Ninety-nine years young Harvey Fox made his exit Thursday December 21 solstice eve, not willing to weather the longest night or be admitted to long term care. His life spanned the roaring 20s, the Great Depression, the Second World War, two wives, six children and a retirement of 30 plus years. Always curious he was well read, reading on his kindle nightly, well informed on politics, sports, the family gossip (he couldn’t keep a secret) and obscure trivia. He mastered many tech challenges tracking our whereabouts on his iPhone, merging calls, doing online banking, creating Spotify playlists and texting. His sense of humor kept us laughing. He could be witty, sometimes crude, silly and comedic. His secrets of long life were stents and deep breathing. He said he was a better person as he got older.
Harvey was born on August 22, 1924 in Salt Lake City to Frederick Fox and Anne Marie Stahr Fox. He was the last of eight children, born when his mother was 48. He attended East High School and grew up in the Avenues area. He had a lifelong love for the Avenues and had many stories of growing up there. He enlisted in the army in 1943 during WWII and spent time in England, France and Germany during the war. He married Eileen Fox in 1948 (later divorced) and together they raised six children. He later met Carol Russell and they spent forty plus years together, marrying in 2014.
Harvey retired from Varian Medical at age 65 and enjoyed thirty plus years of retirement. Harvey was active for the majority of his life. He enjoyed being with his family, fly fishing, golfing, walking his dogs, white zinfandel and of course the Utah Jazz. Harvey was active in the WBBA (Western Boys Baseball Association) when his boys were young. He was president of the Avenues League and instrumental in having the concessions stand built at Lindsey Gardens. He was also a master at making Crème Brule and made it weekly (sometimes more often). Harvey was a confirmed atheist.
Harvey is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wives and most of his friends. He is survived by six children: Julie Fox, Cathy (John) Rice, Dave (Liz) Fox, Nancy Fox (Dave Fogle), John (Anne Marie McBroom) Fox, Jim Fox (partner Darlene Davis). Harvey was good to Carol’s children. Steve, Patty, Dawn and Shane.
The family is very thankful for the wonderful care provided by Enhabit Hospice, especially Char and Anna, in the last four months. Special thanks to his neighbors Don Funk and Al Avila who were there to check on him, put out his garbage cans and clear his walks when it snowed. Don and his wife Linda provided many delicious meals and got his mail for him when he was unable to himself.
Harvey’s moto was: "Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind, the second is to be kind and
the third is to be kind.” -Henry James
Visitation Friday, December 29 at 3 pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.
I love you so much grandpa. It’s been an honor to know you and have you in my life. I’ll miss your Swedish cream, your fox decorations, and how hard it was to keep you on the phone. I talk about you all the time.
I wish to express my condolences to the family of Harvey Fox.
Harvey had a long life and was blessed to have had a family that loved and cared for him till the end.
Undoubtedly he had been a good father who earned such love.
May he Rest In Peace.
Our love and positive thoughts go out to the entire Fox family . Please except our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved Father- Grandfather, Harvey Fox.
I first met Harvey roughly 42 years ago, through my newly formed friendship with his youngest son Jamie.
If memory serves I believe Jamie was staying with Harvey at an apartment building on 5th East.
It was there I had the pleasure of meeting your Father - Grandfather. Harvey.
My first impressions were of a very nice man and solid father.
Throughout the years I had the opportunity to connect with Harvey through John and Jamie. Harvey was always very good at remembering who I was and would acknowledge me by name.
From time to time I would run into Harvey and his Veteran friends at a local diner they used to frequent for breakfast.
It was always a nice surprise to have that encounter.
I did not know Harvey well, nor did we have long conversations, but I always felt that he was a kindred spirit, who had a special way of being. I feel fortunate to have had a chance to make a connection with such a nice person and great human being.
Rest in Peace..