Kenton (Bud, Kenny, Ken) Gregory Cox, age 67 of Finley WA, passed February

19th 2023 at his home from natural causes. Ken was born in May of 1955 in

Portland OR, the youngest of four siblings, to Robert and Frances (Sanders)

Cox. Robert and Frances had moved west in search of opportunity and when

Ken was just three they continued that journey north from Portland to the

Tri-Cities, where Ken would become a lifelong resident.

Accounts told of Ken in childhood portrayed him as an energetic and lively

child, well accustomed to finding trouble appropriate for a boy of his age

at the time; though he would be quick to remind you, if these accounts were

coming from his older sisters they must be taken with a grain of salt.

Quick to adventure, a self described free spirit, always with a dog at his

side (throughout life), Ken filled his youth with hunting, fishing, and

just getting out in nature as much as possible. In 1969, he bought his

first freedom in the form of a 1968 Honda cm91 step-thru frame motorcycle

for $80. Beyond letting him explore his relatively rural setting, this

first bike also started a love for motor bikes which only grew, and he and

his 1975 Honda TL250 Trial bike would eventually join the Pacific Northwest

Trials Association and he would "study the art of English Trials."

Ken graduated from Kennewick High, class of 1973. After graduation, with

his mechanical aptitude and mathematical mind, he embarked on a career in

sheet metal work. He took welding courses from CBC, went to work at Jacobs

and Rhoades as a sheet metal worker in 1975, and began his apprenticeship

in March of 1977 at Foster Sheet Metal, with Local Union #55 (formerly

Local #66). It was at this time, just starting out in life, he took a

chance on a blind date and he would meet Kelly McKinlay, setting up an

eternal relationship, that even in death is surely not parted. After years

of dating the two would be married on what has been described as an

unreasonably hot day in August of 1981. They would have three children

together Jacob, Jessica, and Jorden. Of the many admirable traits those

close to him described of his personality, maybe the most apt remembrance

is "he had a full and unwavering commitment to his family". And if you were

able to ask him he would undoubtedly say, of the many, the accomplishment

he was most proud of was his family. Many of his favorite times were spent

at their beach vacation home in Westport, WA.

Ken had a quick wit and a bright, inquisitive mind. He stressed in his

children the importance of finding purpose in life and education, whatever

form that may take. Ken spent his entire career in the sheet metal and

construction industry, and has been described by many as the 'best sheet

metal worker I ever had the honor to work with.' Arguably, however, he was

an even better teacher. The later half of his career Ken transitioned from

sheet metal worker to sheet metal instructor; in so doing, finding a

natural calling. Ken devoted his time and energy to countless students over

the years, mentoring, training, and guiding a whole generation in their

careers. And while commendable on its own, his devotion to education did

not stop with the union. He volunteered as a school board member with

Finley School District for over a decade, with the constant north star that

all children had a right to a quality education.

Ken retired in 2018 and stepped away from the school board shortly

thereafter. He spent his days in retirement with his beloved dog Jasper–who

he noted 'was the best dog I or anybody ever had'– finally getting the time

to work on the projects he put off during his working days, and planning a

grand cross country adventure. An adventure which one hopes he will get to

take on the other side. As befitting a master sheet metal worker, his last

project was a complete scale replica of the Bridge of the Gods to serve as

the table centerpiece of his daughter Jessica's wedding to the latest

member of the family, Cory Cummings. It was truly one of the happiest days

of his life.

In the end it is not possible to sufficiently and adequately describe a

life in a few words in a newspaper, but for those foolhardy enough to try,

remembered Ken as passionate, hardworking, funny, and with a quick wit. A

man of character and integrity who knew a little about everything. He

excelled at connecting with people and was a great storyteller–he could

have an hour long 5-minute conversation with anybody. A great man who

leaves behind a legacy in all the people he touched.

Ken is preceded in death by his mother Frances and Father Robert. His

brother-in-law Dale Eggers, and his beloved soulmate and wife Kelly. He is

succeeded by his sister Karon Eggers; his sister and brother-in-law Kathy

and Dennis Mcglaughlin; his sister Roberta Walters; his brother and

sister-in-law Scott and Vivian McKinlay; brother and sister-in-law Reed and

Lisa McKinlay; and his sons Jacob and Jorden, daughter Jessica, son-in-law

Cory Cummings, and a number of cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews.

A funeral service will be held at Mueller's Funeral Home, 1401 S Union St.

Kennewick WA 99338, Thursday March 2nd at 1PM. A reception will follow at

the Sheet Metal Workers Local 55 training center at 1718 W Sylvester St.

Pasco WA, 99301. The family asks any flowers be sent to the funeral home by

10AM March 2nd. In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to

Communities In Schools of Benton Franklin or the Finley Booster Club.