Robert M. 'Robin' Cox, 60

Robert M. "Robin" Cox passed away June 25, 2008, in Polebridge. He was born July 19, 1947, in Cody, Wyo. His parents were Robert M. Cox Sr., of Fries, Va., and Kathryn E. Cox (Hall) of Bismarck, N.D.

Upon completion of his public education, Robin enlisted in the U.S. Army for six years. He spent three years as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division and three as a medic in the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). During his military years, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was decorated with a Bronze Star.

After being discharged from the Army, Robin enrolled in the Physician's Assistant Training Program at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, and graduated in 1974. He worked as a physician's assistant in Chamberlain and Lower Brule, S.D., and for the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Robin's passion for the outdoors eventually led to a career with the National Park Service, where he was employed for 20 years in Yellowstone and Glacier national parks. He worked as a backcountry ranger, area ranger, field botanist and in resource management, as well.

Robin obtained a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, and went on to do graduate work in botany at Montana State University in Bozeman.

In 1975, he married Valerie K. Cox (Levernier) of Union , Ill., at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Their son, Samuel C. Cox, was born in 1980.

Robin was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters.

He is survived by his wife and son; as well as nephew, John S. Cooper, of Columbia Falls; and nieces, Judy Van Auken of Evergreen, Colo., and Sara Flanagan of Bethel, Conn.

Robin had many passions in life, and was an avid backcountry skier, whitewater kayaker and mountain biker. He also enjoyed hunting, fly fishing, traveling and spending time with his family.

A memorial service with military honors will be held in Bozeman in the fall.