George Howard Cox Jr.: July 8, 1945 – September 3, 2026

SCAPPOOSE- George Howard Cox Jr., 81, of Scappoose, Oregon, passed away at home on September 3, 2026.

George was born on July 8, 1945, in Vancouver, Washington, to George H. Cox and Virginia Cox. He married his wife, Sharon, and together they shared 63 years of marriage, building a life and family that would grow to include three children, nine grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

George spent his career with Crown Cork and Seal, where he began as a maintainer and later became a supervisor. Those who worked with him may remember him best as “the man with the funny laugh,” a laugh distinctive enough to become part of how his coworkers knew and remembered him.

An accomplished bowler, George enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of the sport. He was also an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved traveling, seeing new places, and the experiences and memories that came with each new destination.

Those who knew George knew he could be stubborn, and his children certainly remember a dad who was strict while they were growing up. But as the family grew, they also had the opportunity to see another side of him. He took great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and some of his happiest times were spent playing with the youngest members of his family.

George is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon Cox; his children, Laura Vanderwerf (Terry), George Cox III (Ginger), and Michael Cox (Stephanie); and his siblings, Larry Cox, Jill Tolleshaug, and Kelly Thorstad (Darryl).

He was a proud grandfather to Joshua Casey (Samantha), Ryan Vanderwerf (Kristina), Katrina Broyles (Christopher), Patricia Bass (Darrell), Samantha Erwin (Hunter), Lindsay Dale (Brandon), Alysa Cox, Michael Cox, and Hayley Cox.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Terra Casey, Joshua Casey II, Aribelle Broyles, Oliver Broyles, Graham Hooper, Henry Vanderwerf, Giovanni Wollen, Darrell Bass Jr., Sophia Bass, Aliyah Bass, Finnley Erwin, Eloise Erwin, Annabella Dale and Jace Cox.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George H. Cox and Virginia Cox.

After 81 years, George leaves behind a family spanning four generations and a lifetime of memories—from days spent hunting and fishing, years of bowling, travels to new places, and that unmistakable laugh. Most of all, he leaves behind the family he and Sharon built during their 63 years together. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by those who knew and loved him.

A graveside service honoring George’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Scappoose, Oregon.