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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
Served in the Navy 04 Apr 1938 - 21Nov 1971
COX, Peter S. - Following a short illness, Peter passed away peacefully at Saanich Peninsula Hospital with family holding his hand. He was predeceased by Joan, his beloved wife of 70 years and his sisters, Peggy Hickel and Pauline Coleman. He will be sorely missed by sons Mike (Maggie) and Bob (Jan) and brother Tony. Dear to Peter's heart were his grandchildren Nicole (Brian) Lotz, Tara (Mike) Nevard and David Cox and his great grandchildren, Oliver, Logan, Abigail, Danika and Dorian. Peter was born in Walsall, England and moved to the Wycliffe, B.C as an infant. His family lived in the Kootenays until Peter was twelve when a move to Victoria kindled his lifelong love of the ocean. He remained a man of the sea and sail until his passing. He began building boats as a hobby in his teens. In April 1938, at 17 and just prior to high school graduation from Vic High, Peter enlisted in the Canadian Navy as a boy seaman. He served throughout the war including convoy duty in the North Pacific and sailed on the St. Laurent, Baddeck, Sackville and Matane. It was during this war service in England that he met and married 'Joan' the love of his life. Peacetime service saw him serve on many other ships including the Ontario, Fortune and Cape Breton. However, as would be expected, his last posting as skipper of HMCS Oriole, was the highlight of his career. Following Navy retirement, employment at the Dockyard on the Navy Auxiliary vessels kept him on the boats and financed his final boat project, the 36 foot "Alioth", which he built in his backyard over five years. This sailboat provided Peter and Joan years of enjoyment on the waters around Vancouver Island. Peter was a great walker and a dog lover. Daily he and Joan could be seen on the streets and trails near his home with his own dogs, Bob and Jan's dogs and many a neighbour's dog as well. Peter will be remembered as a gentleman and sailor. A quiet, kind, dedicated and pragmatic man who loved his family and asked for little in life but his home, boats, newspaper, dessert and talk about ships and seafaring of any sort. Many people made it possible for Dad to remain in his home in Saanich until this July. Our family wishes to thank his neighbours who always kept an eye on him and Mom - Carol and Mike, Rob and Lenore, Peggy and Brian. Many thanks also to Dr. Benjamin How for his years of excellent care, Broadmead Veterans Health and Berwick Royal Oak, Dad's lovely home for the past five months. Dad spent his final days with the wonderful staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Special thanks to Dr. Bosenberg for his generosity of time, patience and interest during Dad's stay and to nurses Judith and Sara who cared for him in his final hours. Fair winds and following seas and long may your big jib draw, Dad. No service by request. Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services. A gathering to honour Peter will be held in the coming weeks. If desired, donations in Peter's memory may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society, 101-1537 Hillside Ave., Victoria, B.C., V8T 4Y2 (The Victoria Times Colonist 08 Nov 2014)
Ships served in: HMS ALAVANIA HMS EXCELLENT HMS VERNON HMS SAFEGUARD HMCS COMOX - 3rd Commanding Officer HMCS ORIOLE - Commanding Officer 1970-1972
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