Richard Wray Cox, 85, of Crescent City, CA passed away January 1, 2023, at home surrounded by his wife Linda and two loving daughters.
He was born July 26, 1937 in San Francisco, CA to Frank and Peggy Cox. After attending school in San Francisco and graduation from Polytechnic High School in 1955, Richard moved to Arcata, CA to attend Humboldt State University, majoring in Forest Management. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Management January, 1960.
After receiving his degree, he began his career as a Forester for Simpson Timber Company while also joining and serving in the Army National Guard until 1966, where Richard received an Honorable Discharge. His career included working as the Forester/Timber Appraiser for the Del Norte County Assessor's Office, where Richard met and later married his wife Linda Brown, who worked as the secretary for the Superintendent of Schools, which was the office next door. Senior Timber and Range Land Appraiser for the California State Board of Equalization, Simonson Timber Company and Rellim Redwood Company. He retired as General Manager of Rellim Redwood Company in 1999. Richard always admired the employees and friends who worked in the timber/logging industry for their hard work and ethics. After retiring, he took pleasure taking walks in the redwoods on old logging roads with his wife and their black lab, Abby.
Over the years, Richard enjoyed being a member of the California Licensed Foresters Association, Coast District Technical Advisory Committee for the California Board of Forestry, Chairman of the Smith River Chapter of the Society of American Foresters and President of the Del Norte County Taxpayer's Association.
The time spent with his family was what he cherished the most. He was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors and the 49ers. In his youth, Richard enjoyed playing many different sports, especially playing baseball at Seals Stadium. He always loved talking about how much fun it was growing up in San Francisco and all the shenanigans he and his friends got into.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sally Smith, brother, Jeffrey Cox, mother and father-in-law, Ellen and John Brown.
He is survived and dearly missed by his wife of 59 years, Linda; daughters and son-in-law Deanna and Pat Russell of Crescent City, Andrea Sellers, Anderson, CA; granddaughters, Ashley Russell, Kodiak, AK; Kaitlyn Russell, Monterey, CA; Sarah (Kyle) Bellinger, Crescent City, grandson, Spencer Sellers, Anderson, CA; great-grandchildren, Ellie and Owen Bellinger; sisters, Judy Roberts, Lake Placid, FL; Kathy Antonson, University Place, WA; aunt, Betty Potter, Roseville, CA; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and Patrick Newman, Wishon, CA. He is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Blundell and his staff, Sutter Home Health nurses, and the Sanderling Dialysis Center nurse Jamie and the technicians.
A celebration of Richard's life will be on Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 1:00 until 4:00 pm at the Crescent City Fire & Rescue Building, 225 West Washington Blvd., Crescent City, CA . It will be a potluck, however, it is not necessary to bring a dish per the request of the family.
In Richard's memory, donations may be made to the Del Norte County Historical Society, 577 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531, where he enjoyed volunteering.