
R. Keith Cox passed away January 20, 2010 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was born to Robert Cox and Bonnie Whitelock on November 13, 1946. Keith attended Davis County Schools along with Weber State University where he played tennis, winning a Big Sky Doubles Championship. Keith received his Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and for a short time counseled kidney transplant patients. Keith was Weber State University’s Head Tennis Coach for both the men and women’s teams. Keith served as the men’s tennis coach for 29 seasons and was the women’s head coach for 24 seasons. He was named the most successful coach in the history of the Big Sky Conference by the record books, Keith led the Wildcat’s men’s and women’s tennis teams to 11 and 10 Big Sky championships, respectively. Keith was named Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year 19 times, and during the 1988-89 school year, he was honored as District Seven Men’s Coach of the Year and the Central Region Women’s Coach of the Year. From 1983-1989, the men’s tennis team won seven league titles in a row, and the women won nine out of 10 league titles from 1983-1992. He was also honored by the Weber County Commission and the Utah State Legislature for his career achievements. Keith married Carolyn F. Hamor December 17, 1969. Together they had one daughter Tiffany. They were later divorced. He then married Connie Kenny August 13, 1977. Together they had 2 sons; Aaron and Andrew. Keith is survived by his wife Connie, daughter Tiffany and son-in-law Michael Taurone of Clearfield, UT., 2 sons; Aaron and Andrew of Ogden, UT., father, Robert Cox, sister Kathy (Scott) Taggart, brother-in-laws; Kenneth Robbins, Jim Kenny and Joe (Paula) Kenny, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and his sister. Special thanks to the “Angels” at Mountain Ridge Meadows Unit and Hospice for Utah. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Leavitt’s Mortuary 836 36th Street, Ogden. Family and friends may call from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2010, and one hour prior to the services at the mortuary.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Keith Cox Memorial Fund %WSU Development Office 4018 University Circle Ogden, UT. 84408
Connie, Aaron, Andrew and Tiffany,
I have not known a finer man than Coach Cox. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Laura Shepard (Henderson, NV, )
You were always ready to help the Landscape Dept get things ready for matches, you will be missed . John Landscape Manager ( retired )
John Hall (Roy, UT)
I knew Keith in both elementary and high school but had lost track of him after HS graduation when we left the area. He was always such a special person and intelligent classmate, and I am saddened by his passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss for family, friends and this world.
Jeanne Jensen (Pullman, WA)
Thinking of all of you during this sad time and sending warm embraces. Much love to you.
Anne Zimmerman (San Francisco, CA)
Connie I am so sorry for your loss.
Kevin Thorpe (, )
Dear Kathy,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss.
Sincerely,
Billie Jean
Billie Jean Merrill (Layton, UT)
Connie, I was so sad to hear about the loss of your husband. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love ya, Dana
Dana Rogers (Ogden, UT)
We are so sorry to hear of Keith's passing. Ken and I are out of the state and won't return until Sunday so we will miss Keith's services. However, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we will be thinking of you tomorrow. Remember how much I care about you, my dear friend. I will see you soon when we get home. All our love to you and the boys - Ken & Chris
Ken & Chris Bissenden (Ogden, Utah, )
I had the privilege of being friends with Keith from grade school through High School. He started at third base when I played short shop on our high school team. While he was later best remembered for his tennis playing and coaching successes, he was always an all-round talent in whatever he chose to undertake. He will be missed..
Brent Poll (South Weber, Utah)
Connie: Please accept my sincere condolences. I played tennis for Weber State in the 70s with cousin Keith as my coach. We come from the Orville Sutherland Cox line. Keith is the best coach I've ever had. I didn't realize until I saw his obituary that he had counseled kidney transplant patients. I would have liked to talk to him about that since I am a kidney transplant patient. Keith had many admirable qualities which I'm sure were brought out at his funeral. My deepest sympathies. Aloha, Dave Cox
David Cox (Henderson, Nevada)
Please accept my condolences. Keith was a great man and a superb tennis coach. He was there for me during a very difficult time in my life and I will always be thankful for his support to both myself and my family. He made a profound impact on many lives and for that he will always be remembered.
Hilary Horvat (New York, New York, )
Heartfelt condolences to the Cox family.....I played for Coach Cox in the early 90's......good man, the group of kids he coached had a lot of fun back then, many great memories!!
Hans Lissman (Indianapolis, Indiana, )
Dear Connie and Family,
We were all so sorry to hear of Keith's passing. He was always so kind and hospitable when we visited whilst Alex was on the team in the '90s .He was of course a great coach and made university life so good for both the teams. We will always remember him. Philip, Alex and Lisa send their deepest condolences to you all at this very sad time.
Honor Incorvaja (St. Andrews, Malta, )
It was very sad to hear about Coach Cox's passing. I played for him in the 90's and cherish some of the most special memories of my life playing tennis for WSU. My deepest condolences to his family. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Claire Arrigo (nee Gatt) (Malta - Europe, )
It was very sad to hear about Coach Cox! He was a great man! My prayer's are with all of the family!
Inalise Pienaar (South Africa, )
My deepest sympathies to the whole Cox family. I played tennis for Coach Cox at Weber State, he was one of the best mentors I ever had. He will be deeply missed.
Shari Wilmoth Skaja (Salt Lake City, UT)
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