Obituary of Kenneth Cox

Kenneth "Ken" Cox of Armena passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the age of 71 years. Kenneth George Cox entered this world on January 9, 1943 in Stettler, Alberta to parents Thomas and Florence Cox. The Cox family moved to the Rosalind area when Ken was 9 years old where he attended East Lynn School until grade 5. He then went to Rosalind school until grade 10 when his principal told him "you are wasting your time at school" and he was also leaving his homework on the bus each night. So off he went to Vermillion Agricultural School. After two years Ken graduated top five in his class. Post graduation, Ken became employed at Byers Flour Mills in Camrose. On a peat moss delivery run to Pedersen's Greenhouse and still covered in flour, he met Verny Grettum. She decided in her mind then and there, "this was going to be her husband". Two and a half years later, this came true and they got married on July 2, 1966. They were blessed with a daughter (Lorraine), and son (Rustin). Ken's passion was livestock, particularly angus cattle which his family showed across North America for the next 30 years. He was also heavily involved in 4-H as a member, then leader and later inducted into the 4-H hall of fame. Ken and Verny purchased their farm in 1979 in the Armena area. At this point they were breeders and promoters of the Angus breed. Ken continued to work with the Angus breed over the next 35 years and became a representative for the Canadian Angus Association. Horses also played an important role in his life, raising quarter horses as a younger man, then later working with Alan and Wes Gordeyko and their Clydesdales. For the past six years Ken has used his faith and positive attitude to battle his cancer. As a means to keep himself motivated he and Verny made thousands of rope halters and Ken hand built several working sleighs and wagons. Ken is survived by his wife Verny; daughter Lorraine (Greg Bell); son Rustin (Cathy Miller); and two precious grandchildren Kendra and Cody whom he adored!! Also he is survived by his brothers Les, Darrell and Don. Ken was predeceased by his parents Tom and Florence, and his sister Dorothy Henry. Our love for him will go on forever.... Ken's last quote to Verny and Rusty on April 13, 2014......"If you take something out to use it.....Put it back!!!" A Funeral Service was held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from Camrose United Church with Mary Ann Pastuck officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Skafse Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to S.T.A.R.S., or to St. Mary's Palliative Care.