mary Heighton. Glen is profoundly missed by his daughters’ families: Carolyn, her husband Stephen and grandsons Tristan, Kieran and Ethan Rowins of Perth, Australia; and Janice, husband Brian and grandson Jonas Black of Courtice, Ontario. Glen is cherished by his brother and sister-in-law, Murray and Sharon Cox of Eramosa and his brother-in-law, Dr. Ron Hebden of Guelph. Glen treasured his close connections with his beloved niece’s family, Heather, Randy and their children Jordan, Austin and Dana. Glen also took great joy participating in family gatherings with his nephew’s family, Trevor, Colleen, Jack and Carter Cox of Arthur. The family are very grateful for the generous kindness of many friends and neighbours who supported Glen to remain in his home and maintain his glorious gardens. Special thanks to the compassionate medical team and volunteers at Hospice Wellington who so beautifully guided him through the last five weeks of his life. Glen’s room was a hub of friends and family who visited him regularly and supported him in his final days. Our family was so comforted by the holistic care that he received during his hospice stay. Endless thanks go out to his exceptional physician, Dr. C. Graham, his regular nurses, Claire, Afton and Cassandra and to the beautiful team of PSWs. His love of music was honoured through both the regular visits and hauntingly beautiful performances by Catherine Manning, the music therapist and his former student. A funeral and reception will be held for Glen on Thursday, June 5, at 11:00am in Dublin Street United Church, 68 Suffolk St W, Guelph. A private burial will take place at Rea’s Cemetery the following morning. Arrangements are entrusted to the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, 519-822-0051 or www.wallcustance.com. Expressions of gratitude may be directed in his memory to Hospice Wellington, Dublin Street United Church or the charity of your choice. A tree will be planted in memory of Glenwood T. Cox in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.