Georgian mourns loss of Georgian's Men's Basketball Assistant Coach

Barrie, ON -- It's with heavy hearts we share the loss of Georgian’s Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach, Allan Cox. The entire basketball community mourns this loss. The Georgian flags at the Barrie Campus have been lowered in his honour.

Immigrating with his mother and two older siblings to Canada in 1973, Allan grew up in Montreal in the Little Burgundy neighbourhood where he not only became a star basketball player in high school and college, but also an "A" student. After marrying his high school sweetheart heart in 1989 he moved first to Texas then eventually to Toronto where he became a dad for the first time in 1990. He would eventually be dad to three boys and a girl, almost an entire basketball team.

Being a basketball coach was central to who Allan was. He not only coached many young men and women on the game, but also on the game of life. He was a patient listener to those who felt voiceless, he was there for those who needed to know there was a steadying hand, and he was a warm embracing smile for those who needed to know the world could be a kind place. He was the person who gave you second chances. As we grieve our friend, mentor and coach we choose to focus on the lessons learnt and time spent with him. All our lives are brighter having known him and we are grateful for the impact he has had on every one of our student athletes and broader Georgian Community. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. Allan was quiet grace, dignity, and unwavering constancy, and although he was not here long - how wonderful life was while he was in this world.

If you wish to talk to someone, free and confidential support is available to all Georgian students and employees can access the Employee and Family Assistance Program.