Gary Allen Cox

Gary was born in Peoria, Illinois, to Audine and Wilbert ‘Bill’ Cox.

He attended Woodrow Wilson Elementary School from first to eighth grade in El Vista, a small town with gravel roads and no streetlights, where he and his friends spent most of their days playing deep in the woods. It was during this time that Gary discovered his love and respect for the outdoors, solitude, community, and simplicity.

Gary attended Woodruff High School in Peoria until, as he later described it, he was “bitten by the bug that followed him around his entire adult life: restlessness and the need for adventure.” On April 9, 1952, he became inspired to join the Army at the young age of 17, where he continued his education and received his GED. After completing basic training in Kentucky with the 101st Airborne's Screaming Eagles, he was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division. He served in Korea in 1952 and 1953 and later in Japan before being honorably discharged on April 8, 1955.

Shortly after he was discharged from the Army, he married Carolyn ‘Carol’ Selburg in Peoria, Illinois, on September 4, 1955. They met in the 5th grade when Carol was living just a half block away from Gary. Little did they know at that time, they initiated a journey of friendship and love that lasted a lifetime. They had six children: Linda, Mikel, Rick, Gary, Lauri, and Janet (in order from oldest to youngest). Gary and Carol currently have 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

In November 1958, they moved to Colorado and went on to co-own and operate Northglenn Tax Service for more than 43 years. Gary mixed work and adventure during the off-tax season, living his life to the fullest by driving trucks, guiding canoe trips, or riding motorcycles.

Gary was a talented canoe enthusiast. He was a canoe guide in Canada and in Minnesota and went on many trips with friends in search of both thrilling river rapids and quiet lake reflections.

He also had a unique skill set and passion for parachuting, making his first jump on January 21, 1961. He continued to parachute for many years and became an instructor. His last recorded jump was with sons Mikel, Rick, and Gary in Longmont, Colorado, on June 12, 1976.

He was passionate about civil rights; he participated in and organized advocacy events in many states. As a member of the IWW Union, he fought for human and workers’ rights for most of his adult life. He contributed to the installation of Colorado landmarks, including the Ludlow and Columbine Mine Massacre Memorials, and educated people about the meaning behind them.

Although he enjoyed connection with others, he loved his quiet alone time and carried a longing for solitude and dark, starry nights throughout his life. He traveled to campgrounds and went on river excursions around the world. Carol shared an interest in traveling, and the two of them went on many adventures together. Gary shared that Ireland was one of his favorite places that they traveled to; he felt very connected due to his Irish roots.

Gary lived a very full life and valued experiences over material things. He didn’t want or need much. The one thing that he did need was the love and partnership with Carol. He surprised himself by living to the age of 91—he wished to have a peaceful, simple transition and chose not to have a service. He always wanted to transition with Carol by his side. She was right next to him as he went on his final journey.

Gary once wrote to his mother, "We are too soon old and too late wise. In many ways, death does not separate but bonds."

His family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Northshore Health and Rehabilitation in Loveland, Colorado, and Accent Hospice Care for the compassionate care they provided during the final months of his life.

In honor of Gary, the family welcomes memorial donations to Coal Creek Meals on Wheels (CCMOW). CCMOW Cafe was located in the Lafayette Senior Living Apartments where Gary and Carol resided until Gary needed more intensive care. Gary felt that this organization enhanced his life, Carol’s life, and others in the community by providing daily nutrition and connection. If you are interested in making donations, contributions can be directed to their secure donation page at https://coalcreekmow.org/.