Kenton “Bud, Kenny, Ken” Gregory Cox, age 67, of Finley, Washington, passed Feb. 19, 2023, at his home from natural causes.
Ken was born in May of 1955 in Portland, Oregon, the youngest of four siblings, to Robert and Frances (Sanders) Cox. Robert and Frances had moved west in search of opportunity and when Ken was just three when they continued that journey north from Portland to the Tri-Cities, where Ken would become a lifelong resident.
Accounts told of Ken in childhood portrayed him as an energetic and lively child, well-accustomed to finding trouble appropriate for a boy of his age at the time; though he would be quick to remind you, if these accounts were coming from his older sisters they must be taken with a grain of salt.
Quick to adventure, a self described free spirit, always with a dog at his side (throughout life), Ken filled his youth with hunting, fishing and just getting out in nature as much as possible.
In 1969, he bought his first freedom in the form of a 1968 Honda cm91 step-thru frame motorcycle for $80. Beyond letting him explore his relatively rural setting, this first bike also started a love for motor bikes which only grew, and he and his 1975 Honda TL250 Trial bike would eventually join the Pacific Northwest Trials Association and he would “study the art of English Trials.”
Ken graduated from Kennewick High, class of 1973. After graduation, with his mechanical aptitude and mathematical mind, he embarked on a career in sheet metal work. He took welding courses from CBC, went to work at Jacobs and Rhoades as a sheet metal worker in 1975, and began his apprenticeship in March of 1977 at Foster Sheet Metal, with Local Union #55 (formerly Local #66).
It was at this time, just starting out in life, he took a chance on a blind date and he would meet Kelly McKinlay, setting up an eternal relationship, that even in death is surely not parted. After years of dating the two would be married on what has been described as an unreasonably hot day in August of 1981. They would have three children together Jacob, Jessica and Jorden.
Of the many admirable traits those close to him described of his personality, maybe the most apt remembrance is “he had a full and unwavering commitment to his family.” And if you were able to ask him he would undoubtedly say, of the many, the accomplishment he was most proud of was his family. Many of his favorite times were spent at their beach vacation home in Westport, Washington.
Ken had a quick wit and a bright, inquisitive mind. He stressed in his children the importance of finding purpose in life and education, whatever form that may take. Ken spent his entire career in the sheet metal and construction industry, and has been described by many as the “best sheet metal worker I ever had the honor to work with.”
Arguably, however, he was an even better teacher. The later half of his career Ken transitioned from sheet metal worker to sheet metal instructor; in so doing, finding a natural calling. Ken devoted his time and energy to countless students over the years, mentoring, training and guiding a whole generation in their careers. And while commendable on its own, his devotion to education did not stop with the union. He volunteered as a school board member with Finley School District for over a decade, with the constant north star that all children had a right to a quality education.
Ken retired in 2018 and stepped away from the school board shortly thereafter. He spent his days in retirement with his beloved dog Jasper — who he noted “was the best dog I or anybody ever had” — finally getting the time to work on the projects he put off during his working days, and planning a grand cross country adventure — an adventure which one hopes he will get to take on the other side.
As befitting a master sheet metal worker, his last project was a complete scale replica of the Bridge of the Gods to serve as the table centerpiece of his daughter Jessica’s wedding to the latest member of the family, Cory Cummings. It was truly one of the happiest days of his life.
In the end it is not possible to sufficiently and adequately describe a life in a few words in a newspaper, but for those foolhardy enough to try, remembered Ken as passionate, hardworking, funny and with a quick wit. A man of character and integrity who knew a little about everything. He excelled at connecting with people and was a great storyteller — he could have an hour long 5-minute conversation with anybody. A great man who leaves behind a legacy in all the people he touched.
Ken is preceded in death by his mother Frances and father Robert, his brother-in-law Dale Eggers, and his beloved soulmate and wife Kelly. He is succeeded by his sister Karon Eggers; his sister and brother-in-law Kathy and Dennis Mcglaughlin; his sister Roberta Walters; his brother and sister-in-law Scott and Vivian McKinlay; brother and sister-in-law Reed and Lisa McKinlay; and his sons Jacob and Jorden, daughter Jessica, son-in-law Cory Cummings, and a number of cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at Mueller’s Funeral Home, 1401 S Union St. Kennewick Washington 99338, Thursday, March 2 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 55 training center at 1718 W Sylvester St., Pasco Washington, 99301. The family asks any flowers be sent to the funeral home by 10 a.m. March 2. In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to Communities In Schools of Benton Franklin or the Finley Booster Club.
