Donald Gregory Cox

Donald Gregory Cox

With great sadness we announce the passing of our cherished husband, father and grandfather, Donald (Don) Gregory Cox.

Don was born in Turtleford, Saskatchewan on December 8, 1932. The second oldest of seven children, Don worked on the family farm located in the Lashburn, Saskatchewan area with his mother, father and siblings. He developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for hard work at an early age when his father broke his back and Don had to take on running the tractor to plow the fields. These traits would carry him through his 91 year life journey.

At the age of 16, Don headed North to the Yukon where he worked as a welder and mechanic in Whitehorse. This marked the beginnings of his lifelong love of the Yukon and a business career North of 60 that would span over 70 years.

Soon after arriving in the Yukon, he returned to help his family on the new farm in Dawson Creek, B.C. It was during that time that he met the love of his life, Marie. They were married on September 3, 1960.

Don never forgot his time in the Yukon and soon felt the call to return. Don and Marie moved to Watson Lake in 1962, where they would have their two daughters and spend the next 17 years. During that time, Don owned and operated the Texaco Service Station, managed the local sawmill in Watson Lake and assumed the role of Cable Guy which, along with two partners started Performance Communications to bring cable networks to the Town of Watson Lake. As well, he played a valuable role as Chairman of the Local Improvement District in Watson Lake.

In 1979, while managing the tire shop for Northern Metalic Sales in Watson Lake, he was invited to buy into the company.  He jumped at the opportunity and moved to Whitehorse to operate the business which was later expanded to include seven branches across the North. Don Cox Enterprises later grew to include various business holdings which encompassed New North Truck & Equipment and New North Glass.  Don’s business pursuits also extended to placer (gold) mining along the Indian River where he and Marie spent so many enjoyable summers. He also tried his hand at silver mining in the Keno area.

Don’s personal interests were as much, if not more diverse than his professional career. Don assumed a love of flying and earned his pilot’s license in the 1980’s. He later purchased a plane in which he enjoyed traversing the territory and visiting his many Northern branches. He loved his 1955 Thunderbird and could often be found in the garage he built for it, working on making it roadworthy again.

As a lifelong Conservative, Don also took an active interest in politics and became involved with the Federal Progressive Conservative Party as a member and as the Federal Candidate for the Yukon riding during the 2000 general election. He cared deeply about the Yukon and did what he could to shape the Territory as a strong prosperous place to live and do business.

Above all, Don loved his family. A husband of 65 years, a father of two children, Karen St. Pierre (Don) and Susan McGrath (Steve), a grandfather to Nicole, Michelle, James, Luke and Mark, a brother to his remaining sister Betty and uncle to many nephews and nieces. Notably, his nephew John Carlson, who has worked along side Don for 40 years.

Like many seasoned Yukoners, Don pretty much worked every day of his life. When asked when he would retire, he would say, “you will be invited to my retirement party at Grey Mountain Cemetery”. Don will forever be remembered as a hardworking and successful businessman with a sense of humour and unequivocal love for his family and the Yukon.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Terry Fox Foundation (https://terryfox.org/) in Don’s name are greatly appreciated.