Sidney Wayne Cox, age 59, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2013, in Helena, Mt., in the steady care of his mother and siblings. He challenged the many complications of multiple myeloma throughout the past year. In the end, however, and with amazing grace, he left this earthly place.
Sid was born December 4, 1953, in Missoula, the third of six children. Shortly thereafter his parents returned to eastern Montana, closer to extended family and rural life. With the closing of Prairie Rose country school, the family relocated to the Black Hills of South Dakota, while continuing to operate the family ranch. Sid was a frequent passenger in his father’s Cessna 172, lending a hand alongside his brother, Dan, on the ranch, acquiring knowledge and practical skills that would serve him the rest of his life.
Sid resided in Hardin for nearly thirty years. A skilled carpenter by trade, he also purchased and maintained numerous rental properties. He liked to work and he was smart. Sid could analyze problems and figure out solutions. Sadly, throughout this painful last year, his desire to return home and just “tinker” in his shop was not to be.
Early on, Sid developed a love of motorcycles. The hum of a two-stroke bored 80 cc Yamaha, driven full throttle on a dusty road, was a precursor to bigger and better things ahead. A 1957 Pan Head Harley Davidson–and eventually a newer model–provided joy and reprieve from work and the challenges of day-to-day life.
Like fire and rain, joy and pain were visitors in Sid’s life. Powerful emotion is revealed in his art: pastel drawings of clowns, Native Americans, primarily Crow, and a series of women have in common profoundly beautiful eyes, often haunting, and ever characteristic of his work. Art imitates life; those who knew Sid will remember his own striking brown eyes and his powers of observation.
Connections to family and friends, old and new, were telling of someone who genuinely liked people. Sid was “discerning of peoples’ souls,” in the words of an insightful friend. He had an acute sense of humor that was both disarming and endearing (“If there is someone you don’t want to run into then don’t go to the post office”).
The many phone calls and visits from old friends and new (thank you Lonnie, Greg, and Rev. Jim Shelden) touched Sid in ways impossible to measure. To the medical support from Dr. Thomas, St. Peter’s cancer clinic, dialysis unit, Dr. LeClaire, and Sid’s invaluable caregivers Julie, Bergetta, and Lucy, we thank you. Some of you were acquaintances who became friends. For Sid, it truly made for a better life.
Sid was preceded in death by his father, Wayne E. Cox. He is survived by his mother, Gladys Cox; brother, Dan Cox (Hiromi); sisters Colleen Cox, Julie Jessal, Bergetta Hubbard (Lanny), and Katherine Friley (Bill). He leaves seven nieces and nephews: Erica, Courtney, Anna, Caroline, Billy, Sam, and Leland. Sid is also survived by Virginia Cox (aunt) and twenty-seven first cousins, two of whom are deceased. And finally, Judson (“Judie”), the most loving dog ever, will remain in the family’s care.
Memorials in Sid’s name may be sent to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to Hospice of St. Peters, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Sid, please visit below.
Jenny Van Heel says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Sid’s family and friends. He was truly a wonderful man. I will miss seeing Sid adn his caring family. God Bless your family.
Patricia Ward says
I have many good memories of Sid and our conversations. He was always there to be of assistance and was a kind man. I remember his playing the piano and how proud he was of the home he had in Hardin.
Will miss him, with sincere sympathy to family, Patricia Ward
Bob Foster says
To Gladys, Dan, Colleen, Julie, Kathy and Bergetta, I too am blessed to have known Sid – he was an amazing character in many ways. I so enjoyed the conversations and correspondence we had over the years – he had a way of engaging his knowledge and fascination with a variety of interesting subjects (often with humor and a wry twist all his own). We shared lots of good times together ( with family and friends as well). Sid was indeed a good-hearted man and a kind soul. His spirit will always be with us – may he rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the Cox family. Sincerely, Bob Foster
Jerry Krambeck says
My sincere sympathy goes out to the Cox family for your loss. Another class mate shared with me a couple of weeks ago that Sid was struggling with his health, so sorry to read today about his passing. Fifty-nine is way too young to leave! I have many fond memories of knowing the Cox Family in Spearfish and cherish you as friends. I only saw Sid a few times since leaving Spearfish, but it was always a firm friendly handshake and his big smile! Sid had a great sense of humor that was unique. I can’t imagine how much he will be missed. Again, condolences and prayers. Jerry Krambeck, Spearfish, SD
Dian DeRosier says
Dear Gladys, Colleen, Dan, Bergetta, Julie and Kathy,
My heart goes out to you, Sid was always a speacial friend. I remember many good times spent with all of you. May God Bless him and all of you in this times of sorrow.
Dian DeRosier
Carla Colstad says
I was a long-time friend of Sid’s. He was a gentle soul and had clever ideas. He helped with remodeling my house, worked at the museum with my Dad, and was a landlord for my clients when I was on staff as the Independent Living Coordinator for the disabled. One image that comes to mind is the day I was visiting with Sid in his driveway and a boy walked up to us carrying a puppy. He wanted someone to adopt the dog. I coaxed Sid into taking the puppy and they became life-long companions.
Micki Mayer (diaylysis rn) says
Sid was a great guy. I enjoyed taking care of him but hated seeing his health fail. Best wishes to all of you. You did a great job taking care of him.
Micki
Wendy Cook says
You are an amazing family. What a blessing that Sid had such wonderful family members attending to his care needs. I only wish I had known him when he wasn’t so sick. I appreciated his sense of humor. Take care and my prayers are with you all as you walk through the journey of losing a loved one. Practice good self care. Julie, keep going to the gym, hope to see you there. Wendy Cook-dialysis social worker
Carol Cloninger RN says
What a privledge to care Sid and his wonderful family. I admired your love and care for him . I will miss seeing him stand up be so strong . I could tease him about being such a” tall drink of water !” Bless you all in the days to come and you are always welcome to come see us @ the Dialysis unit. Take Care!
Sue Sperl Ames says
So sorry to hear of Sid’s passing. When I opened the Black Hills Pioneer as saw that handsome face, I immediately recalled those beautiful, expressive brown eyes. You are so right in including how he could look at you and know you. May your memories help you get through this very hard time and know Sid lives in your heart and his spirit surrounds you.
With much sympathy,
Sue Sperl Ames
Dixie (Reed) Richardson says
I was so shocked and sorry to hear about Sid. My condolences, sympathy & prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.
Lory Neser says
I just heard about Sid’s passing. I know this is a very difficult time for all of us. It is hard to believe that one of my younger cousins has gone before me. Sid was a great guy. He was so much like Uncle Wayne in the way he looked at things. I know that his sense of humor must have helped all of you during his last days. I have no doubt that Sid has gone to be one of our angels. With love and prayers, Lory
Brad Bruggeman says
My cousin Sid was what I would call a one of a kind character. He would always surprise me with whatever he’d been doing lately, whether it be camping, hunting, painting, carpentry, motorcycle riding or getting after renters for not paying their rent. Can you imagine him knocking at your door with those big sad,brown eyes and laying down the law –just seems out of character for such a teddy bear of a guy. And to have a cnversation with him was like swinging at a wiffle ball. He would look you straight in the eye and one of those curve ball statements would come out and you didn’t know if he was looking for concurrence or rejection; probably rejection because he loved a good argument. I will miss Sid. He was a great guy.
Connie Reber says
It was a pleasure to to get to know Sid and the family thru our brief encounter in the Dialysis Unit. What a great guy! And a truly amazing family! May you find comfort in knowing that Sid is with the Father in a place so wonderful that we can not even begin to fathom. God Bless you all. Connie
Yvonne White Wohlhueter says
Truly a great loss of a dear man. Such a man of kind spirit with a sweet soul.
Cheryl Smith, CTC Volunteer says
I was so sorry to hear of Sid’s passing. He was so blessed to have such a wonderful and loving family to support him through his illness. Julie an Bergetta, I enjoyed getting to know you and was blessed to have had the opportunity to help keep Sid comfortable when he was receiving his treatments in the CTC. My prayers go out to all of you.
Donna Halstead says
Sid will be missed by so many. He was always such a delight to be around and to visit with. So many good memories over the years. My thoughts and prayers are extended to all the family.
Paula Halstead says
Sid was a special guy and a good friend for many years. He will be very missed but never forgotten. We all have great memories of Sid that we will hold on to and cherish forever. My sincere condolences to Sids family. He was truely blessed with a great family.