Events
Viewing
Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT 84092Tuesday Apr 1, 2025 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Graveside
Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT 84092Tuesday Apr 1, 2025 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Listen to Obituary
On March 25th, 2025, Grand Master Gary Lee Cox passed away peacefully in his sleep.
To some, he was a Sensei; to one, he was a husband; to many, he was a dad and grandpa; and to the rest of the world, he was a great friend.
Gary served in the military as a member of the National Guard, Paratroopers, and the Special Forces as a Green Beret for over 10 years.
He married Laura Lea on July 9th, 2002, in one of their favorite vacation spots, Las Vegas, NV.
Before finding his passion in martial arts, he owned his own restaurant, an Irish sandwich shop called Magilacutty's.
Gary ran his own martial arts studio with his wife and son for over 50 years. Gary and Laura Lea were inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2013, where he was awarded the title of Most Distinguished Grand Master.
In addition to martial arts, he loved spending time with his wife cosplaying at FanX, taking trips to Universal Studios in Orlando, attending WitchFest, or getting lost trying to follow the GPS. He loves to socialize, sharing stories and pictures about life and all those adventures.
Anyone who stopped by the dojo would hear a story or ten.
Gary is survived by his wife, Laura Lea Wiley Cox; son, Darren Cox; two siblings; five stepchildren; 13 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Leah Gerwien Cox; father, Art William Cox Jr.; and brother, Charles Cox.
Services will be held April 1st, 2025, at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.), Sandy, UT. The viewing is from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM followed by a graveside service at 11:00 AM. The graveside will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be accessed by clicking the "Watch Services" button above.
Guestbook/Condolences
Was a student of his for 22 years... A second father- existential loss for all humanity.... Greatest Kenpo Karate Man ... I can't believe this.... recently we were laughing joking & training.... MY son wife & I are numb- shattered....
I worked for Gary at Magilacutty's. Still the best sandwiches I've ever had. The Mountaineer was THE BEST! What I'd give for his gravy recipe. What a great guy.
The Karate world lost a real one……. As well as the rest of the world…. .. A true Martial Artist…… The rain comes down on this day………The heavens are weeping……….
Our prayers goes out to Family & Friends 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ we sure did love Gary it was so fun to watch him teach my Granddaughter Karaty classes what an awesome trainer God Bless u Gary u will for sure be blessed 😇 & be missed by many who have known you for many years we love you & we will always miss you .❤️🙏💐
Let me offer my condolences to my Special friend and Martial Arts Instructor! My two sons and daughter had the privledge of being trained by Gary! We loved and respected this Man! We are sorry for your loss!.
You will be missed greatly. My sincerest condolences to family.
he was my sisters and i’s sensei, a very kind and generous man. when we moved away, he didn’t forget about us. praying for the family.
I took Karate from this man, so long ago. In midvale Utah, then KIAI karate was new. My father knew Gary from his restaurant days and that is how I remember getting involved there. Many years went by and a move of the dojo to Murray Utah. I was proud to know this man and saddened by his passing. RIP
Patrick A Tewell
May the almighty righteous God bless you and your family rest in peace r.i.p God bless