We regret to announce the passing of Dr. Leonard Cox of Victoria, BC on August 25th, 2018. Len was born on July 27th, 1931 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Len was a happy young man with many friends and enjoyed the attention of a large extended family. He attended the University of Saskatchewan in 1949 with the intention of a career in Engineering but influenced by a maternal aunt nurse-anesthetist chose medicine after undergrad.
He met and married Greta Gustauson of Turtleford, SK in 1957, and began in family practice in Prince Albert in 1959. He entered a surgical residency in Winnipeg in 1962 and accepted a Urology residency position in Boston in 1963, now with Greta and three children in tow. On completion, he trained in New York at Columbia Presbyterian in pediatric urology under the direction of the legendary Dr. John Latimer. Leonard was offered a position at Harlem Hospital as Assistant Professor but declined in favour of returning with Greta to Canada, now with 4 children, to Victoria, BC at the invitation of doctors Hopkins and Duxbury, to begin the modern practice of pediatric urology to Vancouver Island in 1967.
He was the second fellowship-trained pediatric urologist to come to BC and the first in Victoria. Len had a very full combined adult and pediatric urology practice in association with Dr. Bruce Piercy and had a special interest in the surgical management of erectile dysfunction. Leonard was well loved and respected by his urology group, residents and interns and especially by his patients.
Len, like Dr. Latimer, his mentor, had an array of interests and activities outside of practice, including travel, large dogs, private aviation and his beloved cottage at Sproat Lake in Port Alberni. Len had “nine lives”, with multiple mishaps resulting from his firm belief that he could do anything any tradesman, plumber, electrician, roofer, farmer or landscaper could do. Somehow, he always escaped.
He bore his final illness, metastatic esophageal cancer with dignity and in typical Len fashion chose the time and date of his passing, just after his and Greta’s 61st wedding anniversary. He will be missed for his social grace, good humour, and energy.
He leaves behind Greta and his 5 children, Sandra, Jacqueline, Roberta, Jonathan and Adam, as well as their spouses, and 14 grandchildren.
Len declined a funeral service. A Celebration of Life is planned for November 10, 2018 starting at 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Uplands Golf Course, 3300 Cadboro Bay Rd, Victoria, BC V8R 5K5. Please contact jacquiecox@shaw.ca for further details.
Condolences to the family may be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Jim and Sue Gemmill
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Barbara Kinahan Our condolences to Greta and Family on the death of Len. We always saw Len with a happy, enthusiastic smile, he will be missed by many.
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Carolyn McIntosh Barter Living next door to your family for a few short years left me with a lifetime of memories….including driving Dr. cox “crazy” by phoning every day, or several times per day to play with the girls! He was a warm and caring man and I am sorry for your great loss.
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Karen Oliver I am so sorry to here of the passing of such a wonderful man and doctor. I worked in the operating room in Victoria for many years and always enjoyed time spent scrubbing for Dr Cox. After moving to Port Alberni I was so pleased to hear that he visited our hospital on a regular basis. He always had news of friends and workmates in Victoria. He was full of energy and humor always pleasant and respectful. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure to know him.
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Jim Nugent MD So sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Whenever I bumped into Len (usually in the Medical Imaging Dept), I was always struck by his good nature and enthusiasm for all things, his expertise in his medical work and his enjoyment of people and life. A visit with Len always brightened my day.
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Lynn Burnip I knew Dr. Cox from his Port Alberni days at WCGH … I was a nurse there and the staff always loved the days when he had a slate. He was well respected, the staff loved his sense of humour and of course he always told us how much he loved the lake and valley. I am sorry for your loss and condolences to the whole family.
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Tia I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Dr. Cox from the old hospital in Port Alberni; we shared many a laugh and glass of lemonade. Dr. Cox also looked after my parents and my mum also chose her own date for passing which was shortly after my dad passed away a few months ago. You are all in my thoughts and his sense of humour will live on and he will be missed. May you all find a new normal in time.
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Carol Lee Cochran Len was a fine man who loved his family very much. He would have enjoyed the humor of his “trades escapade” comment… My condolences to Greta and family for your loss. May memories of happier times help ease your sorrow.
With sympathy,
Carol
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Lloyd Rushton As a previous patient beginning 30 years ago, his expertise and care has allowed me to live a healthy and happy life. And the care and attention he provided was always with a smile and warm sense of humour.
Always grateful. Thank you Leonard!
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Donna Clements, MD I am so sorry for your loss. I shall miss out conversations at Thriftys on dogs and travel.
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Howard Singer He was a well respected colleague in the Medical community and well thought of by his peers.
Fond memories of his sense of humor while doing minor procedures on you. He is gone but not forgotten.
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John Kinahan That’s a beautiful eulogy for a wonderful man. I was lucky enough to enjoy close collaboration and to learn at the elbow of a real master….his wit and charm were boundless. His legacy lives on.
John Kinahan
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Shawn Garside McKean I’ve known your family for about 50 years and always considered Dr. Cox to be one of my other dads. I’m so sorry for your loss. You have all been in my thoughts.
Greta and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will miss Leonard. I always enjoyed our aviation chats “over the fence”. We will miss him dearly. If we can be of any help please let us know.
Your neighbours. Jim and Sue