Eugene Lawrence Tham

Eugene was born on January 13, 1938 in Kolkata (Calcutta), India, to the late Thomas and Phyllis Cox. He is survived by his wife Lena and siblings Gwen Cox, Peter (Patricia) Cox, Christine (Stephen) Yuen, and Arlene (Werner) Wittwer and sister-in-law Mary Cox. He was preceded in death by his siblings Thomas, Doreen, Leonard, Patricia, Victor and Kenneth Cox. Eugene also leaves behind his sisters-in-law Lilena (Uma) Rajeshwar and Lilisa (Harry) Hall, several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He will be greatly missed by all.

Eugene and Lena were married in December 1978 and enjoyed a happy married life together. They were fortunate to share the same hobbies and were able to sustain each other through life enjoying each other's company in the pursuit of their interests. Countless hours were spent on stamp collecting, watching favorite game shows, working on crossword puzzles and sampling different cuisines together. Eugene was very independent, had an amazing green thumb and loved tending to his numerous plants. He always kept up to date on current affairs, loved reading and was an avid photographer. Eugene had a great sense of humor and not a year would go by that he did not play an April Fool's trick on Lena. It is ironic that he decided to leave on April 1! Eugene was Lena's rock and will be greatly missed by her.

In Kolkata, India, Eugene worked for Berger Paints for more than 25 years and rose to the position of assistant purchase manager. He was a devoted Catholic and volunteered for many years at the Sacred Heart Church in Kolkata. He moved to the United States and worked part-time at the downtown Arlington Heights Jewel for 30 years until his retirement last year.

Lena thanks the staff of Northwest Community Hospital and Lutheran Home MyRehab in Arlington Heights for their care and support.

Eugene will be cremated per his wishes. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 11:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church at 820 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, Illinois.