John Anthony Coxon

John Anthony Coxon. John passed peacefully after a brief and unexpected illness on

April 14, 2022. He passed in the loving arms of his family and closest friends. John would have loved that his last moments included a taste of “good quality” scotch and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” softly playing in the background.

John was born in Blackpool, England in 1943. His Chemistry teacher, Mr. Peter Manson (Arnold Grammar School, Blackpool) sparked his life-long passion for Chemistry and they still remained in touch. As a young man, John also enjoyed playing cricket, golf and squash.

John received his BA and MA from Cambridge University and his PhD from the University of East Anglia under the supervision of his beloved mentor, Dr. Michael Clyne. He moved to London to attend the University of London (Queen Mary College) in 1966 with Dr. Clyne. It is there that he met the love of his life, Nithyani Kandiah (Kuala Lumpur) who was also there pursuing her PhD. Their chance meeting in the same International Postgraduate Residential Hall began a new life path for both of them.

John’s PhD research focused on gas phase kinetics and the electronic spectroscopy of small molecules. Upon completion of his PhD, he became a research scientist at British Gas Corporation.

John and Nithi (a.k.a “Babes”) moved to Canada in 1974 as John had accepted an offer to join the Department of Chemistry at Dalhousie University as the first Killam Research Professor in the Department. He held that position until 1978 when he became a regular faculty member. He was a chemist and a professor at Dalhousie University for 31 years (1974-2005) and thereafter as Professor Emeritus.

John was one of Canada's leading high-resolution spectroscopists. He was held in high regard by his peers in Canada and around the world. In the 1980’s John’s lasers at Dalhousie University were used by the RCMP to help extract fingerprints in criminal investigations. During his career, he published more than 140 papers, the most recent in 2020 in the Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy. He also supervised many Master’s and PhD students whom he loved dearly and remained close with through the years. At the undergraduate level, he mostly taught physical chemistry. He will not be forgotten by many Honours students who endured the​ rigors of his spectroscopy course, labs, and also by his first-year chemistry students in the Engineering program. His booming voice was ideal for lecturing, and belied his gentler side.

In 1985, John’s wife became ill and he was unexpectedly thrown into single parenthood. A man of unwavering commitment and integrity, he was a loving, dedicated, selfless father. He showed the true meaning of unconditional love through self-sacrifice and volunteerism. John lived for his children and he remained a pillar of strength, wisdom, and close friend throughout their adulthood.

In 1992, John was the founder of the Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club, and acted as the club president for many years with the club office in his home. He also managed the Dunbrack Senior Men’s team and made memories and friendships with countless members of the soccer community around the province. Those who knew him will always remember the sound of his voice as he yelled “C’mon Dunrback!” He hosted many memorable and sometimes wild parties in his “snooker room”. Please remember to toast him during the World Cup in November, 2022 which he was so looking forward to.

In his later years, John faced life with an unwavering determination and had a drive for independence despite his decreasing physical mobility. His sharp mind and zest for life helped him carry on through many unfortunate challenges. He was able to stay in his home as he wished, with the love and support from his caregiver, Andrea. John also adored his sweet little dog, Muppet and they had many walks together in Hemlock Ravine Park. Most recently, he was so proud of his new and beautiful grandson, Matthew Coxon and he cherished their times together in the role of a playful and loving“Grandad”. John spent countless happy Friday evenings with his loyal friend Rob. He still had many late nights working on his current research to publish his latest work with his dear friend and colleague of 40 years, Photos (Cypress).

He enjoyed long car rides while listening to music, making wine, seeking ways for intellectual stimulation, following world events, exploring new restaurants, writing epic annual Christmas letters, and being with family and friends. His passion for teaching and educating never ended, even donating his brain to Dalhousie Medicine after death.

There will be no other like John Coxon. He was a sincere, reliable, determined, ambitious person with the best British sarcasm. His spot at the kitchen table will be missed and he will be remembered for his infectious laugh, love of scotch on the rocks, good cheese, blunt nature, a need for precision, accuracy and truth, and that penetrating glance over his glasses. He will be missed forever in unmeasurable ways but we will honour him by attempting to live out his most beautiful and admirable qualities the same way that he did. As he would say, “Carry On”.

John is survived by his children, Christopher Coxon (Samantha) Saskatoon, Joanne Coxon (“Pittman”) Halifax, Grandson, Matthew, a large family in Malaysia, sister Sheila Oxspring (England), and numerous friends in Canada and around the world. He is predeceased by his wife, Nithi and her siblings: Arch, and Chai.

We are ever grateful to the amazing staff at the Halifax Infirmary (ICU 5.2,) especially Dr. Loran Morrison, Dr. Jennifer Hancock and nurses Keith and Robert who helped John to pass with dignity. Special thanks to John’s dear friend, Ida, for organizing a meal train for our family and to all of our friends who nourished us during these most difficult days. Thank you to all for sharing your memories, thoughts and wishes during the hardest days of our lives.

Due to Covid and John’s wishes, a small gathering will be held at his family home on Saturday April 23. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, a charity will be established in order to annually provide a bursary to an U18 Dunbrack Soccer player who is entering first year university at Dalhousie. It will take a bit of time to set up the charity and combine it with John’s trust fund. In the meantime, any donations can be made to this Go Fund Me link:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/john-coxon?utm_medium=social&utm_source=messenger&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet

We will provide more detailed information to all who support it once it’s finalized.