Senator Dave Cox dies at 72

State Senator Dave Cox passed away on July 13 at the age of 72. He was at his home surrounded by his family.  Cox represented the First State Senate District, which includes the east side of California from the Oregon state border down to Inyo County. According to an article at Capital Public Radio, Cox had been battling prostate cancer for 13 years.

Cox spent two decades in public service and became a member of the legislature in 1998. He served as Assembly Republican Leader before his election to the Senate in 2004.

Cox was dedicated to hearing from his constituency and often made trips to the Eastern Sierra to speak one on one with local communities, including Mammoth Lakes. He was known as a fiscal conservative with a feisty wit.

A statement released by Cox’s family on Tuesday described him as “A devoted man, he always found time to serve his community and constituents. Dave took great pride in public service and making government work for the people it serves.”

Cox is survived by his wife of 44 years, Maggie; daughters Cathleen, Margo and Sarah; six grandchildren and his beloved dog, Rudy.

In lieu of flowers, the Cox family asks that donations be made to the Dave and Maggie Cox Scholarship Fund with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, located at 740 University, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95825.

Memorial services are pending.