Reverend Robert James Fox
A Mass of Christian Burial for Rev. Robert James Fox will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, MT on Friday, September 18, 2015, at 2:00 P.M. A Vigil service will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Church in Wolf Point, MT, at 7:00 P.M. Interment will follow the Mass at the Poplar Cemetery. Bishop Michael Warfel of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings will officiate.
Father Fox died on Thursday, September 10, 2015, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point. He was born on October 14, 1931, along with his twin brother, William, in Bandon Township, Renville County, Minnesota. He is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Angela (Farrell) Fox, siblings, John, Mary, Edward, and William. He is survived by his brother Jerome (Grace) of Inver Grove Heights, MN and sister Rosanne (Sister of St. Joseph of Ca-rondelet) of St. Paul, MN, sister-in-laws Joan (Edward) Fox of Redwood Falls, MN, Mary Jo (William) Fox of Minneapolis, along with four generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was ordained June 6, 1959, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud, MN, by Bishop Peter Bartholomew and said his first Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Franklin, MN on June 7th.
After attending grade school in Franklin, Minnesota, he and brother Bill, lived with their uncle and aunt, Jim and Rose Redmond, while attending St. Mary’s Institute in Great Falls. His college education started at Mount Angel Seminary, Saint Benedict, OR, and continued for three years at Basselin College of the Catholic University, Washington, DC, studying philosophy and four years at the Theological College, Catholic University, Washington, DC. He earned his B.A. in 1953, M.A. in 1954, Philosophy, S.T.L. 1959, and his Ph.D. in 1963. During his college years, he spent four months traveling Europe which he felt was comparable to a couple of years of college. He aided many a niece and nephew over the years to attain college degrees and encouraged them to travel and learn.
In 1959, he was assigned to St. Patrick’s in Billings and taught at Central Catholic High School while continuing his studies. In August 1962, he was moved to Great Falls as a Professor of Philosophy at the College of Great Falls. He became Chaplain & Head of the Philosophy Department in 1964, serving at the College for 25 years. Additionally, he served the people and priests of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings as a chairman to the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, Priests’ Personnel Board, Judge of the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, Chancellor of the Diocese, and Vicar for Ministries. Over the years, he served the Montana parishes of Blessed Sacrament in Black Eagle, Ursline Academy in Great Falls, Immaculate Conception in Fort Ben-ton, Sts. Cyril & Methodius in Stockett, and Holy Family in Great Falls before being assigned to St. Raphael’s in Glasgow in1982 for six years. In 1989, he became pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Poplar, with additional duties at Immaculate Conception Church from 1991-1994. He served in Poplar until his retirement in 1996.
His thesis on nuclear war, “Sovereignty and World Order, The Limitation of Warfare” was published in the American Ecclesiastical Review in February 1964, and he authored and published many book reviews, letter to editors and articles for Catholic publications over the years. Always having an in-terest in Dorothy Day and her work with the poor, he began a book to intro-duce the reader to her life and works. In 2014, his book, Dorothy Day’s Visit to Montana, was published. An avid reader, his collection of books would amaze his visitors. He often authored a short poem or story that he would relay in his weekly correspondence and Christmas letters to a vast array of friends and family.
His ministry with the Native Americans on the Fort Peck Reservation was his calling. During his years in Poplar and after his retirement, he offered whatever he had to whomever needed it, whether it be a sandwich, clothing, or counseling. His belief in the Beatitudes was well practiced.
Fr. Bob loved animals, having two black labradors, Bosco and Jake, during his years in Glasgow and Poplar. At the Faith Home, he cared for Gracie, one of the Home’s “community” cats, who took up residence in his room. He loved to see a dog or a puppy come to visit. Young children were also a favorite. He kept a stash of Oreo cookies and candy for their visits. He encouraged older ones to read and write letters, often quizzing them on what they had learned in school.
He also enjoyed his years sharing “The Cabin” on the Missouri River at Dearborn with family, friends, and fellow priests. Work was always to be done, but there was also lots of time for praying, meditation, cards, good food, and visiting. Golf was his game, and he savored the winters he could spend in Arizona with family and friends pursuing the sport.
He was an integral part of the brotherhood of priests in the Diocese and served as the patriarch of the Fox Family. He was keenly aware of the needs of others and was so easy to talk with whether you were experienc-ing a problem in your life, or just wanted to share an event. Never judgmen-tal, family, friends, and strangers sought him out for counseling or just to clarify a question they had about the Church. He offered Bibles, rosaries and books to anyone who showed the slightest interest in renewing or strengthening their faith. During his time at Faith Lutheran Home, he led the Rosary, helped with Mass, consoled fellow residents, and served as Presi-dent of the Resident’s committee. He will be deeply missed by all.
Memorials may be made to the Priests’ Retirement Fund, Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, P O Box 1399, Great Falls, MT 59403, or Faith Lutheran Home, 1000 6th Avenue North, Wolf Point, MT 59201.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday September 17, 2015
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
513 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Mass of Christian Burial
2:00 p.m.
Friday September 18, 2015
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday September 17, 2015
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
513 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Mass of Christian Burial
2:00 p.m.
Friday September 18, 2015
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street
Poplar, Montana 59255
Kathleen says
Father Fox, may you rest in perfect peace.
C. Grimes says
My sincere condolences to the family and friends. May the God of all comfort strengthen you during this time, Psalms 83:18.
Susan Twichel says
To all of the Fox family–
My heart goes out to all of you! Father Fox was a great man and had a great love for the Catholic faith. He loved to visit and was always there for anyone & everyone. When he found out what I named my first son, he said “I always knew she liked her priest”(my son was named Robert James). May you be welcomed into the loving arms of God and share stories with the family who has gone before you.
Love and prayers–
Susan(Hagadone) Twichel
Larry and Sue Sather says
Dear Fox family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Father Fox. He was a very dear man to our family, provided much spiritual support, and baptized two of our kids while he was here in Glasgow. So loved to visit with him when we would meet up in Wolf Point. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are sent your way. Larry and Sue
David E. Boyd Sr. & Chong Ae. says
Robert was one of the individuals who helped get the New Mission in Poplar started. Worked with Robert for several years. He was a good man and always had a smile on his face. The New Mission in Poplar would not be in existence today without individuals like Robert, God speed and prayers a for the family.
Rev Enright Bighorn Sr says
I am grateful for Father Fox’s friendship and I want to thank the Our Lady of Lourdes parish for sharing him with all of us on the Fort Peck Assiniboine Sioux reservation. Deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends.
Sister Mary Fran Allen says
Dear Fox Clan,
A great man, your spiritual leader has gone to God. He loved each of you, in a special way. His church, his God, his family, and the beloved people he served were his fulfillment. How he loved the world of books and learning, and continually challenged all of us by recommending readings, writings, and good works that we might pursue in our daily lives. What a joy it was to have him visit Franklin or those who had roots in Brandon or Birch Coulée! The pipe, the welcoming smile, and hearty laugh always were the gift. The letters were his strong link in the last few years. His letters were built on his latest scholarly findings! He loved hearing about the relatives, especially the younger generation, whenever we communicated with one another. I’m so happy that he saw so many of you in the last year! May we continue his great legacy of life-long learning, love of all God’s people, and know the gift of love and support of each other! God bless all of you! Love and prayers, Sister Mary Fran Allen
Larry Gilbert says
His philosophy of life has inspired me over the years.
Thanks, Father Fox!