Obituary of Percy Coxon
Peacefully at Highview Residence, London, on Friday, January 23, 2015, at the age of 96. Beloved husband of the late Helen Coxon. Loving father to daughters Lynda (David Mills), of Duntroon, Janis Brown, of Oakville, Shirlee (Murray Wood), of London, and son Bradley Coxon (Anne), of Everett, WA. Always will be thoughtfully remembered by his grandchildren: Jeffrey Mills, TJ Brown (Crystal), Jordon Brown, Schenley Brown, Brennan (Andrea Charleau), Jameson, Harrison, Ainslee (Sam Littlemore) Wood and Keely and Kyle Coxon, as well as by his great-grandchildren: Logan and Sydney Brown, and Ethan Andrew Brown. Predeceased by his elder brothers Irving, of Milverton, and Wesley, of Zurich. Percy was born in Milverton, Ontario, where his parents, Andrew and Edith, farmed before moving to town, on October 11, 1918. In 1938, Percy went to Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana, to study electrical engineering. They offered year-round programs allowing him to graduate in 1940. He then returned to Ontario where he took a position with Ontario Hydro. One of his first postings was in Winchester, Ontario where he met his bride-to-be Helen Stienburg. They were married in 1941. During the war, he and Helen were situated in Halifax, where Percy was Chief Petty Officer with the Royal Canadian Navy. He took care of maintenance of submarines using his engineering knowledge to make repairs. After the war, he returned to Ontario Hydro where he worked the majority of his career in Toronto. (In 1958, he was Ontario Hydro’s resident engineer in charge of transmission line construction.) Percy had temporary positions outside of the city, overseeing power line construction in central Ontario and was also involved in the transmission lines from the Bruce Power Station. In 1966, he was transferred to London, Ontario where he was a respected engineer until his retirement in 1980 after 40 years of service. Percy also acquired his civil engineering papers during these years. He and Helen always had a large vegetable and berry garden wherever their home was. Percy was the ultimate “go-to” guy to fix anything or build most anything. The family will always be grateful for the excellent care he received during these last 5 years at Highview. Special thanks to Lyn, Maricella, Patricia and Pat, who have been with us since the beginning of this end-of-life journey. Visitation will take place at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, between 10 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2015, with a short service to follow at 11:00 a.m. and interment at Oakland Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Percy are asked to consider Teen Challenge or a charity of your choice.
