Joel Matthew Cox, 70, of Valley, NS (formerly of Shelburne, NS) passed away peacefully at Colchester East Hants Health Centre on October 24, 2015, with his loving wife by his side. Born on May 2, 1945 in Windsor, NS, Joel was taken to the Ideal Maternity Home where he was adopted by Matthew and Dorothy (Fuller) Cox. After graduating from Shelburne Regional High School in 1963, Joel attended Teachers College in Truro, NS and Saint Mary’s University, then returned to Shelburne County to begin his teaching career. He spent most of his time as an administrator and retired after 32 years in the profession. Joel enjoyed his career tremendously and made a difference in many students’ lives, caring for their well-being beyond their education. A lifelong Red Sox fan, sport was a big part of Joel’s life and he was always on the move—golf, hockey, swimming, cycling, skiing, walking, to name a few. He gave his time to his community, in particular his church and those less fortunate. In 1997 Joel was reunited with a full birth sister and other members of his birth family, with whom he became close. He thoroughly enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. Joel is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, the former Helen Roy; sister Patsy (Reg) Chute of Bridgetown, NS; son Andrew (Wanda) Cox of Milford Station, NS; daughter Emily (Craig) Silk of Ottawa, ON; and grandchildren Tyler, Brady, Charlie and Lucy; Peter and Jay; and Spencer; as well as many friends; and his dog Jake. He was predeceased by his daughter Jennifer Kohfield, and his parents. Joel enjoyed lifelong good health until recent months when he became ill with complications associated with multiple myeloma. Visitation to be held 6-8pm on October 28 at Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro, NS. A memorial service to celebrate Joel’s life will take place at St. David’s United Church, Pictou Road, Bible Hill, on Thursday, October 29 at 2pm, with another visitation from 1-2pm and a reception to follow. Family flowers only; the family requests that you honour Joel’s memory through donations made to the Colchester East Hants Palliative Care Service and Colchester East Hants Hospice Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home. Online condolences and donations can be made at www.colchestercommunity.com