[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 122 (Tuesday, July 13, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4848-S4849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                          Remembering Dean Cox

  Mr. ROMNEY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
outstanding legacy of my dear friend Dean Cox. His enduring commitment 
to public service over the course of his life and his consequential 
career are worthy of the highest praise.
  Many Utahns knew Dean as an accomplished Washington County 
commissioner, but those closest to him knew him as a loving friend, a 
neighbor, dad, grandfather, and husband, who devoted his life to 
helping others.
  With Dean's passing, Washington County has lost one of its finest 
public servants. Dean's legacy reminds us that the most reliable path 
to success in public and private life is marked by an unwavering 
dedication to principle and compassion.
  With people from across our State, we extend our deepest sympathy to 
his family and his loved ones. He is a man we will miss very, very 
much.
  Dean's lifetime of public service in Washington County and across 
southern Utah cements his reputation as an indispensable expert on a 
wide range of vital services for first responders, businesses, and 
State and local governments.
  A true son of southern Utah, Dean was raised on the family pasture by 
his veteran father and caring mother in St. George. Throughout his 
youth, Dean learned how to fix just about anything in his father's 
garage and mechanic's shop, mastering his trade craft in Bob's Garage.
  The course of his life would, however, change while attending Brigham 
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University. There, he would meet the love of his life, LaRene Leavitt, 
and the two would soon dedicate their lives to raising their four 
children at their home in St. George.
  Dean and his brother decided to purchase Bob's Garage and carry on 
the family tradition. Their shop--renamed Colorland Sales and Service--
was not only a successful small business, but it allowed Dean the 
opportunity to pass along the skills he had learned from his dad to his 
own children as well.
  Dean's career in public service began as a volunteer emergency 
responder in Washington County. As a stellar radio operator and 
licensed pilot since the age of 19, Dean's emergency coordination 
efforts through major disaster responses and other trials earned him 
experience and admiration from the communities he protected.
  Impressed by his years of excellent service, Washington County 
offered Dean the critical role of county administrator, where he 
executed the policies set forth by the county commission. Then when a 
seat on the commission became available, Dean was encouraged to join 
the race. His candidacy was backed by three decades of local knowledge, 
by his expertise and broad popularity within the community.
  Victorious, Dean then became the decisionmaker. Without a doubt, the 
hallmark of Commissioner Cox's legacy is his successful breakthrough in 
securing approval for the Northern Corridor project. His pragmatism and 
willingness to reach compromise was the key to resolving long-held 
disagreements between disparate parties. His efforts yielded a win for 
the transportation needs of the Nation's fastest growing State and a 
win for the wildlife conservation of its most beautiful.
  Last year, 80 percent of his constituents reelected Dean Cox to be 
their Commissioner--80 percent. Despite this incredible achievement, 
illness would tragically force Dean to receive hospital care, including 
chemotherapy. To his character, Dean continued to serve while 
undergoing this treatment.
  He passed away surrounded by loved ones, and he is survived by his 
loving family: his wife, LaRene; his son Jeffery, and Tanna, Matthew, 
Keira, and Camille; his daughter Elisa, and Quinten, Ethan, Anna, and 
Audrey; his daughter Kristen, and Thomas, Kate, Jonas, and Hailey; his 
son Edward, and Karen, Emery, and Everett.
  At every step of Dean's remarkable career, his sweetheart LaRene 
stood by his side. Her love and support sustained him through decades 
of selfless public service, and now, LaRene carries on his wonderful 
legacy. Our great State owes Dean and LaRene Cox a debt of gratitude 
for their friendship and kindness to all and their indelible 
contributions to southern Utah's destiny.
  Our hearts go out to them. We love them dearly and pray for happiness 
and joy in their ultimate reunion.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming