With sadness, but also a lifetime of great memories, the Cox family shares our loss of Edward “Ed” Cox II, who passed unexpectedly on June 28, at his home in Eureka, at the age of 79.

Ed was a fourth generation Humboldt County native. He attended Marshall Elementary School, Eureka Junior High School, and was a 1965 graduate of Eureka High School.

When he was a young boy, Eureka had no youth football programs, so Ed and his dad, Ed Cox Sr, along with cousin, Tim Cox, set out to change that, becoming the founders of the Humboldt County Pop Warner “Pee Wee” Football league. 

Following high school, Ed enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving with a combat engineer battalion in Vietnam. Ed was never one to talk about his time in the service, but he was proud to have served his country. 

Following his military service, Ed attended Humboldt State University, playing football for the Lumberjacks while earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He then went on to attend McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, graduating in 1977, and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1978. 

Ed determined early on that the practice of law was not for him, although his skills and law degree would benefit him greatly throughout his lifetime. Ed’s true calling in his work life was that of an entrepreneur, primarily in the land and timber industry. He absolutely loved putting land and timber deals together.

When California regulations became too restrictive, he moved the majority of his business activities to Gold Hills, Ore., near Jacksonville, where he maintained a second residence/office during the week for about 20 years. Ed’s work in the timber industry continued to the very day of his passing.

Some of Ed’s best business advice included, “Always make your money on the buy, not the sell,” and, “In this world there are two types of people: producers and consumers. Always be a producer!”

Ed loved watching his kids and grandkids excel in sports. He also enjoyed golf and surfing. Ed started surfing in the ‘60s and throughout his surfing days stayed true to his “old school longboard.” Because of this he was known and revered at the North Jetty by the younger surfers as, “Big Ed on Big Red.”

For years, Ed made annual surfing trips with his boys, driving from Eureka to Baja, Calif., camping on the beaches of Mexico and surfing for a week at a time. Ed loved good Mexican food, and was known for his chili verde and old fashioned tacos.

But as much as he loved all of these experiences and adventures, everyone who truly knew Ed knew that his No. 1 love and passion in life was his beloved high-school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Diane Cox. Through thick and thin, and times of great happiness and sorrow, they were at each other’s side until Diane’s passing in 2023. Ed missed Diane dearly, and the family takes comfort in knowing that they, along with son Dan, are together once again.

Ed had lots of friends and was known as a kind and fair man who would help out or lend a hand to anyone in need. His and Diane’s home was always open to anyone who needed advice, protection, a place to stay, or a good meal. He will be missed dearly by many.

Ed is survived by his children, Ed Cox III, Randy (Melinda) Cox, Zack Cox, Nick Cox, and Joe Cox, all of Eureka; sister Lana Griffith of Portland, Ore.; brother Dave (Marilyn) Cox of Weaverville; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and so many others that he loved and shared his life with.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Diane, son Danial “Dan” Cox, and his parents, Ed Sr. and Charlotte Cox.

A graveside service for family and close friends will be held on Friday, July 17th, 10 a.m. at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka. A celebration of life to honor Ed will then be held on Saturday, September 5, from noon-4 p.m., at the Eureka Elks Lodge, where all are invited to remember Ed and share your favorite memories and stories.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Edward Cox’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.