Obituary of Hilliard James COX

May 26, 1940 - August 29, 2022

Loving husband to Sheila Cox and beloved father to Dawn and Tracy.  Hill passed peacefully in hospital with family by his side on August 29, 2022 in his 82^nd year. He is survived by his brother Murray Cox and will be missed as a fun brother-in-law, uncle and mentor to many.

After moving from Cornwall, Ontario to Toronto in his youth, Hill enjoyed membership with the Royal Canadian Air Force Ground Observer Corps that sparked an interest in aviation and led to him to eventually acquire his pilot's license.

Hill spoke fondly of his experiences employed as a Toronto ambulance driver and funeral home attendant, the latter industry he planned to pursue until he was called to join the family's metrology business Frank J. Cox Sales Ltd, started by his parents Frank & Anna May Cox in the mid 1950's.

 It was through a business phone call that Hill met his future wife Sheila Barrett, the switchboard operator with the cute English accent, who captured his heart for 56 years. A strong connection with Sheila’s family in England developed through visits and the sharing of music and stories about life in Canada via creative tape recordings sent back and forth. His love for Coronation Street no doubt came from this strong connection. 

A recognized leader in the field of dimensional metrology and a past president of the American Measuring Tool Manufacturers Association, Hill was a monthly contributor to Quality Magazine (USA) with his column Other Dimensions. He was very proud of his manual Searching for Zero that has been translated into several languages. Hill was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (USA) and a member of the National Conference of Standards Laboratories (USA). Hill's folksy, creative  “keep it simple” style of speaking often led to frequent lead-speaker roles for training seminars on metrology, calibration, and measurement uncertainty for the AMTMA and other organizations.

Hill was ever-supportive of his daughters Tracy and Dawn whose career choices led them on different creative paths from the family business. He raised his daughters to share in his values on happiness, kindness, and generosity.

Captain of “the Bay Raider” and self-proclaimed “Master Camp Crafter” Hill was an avid outdoorsman. He chose to build his home in the rural Caledon area so that his family could enjoy the experience of living surrounded by the beauty of nature every day.

Never too busy to explain the schematics of a jet airplane engine for a school project, coach baseball, or discuss the politics of the day, Hill was also prepared to enact change through his leadership in federal politics. Hill was an avid reader and subscriber to think-tank papers on politics & social policy with a view to making the world a better place.

A life-long learner, Hill was also a student of mediumship at the Arthur Findlay College in England. He often acted as a spiritual helper to those struggling with illness and personal loss. Hill was an anonymous benefactor to strangers needing a helping hand during difficult times. His big heart always had a soft spot for “critters” in local humane societies.  He donated annually to make sure the little “puppy-dogs, pussy-cats” also had a good Christmas.

He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Hill's name to  Erin-Hillsburgh Humane Society or Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.imfunerals.com

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Cox family.