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Donald Cox Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Cox
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Kc
December 9, 2023
I will never forget Donald . He made me self aware on all fronts
He was a coach a teacher and a friend
He taught me life lessons I will forever value
Thank you
October 15, 2014
I just found this and my heart is sadden. Mr. Cox changed my life in so many ways. He was amazing! He was the first teacher that believed in me. Mr. Cox was such a talented man who knew how to motivate and bring out the best in the art of acting.
Big Dave
February 24, 2012
Rest well PapaFat. i've visited this site before, but now that my dad is in hospital the finality of it all hits me hard and its not all drama. You taught me that drama is life, even though I was "just" your lighting and stage tech (and sometimetime actor/stooge) You are and will always be missed dear man. I wish everyone had had the chance to know you.
Your friend,
Dave "BFD" (Big Deal) Cowden
Karen Coltun
January 16, 2012
I have been trying to find Don for years, and sadly this is where I have found him. I owe much of my professional experience and discipline to this man. He has imprinted knowledge and wisdom in my life that I will never forget. Rest in peace you grand man. with love your stroller.
Jonathn Douglas
August 3, 2011
I was honored to have know this man. He was the one person who I could count on after moving to Virginia after losing my mom. He always believed in the good that was in each of us and always offered an ear and a shoulder to lean on. I'm am lucky to have had him play such an important part in my life!
Casey Stamas
March 17, 2011
I never learned so much from one man as I have from this one. Mr. Cox, you never let me down and always had me laughing. Not a day goes by when you don't cross my mind. I replay so many memories in my head from you. I miss you so deeply. But, throughout my day I can feel your presence. Keep watching over me, I know you will!
elizabeth kemp
January 15, 2011
It is with great shock and sorrow that i read the news of the loss of Don Cox. I was telling people just tonight about the man who helped me to believe ~ in something ~ in art, in myself. He sent me on my way, to New York, with " An Actor Prepares" by Stanislavsky. It became as much of a guide for me as Don Cox had been. He will always be the inspiration, saving grace , hero, guide and dear friend who changed the course of my life forever. I cannot imagine how many broken hearts he has left behind . I am one, and i will always have a candle lit for you, dear Don,you did show me the way, with your powerful light and endless fervent creative spirit. Your great laugh and your giant smile will never leave me
With all my love, dear teacher~
Elizabeth
Yvonne Erickson (Graetzer)
June 7, 2010
Drama class was my sanctuary in high school. I learned so much about theatre and life. I met friends I still have after 39 years. Don cast me in my first play and here I am, still in the "biz" after all this time. Much gratitude for setting me on my journey.Oakton H.S.,Class of '74
charlie
March 24, 2010
No one person ever influenced my life the way Don did and I will always be grateful for that. Tonight I will light a candle and remember....
Pam Bessler Phillips
March 9, 2010
Wow, I was just forwarded this information and am shocked. I have the fondest memories of Don's guidance during Am. Musical Theater and then Godspel. Thank you for believing in me...may you rest in peace Don. My deepest sympathies to your Aunts and Friends
Gary Little
February 24, 2010
I just found out the news and it saddens my heart. So many memories of Don and drama class. I learned more than just about acting by being around him. Many lessons about life were learned as well, both from him and those that came before me. Rest in peace DON, you will be missed.
m g
February 2, 2010
he will be missed
Nic Beery
February 1, 2010
If any of you have photos of Don, or photos of his students or plays or Busch Gardens, or even video or audio tapes, I am thinking of putting together a short documentary on Mr. Cox.
Contact me at [email protected]
Thanks you,
Nic
Vanessa Cole
January 30, 2010
"This Guest Book has been kept online anonymously."
Thank you, whoever you are.
Shari Hunter
January 12, 2010
This extraordinary man influenced so many of us at Oakton ('79), in ways he may not have known! His laughter, his joy of life, his nature...to hold life dear, and his friend and budding actors, even higher! Thank you for being in my life Don! YOU are truly missed and truly loved by many.....I will see you soon my mentor! Shari Hunter
Catherine Wilson
December 29, 2009
What a heartbreak to find Don only in this way. I recognized his birthday before I realized I was reading an obituary. He was only 26 when teaching us, challenging us, teasing us, mentoring us. His classroom was a haven and an experience, a frustration and a challenge. I used to borrow the soundtrack recordings he'd bring home from his trips to NYC--get him to tell me about every show, every memory. Taking notes while he criticized shows he was directing. That bellowing voice, "Are we going to begin the scene any time?" then muttering to me (scribbling as fast as I could), "Tell her that was terrible. No, wait, now that was good. Underline that. Good!" The laugh that echoed in our barn of a theater. The time I was dying of embarrassment (dress blew over my head on the Empire State!) and even though he was red-faced from laughing, he still squeezed my shoulder and kindly advised me, "You laugh, too." Then two British sailors threw 27 cents at me, said "Jolly good show," and we both cracked up. He later gave me a Thespian Point for "Performance on the Empire State," and when I said it hardly warrented the point, he said "Sure it does. Think of what you learned that day." A true teacher.
Lara Johnson
December 27, 2009
I have many happy memories of drama class with Mr. Cox. He's one of the few teachers that I do remember. I also remember the many productions we did and his sense of humour and fun. I'm glad to have known him.
Lara Johnson (was Swinburne), Dorset, England
Greg Blackburn
December 26, 2009
Don was such a positive influence on so many kids like, and unlike, me (Oakton High, '81). Tolerant, accepting, he helped us all develop what we couldn't yet see in ourselves, and staged the kids who did see already into great productions. He crafted classroom exercises and invited former students back as models. For technical theater students, he provided special textbooks, shuttled us to lighting supply warehouses, worked out stage direction, cue sheets, trusted us with access and tools in catwalks, and went absolutely out of his way to help us develop, by example, what it takes to make a show.
His classroom, the stage, backstage, became the environment where I felt most comfortable then and realize now that I learned the most. It's such a shock to begin an internet search with his passing.
He encouraged all his students, whether onstage or in the light box, to be fully engaged and absolutely on. His sense of humor was great, his seriousness counted when it mattered, and his dedication was absolute.
I have so many fond memories and funny anecdotes for Don, am so sorry not to be able to share them with him now. He's a real presence still.
Katie Whitman (Peninsula Catholic Class of '11)
December 26, 2009
Mr. Cox was,without doubt,the most amazing person I will ever have the good fortune to meet. He helped me in more ways than I can possibly count and for that I will forever be in his debt. He taught me to relax and to take risks and to believe in myself even when things seemed impossible, He truly gave me so much! It is still hard to believe that he is gone, but I know that he will always be with me and every one of the other people that he has touched. I am truly a better person for having known him and senior year will not be the same without him there to make it awesome. However we will carry on and continue the work he has started to make theatre at Peninsula Catholic so great. I for one will never forget his laughter (BAH!) or his ability to see potentential in those who did not see it in themselves. Thank you, Mr. Cox. I love you so much.
Gary Bradt
December 17, 2009
I add my voice to the chorus. Don called me to acting before I had recognized it as a calling in myself. To see the number of folks from my generation (Oakton HS class of '74) to the current day singing his praises says so much about the man. I was blessed to know him.
December 16, 2009
Mr Cox will be missed. I had him for English and he made it enjoyable. He is one of the few I remember well and with fond memories. Cathy Hudgins(Centreville,Va)
Vanessa Cole
December 16, 2009
As one of the many from Oakton High School, I can't begin to express my gratitude to Don for what he gave to me. Like the others, Don was my friend, teacher, mentor, inspiration, and encouragement. Upon moving to Williamsburg several years ago, I was able to reconnect with Don; what a blessing!
It's hard to believe that 30-some years ago Don entered my life and would remain there. It was because of Don that I became a drama teacher and now teach at a private school here in Williamsburg. Thank you, Don for blessing my life. May I always remember your wisdom and may I carry on your legacy and give to my students the way you gave to me and so many others.
Jim Steere
December 16, 2009
As a freshman at Oakton High School, I was introduced to an entirely different way to approach life by Don Cox. Some of us remember the Virginia One Act Play Festival where we performed an experimental performance of the Book of Genisis. I have never been the same since that time. Over the next four years his display of courage and insight changed me to believe in abilities I didn't know existed within. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be his students must be that inspiration to our students, our children and our peers. So now, "Mr Cox," 37 years later, I'm lifting you up in prayer! Just amazing!
Bob Cole
December 16, 2009
Don Cox was a teacher, mentor and friend. He taught me how to grow and to channel energy and frustration into a creative process. He aided me during a tough time of life when I needed wise counsel from an adult. He taught, befriended, and challenged many of us. He was my teacher at Oakton from 1974-1978. He taught me to spread my wings. I will miss him.
Lisa Gendell
December 16, 2009
Don Cox was an amazing drama teacher in high school. He was the "one" who helped me decide to major in theater in college. To this day I am still working in an off-broadway theater in NYC as the box office manager. Thanks Don!! We will all really miss you!!
Christopher Albers
December 16, 2009
Don was my drama teacher 1979-1981. He was more than a teacher to me, he was my friend. He impacted my life in so many ways, helped me through some difficult times, and shared in some wonderful triumphs.
He created a community where kids could tap into their creative power and pull off amazing performances. The quality of Don's work at Oakton High School was outstanding, his troups garnering recognition from their peers, the surrounding community and the state of Virginia. He was truly a directorial marvel. He created a version of Jesus Christ Superstar that outstripped its high school origins. Only those who witnessed this spectacle or were a part of it can truly understand...
I will miss Don and his ascerbic wit, his voluminous energy, and his challenges to be more than we are.
Thank you, Don. I love and will miss you.
Tim & Annette Kulzer
December 16, 2009
Where to begin. We have been with Mr Cox since day one. He is a once in a lifetime find. Only by a fluke did our jock of a son get an amazing opportunity to learn from this talented man. Never satisfied for doing things small, he incorporated all my boys in one play. Leave it to Don to rewrite the play to suit himself. And there it began. Turning our boys into "drama kings". We have so many fond memories,too many to mention. Know that you are sadly missed and that PC nor our lives will ever be the same.
Gary Logan
December 16, 2009
It's so gratifying to see that your influence as a mentor of young people will continue for so long, Don, as the young ones move through their lives and careers for decades to come. You were an extremely positive influence during difficult times, changing my life in profound ways. 37 years ago, you gave me my first lines in a play, and I've never stopped since. As a mentor, you showed us how high the bar is in the performing arts and gave us the shoulders to stand on in order to reach it. You never shied away from creative challenges, demanded the most from everyone, and never (ever) took credit for any of your enormous accomplishments. As a friend, your faithfulness was devout. Your passion for your students, your dedication to the performing arts, and your joy for life will all be deeply missed. You made this world a better place.
Thank You, Don.
I'm now the Director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company's MFA acting program in Washington, D.C. and involved in six productions a year. That's something you would never take credit for, but I lay it at your feet anyhow. I wouldn't be here were it not for you, your incredible training, and your friendship. All My Love, and I hope to see you on the other side, God willing.
December 16, 2009
As a student of Mr. Cox, I was able to experience how amazing he was to have at Peninsula Catholic High School. He took his students seriously and treated us like young adults. He was highly repsected for a reason, due to the respect he gave us. I remember his infectious laugh and his wonderful humor. He reminded me not to always be too serious and to try to have some fun. My regards go out to his family and friends. I know the many lives he touched just at Peninsula Catholic High School. He will be dearly missed but always remembered. There is another wonderful soul in heaven to look down upson us. Thank you Mr. Cox for what you did for all those that you touched in your life.
Much love.
December 16, 2009
It was terrific and inspiring to know him and have him as a teacher/director in High School. I was a student at Oakton High School 1975-1979, and worked on stage and back stage for many of his productions. It was always a magical experience to work on his shows...and one I never wanted to miss. The ways he would challenge us to work hard and learn taught me a great deal, and not just about theater. It created a love of performing arts that still lives within me. He was a great teacher, inspiring director and just good a person. Wish I had been in touch in recent years.
Karen Shortridge-Cole
December 16, 2009
Don Cox was an amazing drama teacher at Oakton HS. He really changed everyone's lives and will be truly missed. I just started talking to him again last year since the 70's and he was still an inspiration. He will be truly missed!!
Lisa G.
Lori Crockett
December 16, 2009
Don Cox believed in my abilities long before I ever did. He gave me opportunities to grow and shine, and I would not be who I am today without his influence, his encouragement, and his passion for bringing out the best in people. My sincere condolences to family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Roseann Sheridan
December 16, 2009
Don was my teacher, my friend, my mentor. I was his student at Oakton High School and his inspiration to me is why I pursued theatre. I have been working professionally for over 25 years and now run my own theatre company. More than anything else, Don created a place where I could belong; he created family. I grieve his loss deeply. My condolences to all who knew him, and all who were touched by him.
wende walsh
December 16, 2009
God must have needed someone to make him smile and laugh, so he brought Don home. A friend and colleague at Oakton High School in the 70's, it wasn't until I went to productions at other high schools that I discovered that the typical Don Cox production was so superior. He brought out the best in kids. We have all missed him since he left Oakton. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Nic Beery
December 16, 2009
Don Cox was my drama teacher at Oakton High School in 1980 and 1981. Then I was fortunate to work for him at Busch Gardens in 1981 and 1982.
Don was a very special friend and I was fortunate to have him in my life. He brought out the best in so many people.
We lost touch for while, 26 years in fact, but I was able to get back in contact with him and tell him how much he affected my life in a positive, way. We had been emailing, laughing, telling old stories and catching up. He was so proud of his current job and students.
I will miss Don Cox, but I also know that he is still out there, in each of us, inspiring us to achieve, to be the best we can be and to never give up.
On top of that, he made sure that all of us should enjoy life, for he has just shown us that it is short and precious.
God Bless You Don,
Love, Nic
Cathy Evans Pollack
December 15, 2009
I'm one of Don's students from Oakton High School, 1975-79. After being out of touch with him for decades, I Googled him and found him on the PCHS website. It was wonderful sharing high school theater memories over the last few years. I had hoped for many more. Don was the single biggest influence in my young life. I didn't have a whole lot of talent, but I tried really hard and Don always recognized and rewarded that. He also taught me that I did not have to be on stage to be valuable. His memory will be with me always.
Greg "LineGuy" Dyer
December 15, 2009
Donald Cox, was not a teacher to me. He was my best friend. I took so many times with him for granted and now im cherishing every minute I got to spend with him. He truly changed my life and made me the teen i have become. He really introduced me to drama and i never knew how he was going to impress me next, but he always found a way. I loved Mr. Cox more than just a student could. He was like a father to me. His laugh still rings in my head and I find myself saying some of his infamous quotes. This man changed my life and so many other "lost" teenagers.
December 15, 2009
It's hard to even fathom the number of lives Don has touched. The confidence he has instilled in these children will carry them a long way. My two daughters have been blessed to have had the benefit of his encouragement, support, and wisdom. I am blessed to have been his friend. He gave his all until the end. Thank you, Don, for being the wonderful gift you have been to so many. We will miss you so much, but will carry on in your honor.
~The Graysons
Lena Alvesteffer
December 15, 2009
Mr. Cox took me in to the Drama family as a green shoot. I was quiet and lacked self-confidence. Then this wonderful man somehow saw inside of me a potential, a person, I never fully understood, the personality that loved to talk and to express herself. He showed me how to become the person I truly am, the person who I always wanted to be, but didn't have the courage. Mr. Cox, you are my inspiration!
December 15, 2009
Mr. Cox is one of the people who will be remembered by everyone he met, taught or inspired by different things, but we all seem to meet on one page. We haven't just lost a director, or a teacher, or a mentor, but every single person who knew him can agree that we've lost a friend. He reached out to everyone he could and treated all of us with a love and respect that changed lives. As one of his students and actors, he showed me a strength and confidence that is useful onstage as much as off, and has brought me closer with my family and friends as well as honed my talents like I never thought possible. As long as I perform, Mr. Cox will be right there on the stage, in the audience and in my heart. I don't think he'd have it any other way.
Jill Belote
December 15, 2009
Mr. Cox was such a great teacher and person. He was greatly loved by all and will be missed. He will always be in our hearts.
Kelly Barry
December 15, 2009
Words cannot express how deeply this man affected my life. He changed my high school experience, self-image and helped shape me into the young woman I am today. I am so privileged to have known him for the last five years. Being in his shows was the most pleasant experience in high school. He gave me confidence, support, comfort and inspiration. After I graduated, he continued to be a source of laughter, wisdom and good times. I cherish the memories I spent with him and grieve solemnly with the rest of the PCHS community for our loss.
Susan Skelly
December 15, 2009
The Peninsula Catholic High School family was so lucky to have Mr. Cox on faculty teaching and working with our students in the production of the wonderful plays that he and the students put on. The students just loved him!! We will miss him but memories of him will live in our hearts forever! God Bless him and our deepest condolences to his family!!!
Joe, Susan, and Christine (class of 2008) Skelly
December 15, 2009
May God Bless Don and his Family. He was such an inspiration to the Peninsula Catholic High School students, and a good friend to everyone. We will miss him. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Billy Gargaro
December 15, 2009
No words can express the loss. Don is one of those people that come once in a lifetime. He will be sorely missed and his life will continue to be celebrated in everyone he touched.
December 15, 2009
Don was a modern renaissance man who changed the world one student at a time through respect, grace and laughter.
It was an honor to know him. It was an honor to have him help form the foundation and future of my children. The creative nature of my sons, their ability to express themselves freely and their willingness to take chances in life are due to this wonderful man. Don, I miss you already. With the greatest respect and appreciation, Jim Hosack (father of his former students J.T. and Brennan Hosack)
Carol Romeo
December 15, 2009
What an impact this son of God had on so many people. We only knew him for a couple of years through our sons' participation in Drama at Peninsula Catholic, but he had a profound affect on us all. Not only does our son want to pursue acting because of Mr. Cox's passion and direction in this arena, but the love and friendship he afforded him has made him mature and overcome the unsteady waters of being a teenager. Thank you, Mr. Cox. We only wish we could have known you longer. Rest in peace.
With sadness, but joy in knowing he's with God.
The Romeo family
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