discoveries and interests , and giving tours of his facility and test garden laboratory . Mike had a child-like wonder and the uber-intelligence that kept him on the leading edge of science for his entire career . These amazing traits were wrapped up in a humble , gentle , and kind man who cared deeply for those around him . Mike recognized a responsibility to use his talents and resources to further mankind by continually striving to help people grow and make the community and the planet better place for all .
Mike is survived by his wife , Mary , his son Steve and daughterin-law Stacy Cox , his daughter Laurie Cox and son-in-law Viacheslav Sheremirov , grandchildren Connor and Chloe Cox , and his sister , Helen Cox Driskill .
Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner shared , “… Mike Cox was one of the most knowledgeable individuals any of us ever met . Yet , Mike was down to earth , encouraged others , was kind and generous , loved his community , and loved his family .”
Above : Mike and Mary Cox , January 2024 . Main image : Mike Cox in his Anaerobe Energy test garden on the Morgan Hill campus . Below : Mike earns the Leadership Excellence Award in 2013 .
For their philanthropy and volunteer efforts in the community , Mike and Mary were named Man and Woman of the Year in 2008 by the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce . It was the first time the awards had been given to a married couple in the same year . In 2013 he was awarded the Morgan Hill Leadership Excellence Award . He and Mary , along with their son Steve , were known for hosting and doing all the cooking for many nonprofit organizations at fun events at the Cox home . Their commitment to the community has remained a core part of their business and personal lives ever since those early days .
We are all better for knowing Mike Cox . He truly made this world a better place . His legacy will live on , and his groundbreaking discoveries in science will be the foundation for generations of future scientists to come . Thank you , Mike , for your kindness , your conversations , your drive , and your vision . Most of all thank you for your exemplary model of good citizenship , and your friendship . As Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Nick Gaich shared , “ Mike has left us countless memories of a man we all loved and cherished for his kindness , hope , and inspiration ."
Learn more about Anaerobe Systems at : Anaerobesystems . com Learn more about Anaerobe energy at : Anaerobe-energy . com
Among Mike ’ s discoveries and inventions , he developed technology to convert biomass into hydrogen and organic fertilizers and recently received a patent on that technology . His Continuous Anaerobic Fermentation System ( CAFS ) is the basis for his second company , Anaerobe Energy . While the original intent was to use the fermentation process to make hydrogen , he discovered with the help of a farmer friend he was giving a tour and sharing the process with , that the biproduct of his process made an effective fertilizer . Since then , FermeGROW liquid fertilizer and FermeCHAR soil amendment have been gaining the attention of the agricultural community .
Mike valued education . He loved to teach and spent nearly 30 years hosting quarterly workshops at his home and business location for microbiologists from all over . He and Mary were known for their excellent cooking skills , providing all the meals for workshop attendees . He was always ready to offer a good book to anyone interested in learning more about science , history , and biographies of notable people . He loved discussing the latest technologies , sharing his exciting new
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