Dr. Morton S. Cox, Jr., age 79, was welcomed to heaven on April 21, 2013. Beloved husband of Mary Sue, nee Brosnan for 56 years; loving father of Jeffrey Scott Cox, Lisa Ann (Daniel) Byrne; and Morton S. Cox, III; proud grandfather “Papa” of Sam, Jack, and Mary Kate Byrne; fond Uncle to many nieces and nephews; cherished brother-in-law and friend to many. Mort lived his life to the fullest and will be remembered for his love of God, family, friendship, sailing, fishing, laughter, and his insatiable thirst for knowledge. He was born on March 3, 1934 to loving parents Morton S. Cox and Ruth nee Drew, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He graduated from the University High School in Ann Arbor in 1952, received his BS from the University of Michigan in 1956, and graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan School of Medicine in 1960. He went on to do a residency at the U of M from 1961 to 1964 and earned his masters in ophthalmology. He went to Harvard University Medical School and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary for a two year fellowship in diseases and surgery of the retina, then returned to establish and direct the Retina Service in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Michigan Medical School. He was the first trained retinal surgeon in the state of Michigan. In 1979 he joined Associated Retinal Consultants, the premier academic private practice in the United States. He remained there until he retired in 1999 at which time he was section chief of ophthalmic surgery at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was a member of several elite retinal organizations such as the Eye Study club, Pine Ridge Eye Study club, the Retina Society of which he was a charter member and a member of the executive committee, The Club Jules Gonin, and the American Ophthalmologic Society. He was also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and received their senior honor award. He authored several book chapters, 88 scientific papers and taught as a visiting professor at several university ophthalmology programs. He was an adjunct Professor at the U of M Department of Ophthalmology and was honored to present the Alumni Achievement Lecture at the Kellogg Eye Institute last fall. He was a world expert in retinal ocular trauma, optic pit macular disease and took part in multiple government funded clinical trials. This was in addition to training many residents and fellows who continue to care for retinal patients throughout the world today. Dr. Cox’s impact on the practice of retinal ophthalmology will continue to be felt for generations. He will be greatly missed by ophthalmic surgeons for his relevant clinical insights and friendship. Services will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 306 N. Division, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, on Saturday, May 4th, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation Friday, May 3rd, 4 to 7 pm at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 South Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Reception to follow at Portage Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 11 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1800, Chicago, Il 60603, or St. James Episcopal Church, 3279 Broad Street, Dexter, MI 48103, where he was an active member. www.muehligannarbor.com
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