BC loses a great friend and leader

Search Simon Cox in Google and you will find his work and legacy greatly underrepresented in the online world. In some ways this is fitting. Simon made so many of his incredibly valuable contributions quietly and unassumingly. He was a shy but determined leader who had time and compassion for everyone.

Simon Cox

Many of you will have known Simon and of the invaluable contributions he has made to people with disabilities in BC, perhaps even you. You will also know what a great person he was.

For those of you who may not have known Simon, he was instrumental in developing programs and services that directly impacted the independence of people with disabilities through his leadership of what became the BC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports for People with Disabilities and its two key programs:

• The Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program (PROP)– provides equipment and a wide range of supports to people who use ventilators and other respiratory equipment.
• The Technology for Independent Living Program (TIL)– provides technology to assist with managing electronic devices in the home.

Recently, Simon was recognized for his contributions to improving the quality of lives of thousands of British Columbians, including the Hal Rogers Fellow, the highest award given by the Kin Canada Foundation.

Simon’s passing is huge loss to BC’s disability community. I had the pleasure of knowing Simon for a number of years and will miss his insights, balanced approach, and great sense of humour. However, he leaves behind a rich legacy of service and innovation that will continue to have a positive impact for British Columbians with disabilities well into the future.

What follows is the obituary posted by his family and notice of his memorial on April 2.

Cox, Simon

It is with a deep sense of loss that we announce the death of Simon.

Simon passed away peacefully in his home in South Surrey with family at his side.

Simon is predeceased by his  father Victor Cox and his mother Joyce Muriel Hearne. He is survived by his wife, “Rosie”, his brothers and their wives; Stephen, Julian (Sandi), Nigel (Sandra), David (Linda), and his sister Jennifer (Bill Page), his nieces and nephews, and his numerous friends and colleagues. Simon will be remembered for his corny jokes, his dry humor, and endless philosophical discussions.

Simon was a leading advocate for people with disabilities providing technological support to individuals in their homes, improving their quality of life and independence. Through his tireless perseverance and “there is always a way” attitude he built the organization BC Association for Individualized Technology and Support for People with Disabilities. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BCITS on the Canada Helps website:  https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/bcits/

His memorial will be held in Cedar Park Church, Saturday, April 2 at 2:00pm at 5300 44th Avenue South Delta in Ladner British Columbia.