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Chuck Cox Obituary

Chuck COX 1943 ~ 2009 Born 1943 in Seattle to Bud and Val Cox. Chuck was proud to be a part of the first graduating class of Ingraham High '61. He was the keyboard man for The Regents, a local Seattle Band. They performed at the Seattle World's Fair. Chuck did a 3-year stint in the U.S. Army/Germany. He became fluent in German and joined other U.S. soldiers in a rock band playing local clubs in Germany. A UW grad, he joined Seattle Transit in '67 remaining with Seattle's transit system over 41 years. Chuck was the darling husband of Barbara Chesnutt; very proud father of William Charles Cox. Chuck had a passion for gold panning and prospecting. He enjoyed boogie board surfing in Mazatlan and never met a dog he didn't want to pet. Chuck gave colon cancer a huge fight for almost 4 years. If you ever went river rafting on the Yakima with Chuck or on a gold panning expedition with him or just had the privilege of knowing Chuck, you knew he was someone who would be your friend forever. Chuck was fun, loving, passionate and a darling man. I'll miss you, Mr. Melish. Love, Enid. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to P.A.W.S., P. O. Box 1037, Lynnwood, WA 98046, www.paws.org. Please sign the online guestbook at www.legacy.com Hoffner Fisher & Harvey

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Chuck Cox

Sponsored by Washington Prospectors Mining Association.

67 Entries

John Bramblett

January 17, 2023

I still think of my special prospecting trip with Chuck and the sandbar on the Wenatchee in 100 degree heat. That trip inspired me to buy a dredge and spend time on local rivers underwater using my Hookah and Chuck's teaching until 2014 when I had a heart attack and had to give up dredging. I still marvel about that trip with Chuck and his generous spirit.

john bramblett

February 6, 2012

Chuck took me dredging back in the 90' s out in Wenatchie. I was in Seattle on business and a novice at prospecting. Chuck brought equipment for me and we camped on a gravel bar by a train trestle in 100the degree heat. I will never forget Chuck's generosity towards me. So sorry to hear of his death. Noun o

the CSECT

April 22, 2009

dear ma'am i didn't know your husband personally but please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss;cancer almost took my mother, and i am praying for you,your husband and your family

Barbara Chesnutt

March 6, 2009

Happy Birthday, Baby!

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Daryl Raines

February 24, 2009

I don't need to comment on his SENCE of HUMOR, "Chicken anyone", or the FACT HE STOOD BEHIND his people! Definitly one of my most ADMIRED managers. I still LAUGH, when I think about OUR little secret about "RR"! Thank YOU for one of my most memorable Humerous and MANY Work related Metro experiences! THANKS from me and a few other LUCKY Supervisor's to have worked with YOU! RIP, YOUR FAMILY is in our prayers today.

Les Berg

February 18, 2009

We first met Chuck years ago at our first gold show in Wa. He always looked forward to us bringing Sunny our yellow lab, had a hug and a rub for her every few hours. He was a friend and will be missed by all who new him.

David Beals

February 13, 2009

To the Cox family and all the people Chuch reached out too.

Chuck played an important part in both my son and my life. He was a great insperation to me and everyone in came into contact with. I will miss the time we shared togher in July on Myrtle Creek area. May the lord bless you and watch over your family!

David Beals

Thurman Fremstad

February 12, 2009

I'll never forget his laugh. It reverberates in my spirit every time I think of him. It may be a location we interacted or a joke or story I hear again. His laughter and clever wit changed many dull or difficult moments during various projects we were involved in together.

My deepest condolences to Barb and William. I was out of town during the Memorial Service. Sorry I couldn't attend.

Sincerely,

Thurman

Millionair Club

February 5, 2009

We at the Millionair Club in Seattle sends our warmest condolences to your family. We know loosing a loved one is difficult and hope that your faith, family & friends help you through such a difficult time. The Bible says that those who fall asleep in death have a hope for a resurrection of the righteous & unrighteous in a beautiful cleansed earth. One free of crime, sickness and death! Yes, one free of all the raves of this system of things. Yes, that means there is a possibility that you could see Chuck again. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

With Sympathy,

The Millionair Club
2515 Western Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98121

Dave & Beth Hale

February 2, 2009

Barb & William,
Please know you are in our thoughts. Chuck loved life and it showed. He became an instant friend with his wonderful smile and visiting with him always left you feeling better. Thank you for sharing Chuck with us.
Love to you both.

Dave Kuntz

February 1, 2009

I was, as well as every member of the WPMA, lucky to have known Chuck, if only through club meetings and events. He was always there to help the member’s and serve the young the curious and noobs like me the best he could. Of the many measures of a man’s life, one is the vacuum he leaves behind that only he can fill. Chuck will be sorely missed.
God bless you Chuck and all your loved ones.

Gary Anshutz and Family

January 30, 2009

Having just found out about this is such a shock.
Chuck truly had a heart of gold as all the others have well noted.

I have had the honor to have known Chuck since only 1992 when I joined the association.
He was always honest, truthful, and there to help anyone.
I only wish I could have been closer to Seattle to enjoy his company more often.

Our Prayers of strength for you Barbara and William.

Susan Picht

January 30, 2009

Am so sorry to hear about Chuck. He worked with my Dad (Howie Picht) and it was great to work with him and others on Dad's memorable retirement party. Chuck had a way of making things fun. And Barb, you and Chuck were my first and best tenants. Good memories of you both.

Bruce Robertson

January 29, 2009

I was a Ingraham grad of 61 with Chuck. While I had not seen Chuck in many years, I have great memories of him in those wonderful years. I am sorry I missed the reunion last year, as it would have been grteat to see him. It sounds like he had a great life as I knew he would. I will always remember him playing in the band and telling jokes. He will be missed

Michal Botting

January 29, 2009

Getting re-acquainted with Chuck thru reunions was so terrific. And now to miss him again... such a warm and giving person. I am glad you, his family, had him to enjoy.
An old school friend, Michal (Micki Tracy)

paul carlsen

January 28, 2009

Chuck was a great person to be around. We spent time with him at the WPMA meetings and outings. He will be sorely missed.
With Love and Caring,
Paul, Paula and Lee Carlsen

Jim Miller

January 28, 2009

We'll forever miss Chuck's enthusiasm for gold prospecting, and his crusades against overly intrusive Government. He had a passion for life, and a commitment to his friends and associates. A loss to us all, and to our community...

Louis (Lou) Kinner

January 28, 2009

Chuck was a friend of mine from Ingraham Class of 1961. I was sadened to hear of his passing. I will always remember are playing music together at parties.

mark johnson

January 28, 2009

his help with the prospecting commutity will be missed.
so very sorry i hope thier's gold up their for you with no rules.

Jo Johnson

January 28, 2009

Chuck was a wonderful person! B.C., I will always remember the fun times - floating the Yakima - sharing Christmas parties, Leavenworth, and just plain having fun with life. Greatly missed are both of you.

Gary Jacobson

January 28, 2009

I played guitar with Chuck in the Regents for many years, all the way back to the Haller Lake Dance Club that my mom was an "overseer" of, and on into college. Also attended Ingraham High with him. A very fun guy, great memories! Still keep photos handy.

Lynn Wright

January 27, 2009

To Chuck's Family--
I worked with Chuck in Scheduling at Metro Transit at the old one-story Ryerson Base in 1975. Then again in Service Quality at the Exchange Building in Seattle.

Both groups of people were very special and it was quite a time to be there. We had a lot of fun and Chuck was good to work with and for.

I'll always remember his big heart, smile and wit.

My heart goes out to Barbara and William.

Lynn Wright

Lee Sanislo

January 27, 2009

Chuck,so many memories-the early gold shows, when washington prospectors was so small we shared a booth with Lee Ayers,the way you would show panning in a tub and patiently answer the same questions over and over again the many outings when you would sleep in the back of Keith's truck (it was said the snoring was so loud it would wake the dead when recreational mining became a dirty word in Olympia, you formed commitees,and met with various government agencies and wrote about it all in the newsletter.and I remember helping you stuff envelopes at your kitchen table so you could get out a newsletter which was second to none the many prospecting trips,eastern washington,California etc. the many gold shows, we worked so.so many memories. goodby old friend, rest in peace..... Lee Sanislo

Wayne Huston

January 27, 2009

I will always remember the friendship with Chuck. We worked together and played at times together ie, our yearly fishing trip to Westport. Proud to say that I was one of Chucks friends. Barb and William our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Raymond Gamache

January 26, 2009

Fare well to a fellow prospector. I didn,t know mr cox, may his family find peace. My thoughts are with you.

Terry and Judy Carlson

January 26, 2009

What a great and wonderful person to have had in our lives. We loved you so much and thank God for the time we had together. You have left us with great times to remember. Birthdays, hats, fish, road trips, ocean views, Friday dinners, coffee, and laughter, so much laughter. We will miss you great friend.

Dwight Keene

January 26, 2009

I only had the chance to know Chuck briefly through the W.P.M.A but found hm likable and helpful. He will be missed.

glenn carlson

January 26, 2009

Meatloaf dinner for his birthday!

Albert Clark

January 26, 2009

A fun, exciting individual with a heart of gold. Chuck, a great friend, mentor and warm hearted person. He gave me an opportunity that advanced my career at Metro. Chuck hired me as Chief in the Communications Section. The first Afro-American Chief in that section. To say the least, I valued his courage and will fondly remember him for the great opportunity. I will miss you my friend.

Albert Clark

Darcy LaBelle

January 26, 2009

Barb,

Our hearts reach out to you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers daily, as is William and Chuck! The girls have taken out the dolls you have given them and have them lined up in the corner of their bedroom as a remembrance- very sweet! I know you have beautiful memories and I know those memories will keep you and William well.

Our very best, Darcy, Tim, Renee and Nicole

Grete Løvik

January 26, 2009

Dear Barb and Wiliam,

- Remember all the good memories:
Chuck gave me many memories I have treasured for 20 years.

Marc Bayne

January 26, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Barbara Cahill

January 25, 2009

Dear Barb & William
I loved learning more about Chuck in his lovely Obit. I think I must have probably heard him play at one of the Bayview dances. He was always a welcome delight at all of our company parties. His love and admiration for both of you was so obvious and overwhelming.
His fight against his cancer was courageous and inspirational.
I send you my love and condolences to get you through this difficult time.
With love,
Barbara Cahill

Gordy Van Rooy

January 25, 2009

Chuck-you were the greatest. You always took time to talk to me about gold and where to find it. No matter how dogged you were about work- talking gold seemed to pump you up. Now rest in peace and may your pan always be full.

Charles Morgan

January 25, 2009

I knew Chuck for quite a few years, thru prospecting. He was always ready to do what he could about what needed to be done. I have, and will always consider him a good friend. He will be missed! My prayers goes out to the family!

Lee & Judy Ayers

January 25, 2009

Barb and Will,

After we moved to Arizona, I often thought of Chuck and the gold shows we did together, plus all the work he did to get the Washington Prospectors up and running. He was such a great friend...

Lois and Ray Pruiett

January 25, 2009

Chuck, we will all miss the efforts you have given to goldmining /prospecting and particularly the WPMA. Your help has made this a viable force to protect the recreational miner. May you find the streets of gold!

Brian Monson

January 25, 2009

I would like to convey my sympathy for the family of Chuck Cox. Although I did not know Chuck personally, the small interactions that we shared at the monthly meetings spoke volumes as to his friendly demeaner... he will be missed.

Joyce Love

January 25, 2009

Hi Barb, it's Joyce in the UK. May I offer you my condolences at this sad time. Kae speaks so warmly of you both and I follow your antics as I suspect you follow mine! Just to let you know I am thinking of you across the pond. Love and warm hugs.

Susan Ryynanen

January 25, 2009

Sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. He will be missed at work and in the gold fields. Prayers for all who loved him. Susie Ryynanen Fellow Metro Employee and Gold Prospector

Mark Erickson

January 25, 2009

To his Family

I knew Chuck as a member of WPMA and my contact with him was limited yet he was a person of conviction who would let you know where he stands on any issue. I respected his straight forwardness and honesty. As President of Resources Coalition I had my differences yet Chuck was good to his word and tireless worker for his club. Will miss Chuck it was an honor to know him.

gerry gamble

January 24, 2009

From the gold fields of this life to the gold lined paths of heaven, please accept our sympathies, from the Gamble family

Jerry Cain

January 24, 2009

Chuck will be missed.

Esther Fields

January 24, 2009

Barbara
I work with Chuck at metro for 23 years he was so nice to work with . He was a good person . i was sorry to hear of your lose . Yes he will be miss by all that new him. I hope you but your hand in God'S hand and he will help you thought this trying time .

David Smith

January 24, 2009

The mining community has lost a great friend. My prayer's go out to his family. We will all miss his friendship.

Robert Cleveland

January 24, 2009

Our sincere condolences to a fellow miner. We will miss his WPMA Newsletter, but most of all miss Chuck.
NAMA (North American Miners Association)
Bob Cleveland
President

Ross Jacobson

January 24, 2009

My older brother, Gary Jacobson, played in the Regents with Chuck. I have great memories of Chuck at band practice at our house, and listening to him play the keyboard at the Haller Lake Community Club junior high dances and at Bayview Hall on Whidbey Island. While I had not seen Chuck in many years, I have great memories of him in those wonderful years. A good man.

David Knowlen

January 24, 2009

I met Chuck nearly twenty years ago and we became friends through our mutual interests in gold prospecting and mining. I knew him as a man who always gave back more than he accepted and his generousity knew no bounds. Everyone of us who became his friend were so much better for the experience and it was a gift having such a kind and loyal friend in our lives.

For myself there will always be memories of Chuck when I see a moving river or stream and hear its churning sounds, for it is there where we'll know that Chuck's spirit is nearby. I'll miss you old friend.

May God bless and comfort Chuck's family and friends during this time of loss and grief.

Jerry Bowers

January 23, 2009

As a 1961 Ingraham HS fellow graduate and previous band member with Chuck, I feel a great loss. Someday we can be together again and play in that big band in the sky. I will miss him at our next Rams reunion.

Anne Peterson Glasson

January 23, 2009

Barb,
My brother Jim Peterson played the saxophone in the same band as Chuck...The Regents. I was about 9 years old when Chuck (who was about 17 or 18) came over to our house for band practice. I thought Chuck was so darn cute and he drove an awesome car! Probably my first crush. I loved it when The Regents played at St. Stephens Church across the street from our house. I could sneak in and drool over the "cool" band members feeling rather smug because I was related to one of them. My brother Jim passed away suddenly in 1999 at the age of 55. I hope he and Chuck hook up soon and can rock out together again.

Sue Stewart

January 23, 2009

To the family and friends of Chuck,
My sincere condolences for your loss. Chuck was a great guy - very easy to work with - his passion and wit will be missed. May all of your many happy and warm memories of Chuck serve to ease your broken hearts.
Sue Stewart (Safety Sue)

a carol

January 23, 2009

Thanks for sharing your wonderful husband with all of us at Windermere! May the great memories of Chuck bring you joy and comfort. We will miss his happy face too!

Dick Phillips

January 23, 2009

Barbara, I am another retired Metro Transit employee who has fond memories of Chuck. I also was born in 1943 so this notice hits very close to home. I retired 5 years ago so that my wife and I could travel, not knowing then that she had only a little over 19 months to live. Do remember that he will live with you forever in your heart and mind. Your wonderful memories will bring some comfort to you as time passes on. As others have said, we will miss him, too.

Jim and Ann Walker

January 23, 2009

Chuggie, you were one of a kind. I'll miss our "German" phone conversations and your political opinions. You were the original Puck and everyone is the better for having known you. Love and hugs to Babsie and Wills.

Bob Morgan

January 23, 2009

Chuck was my boss at Metro from 1982-89. Not only was he a boss but also a good friend. Until my retirement 2 + years ago we would see one another somewhere in Metro land and catch-up. He was the person who started the transit police groups, though most operators today wouldn't know of his contributions to their safety while driving,etc. Rest well friend and we'll see you somewhere down the road.

Luis Torres

January 23, 2009

I met Chuck when he started at Seattle Transit. We worked together and sometimes I worked for him. I have nothing but fond memories. My condolences to the family. I'm happy to have known Chuck.

Dale Bartz

January 23, 2009

Our condolenses go out to the family of Chuck. He was a great guy to work with. Dale & Linda Bartz

Warren Jones

January 23, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Abdul Alidina

January 23, 2009

Chuck, you were my boss, co-worker, friend and what a pleasure it has been knowing you over the last twenty-two years. I will always treasure the memories. My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and William.

Mary Sue Linville

January 23, 2009

I know the world is a better place because Chuck touched it and everyone around him. All who knew him will have a smile in their heart when they think about Chuck and how much of a friend he was.

Virginia Williams

January 23, 2009

I know Chuck through Barbara being a good friend and online email friend. I have grown to love all three of these sweet people and enjoyed Barbara including me as one of the family. I never met Chuck but will miss him and his brave struggle with cancer makes me know that we all can make the most of life. I know he is panning gold in heaven and that he is looking down watching over Barbara and William. Have a nice rest Chuck.

Michalene Atkins

January 23, 2009

Barb and William what more can I say about Chuck that I haven't told you already. I loved Chuck like he was my own father. He's helped me through three of the biggest and devastating events of my life. He helped me retain my house when my grandmogther was dying from cancer, he helped me with obtaining customdy of my little brother while my mother was dying. He protected me while at work because I was missing so many days. He made me laugh when I wanted to cry, he always took care of me and watched out for mine and Andee's best intrests while at work. I could go to him for any and everything and he never told me no. He was a wonderful man as the two of you already know. He loved the two of you more than anything else in this world. May the peace of God be with the two of now and forever more. Love and Hugs! Always!

Andee Papa

January 23, 2009

Barb and Will -Words cannot express the sorrow we feel here at Metro Transit Police. Chuck was such a vital part of this agency and he truly will be missed. He was loved by all of us - most especially Michalene and I. He was more then just our boss - he was our friend and mentor. He always gave us his best. His patience, kindess and advice was priceless. No one will ever be able to replace him in our book - ever!! He loved both of you so much. Both of you were the light of his life. There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't talk about both of you with so much pride and love in his voice. May God give you peace and know that even though he is not with us he will always be in our memories and in our hearts! He was and will always be the best of the best. With much love - Andee

Kae Krueger

January 23, 2009

Chuck was the brother I never had. I miss him and have great memories of Chuck, Barb and William in Mazatlan. What other family would adopt a virtual stranger Barb met on the internet through eBay. I will always remember Chuck and his exuberance as he dashed off to the ocean, boogie board in hand with William at his side. Brother, you will be sorely missed. I love you
Kae

Scott Perret

January 23, 2009

Barb,
I just wanted to express my condolences to you. I lost a dear friend to cancer myself at Thanksgiving, and while the grief is difficult, I found there were hidden gifts my friend left behind: those who loved her forged tighter bonds and deepened our friendships as a result of her passing. And we will always have her example, her lessons, and her spirit with us. May it be the same with you.
Warmest Sympathies,
Scott Perret

Dick and Cindy Thomsen

January 23, 2009

Our memories of Chuck are 24 karat. What a great guy! We will miss him.

Brent and Bambi Saunders

January 23, 2009

We are going to miss you Chuck. No one could ask for a better neighbor.It was always nice to meet you at the mailbox for a little chat. Thank you for letting our cat sit on your front porch for 3 years and thanks for sharing our grief when he passed. Wish we had more time to get to know you. We will watch over Barb and William for you as much as they will let us. We have a feeling they will be OK but we will all miss you...

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