Father, brother, friend, 35-year Claremont Village dentist, 16-year Claremont Colleges rugby coach

Wayne R. Cox Jr., “Guy” to family, “Wally” to friends, died peacefully April 6 at age 75 surrounded by family and friends.

Wayne was born September 28, 1947 in Long Beach, California to parents Margaret Mary (MacKenzie) Cox and Wayne Robert Cox. He lived in San Mateo, California and Davenport, Iowa in his youth. The family then moved to Claremont, where he attended Our Lady of the Assumption school and Pomona Catholic Boys’ School (now Damien High), where he was an all sport athlete and served his class in various leadership roles, including student body president.

He earned his bachelor’s degree with cum laude distinction and his post-graduate doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of Southern California in 1976.

He established his Village dental practice and served for 35 years in the city he cherished, Claremont. He was often seen greeting and talking with people who passed him on the streets as he walked to work or town from his home and dined, often with his daughters, friends, and family.

He channeled his passion for sports into coaching Claremont Colleges rugby teams for 16 years and organizing and raising funds for team matches, resulting in numerous championships. He was most proud to organize international tours to Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, where his players appreciated the athletic and cultural excursions. “Coach Wally” was recently moved to tears when he was inducted to the Claremont Colleges Rugby Hall of Fame.

His greatest joy in life was his three daughters. He participated in all their activities and celebrated their accomplishments. He treasured friends and family gatherings in the warmth of his home. “Gardening, cooking, and creating beauty through his artistic talent of stained-glass creations and painting was his quiet yet greatly admired work,” his family added.

He is survived by his former wife, Molly; daughters Hannah, Michelle, and Lucy; brother, Monsignor Gregory A. Cox; and sisters Kathleen Manchuk and Marianne (Jim) Irwin.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 19 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 435 N. Berkeley Ave., Claremont 91711. A reception will follow at Walter’s Restaurant, 310 N. Yale Ave., Claremont 91711.