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Stephen Cox, 1956-2008 |
 Sad
news to report - reliable sources have informed me that Stephen Cox,
after a long four-year battle with rectal cancer, passed away on
Friday, October 31st 2008.
In 2004 Stephen, originally from England and a Los Angeles Squash
Professional for 20 years, was diagnosed with stage four rectal
Cancer that metastasized to the liver. Treatments began with
radiation and chemotherapy, eventually resulting in an Illiostomy
operation in February of 2005.
Stephen's quality of life has deteriorated since that time,
particularly over these last three months. Stephen is survived by
his wife Georgina, boy and girl twins aged 15, Piers and Bronte, and
two stepsons in their 20’s now both married.
LAAC Head Pro (retired) |
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The 2007 Los Angeles Open
The WISPA Event of 2007 at the Los Angeles Athletic Club was
held in support of the Stephen Cox Cancer Care Fund.
Stephen was present for most of the tournament, and here,
belatedly, is part of a chat I had with him ...
Steve Cubbins
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 "I
was born in 1956 in Aldershot, but lived mainly in Wimbledon. I
took up squash at 13, played junior county, and went on the
senior circuit for a while enjoying the beer, fun, seeing the
sights etc.
"I played many top players, such as Phil Ayton, Mike Corby,
Bruce Brownlee, Gawain Briars, John Treharne, Jeff Williams.
"I had to give it up at 21 though, I was burnt out. I took up a
career in hotel management, and just played club squash for four
years before what I called "waking up".
"I came back at 28 and played the best squash of my life - no
flamboyant losses, plenty of gritty wins and two excellent
seasons with Wimbledon where I only lost one game and won my
first ever cup, my best contribution to team squash.
"My first marriage failed though, and an opportunity to go over
to the States presented itself. I had nothing to keep me back so
I took it.
"I went straight to LA, thinking I'd have to give up squash, but
I was amazed to find a vibrant community of colonials and
locals, and luckily the first person I played - and annihilated
- was the club pro who was just about to resign, so I applied
for the job, at the Sports Club Irvine, and got it!
"I reactivated my coaching licence and moved to Valley one year
later, then on to Sports Club LA and over time it all got bigger
and better and I moved from part-time to full-time coaching.
"Coaching can be a very uninspiring way to make a living unless
you put your heart and soul into it, you have to see yourself as
a squash consultant, not a coach. I spent a lot of time
educating myself in other sports coaching, psychology, and
adapting tested techniques to the goal of improving squash.
"Focusing on sports performance, I created a number of squash
specific exercise programs, on and off court, and I still have
about 180 pages of scribbles about experience and watching who
knows what in other sports - not sure I'll ever be able to do
much with those.
"I was diagnosed in Oct 2004 and had my first operation in Feb
2005, but I carried on with all sports until Feb/Mar 2006. It
just became too much eventually. The diagnosis was correct, but
the the tumor was completely disregarded so it continued
unchecked, and if I hadn't got a second opinion in Aug 2006 I
wouldn't have lasted much longer.
"I had a 12-hour operation in October, went down to 130lbs and
was on my back for 17 days. I had little or no movement and
thought I'd never play sport again, least of all my other
favourite sport, Ice Hockey.
 "But
as a health professional you're aware of the patience you need,
so I slowly climbed the ladder of improvement, starting with 10
minutes exercise a day, increasing so that I now play an hour a
day, coach squash, live my full life, and even my golf handicap
is improving!
"I still have treatment every two weeks, but I sincerely hope my
approach to my difficulties will be an example to anyone who
experiences dramatic trauma of whatever magnitude.
"Never give up, and look to enjoy every aspect of life, even
five minutes at a time ..."
 July
2007 |
"I was so impressed with the kindness and
generosity received during the tournament.
"Thanks to Jonathan Foster for kickstarting the process, and in
particular to Bob, whose tireless strength and determination in
pursuing my cause is truly awesome.
"Bob is the true ambassador of Squash in the USA and an example
to all club management throughout the world.
"My special thanks to him from me and all my family."
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There will be a Memorial Service & Celebration of Stephen's life
at 6.30pm, Sat 6th Dec at Lake Shrine Self Realization
Center,
17190 Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 US.
More details
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