Thomas Edward Fox, of Wolf Point, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on September 17, 2014. Tom was 65 years old.
Tom was born to Edward and Joan (Andre) Fox on August 27, 1949; the oldest for six children. He spoke often of the years growing up on the farm outside of Franklin, Minnesota. At age 16, the family moved into town and Tom graduated high school in 1967. He attended college in Wilmar, MN until 1969 when he traveled to Montana to attend the College of Great Falls (University of Great Falls). It was there he met his wife and love of his life, Trudy McGowan. They were wed on March 6, 1971 in Great Falls. When he graduated in 1974, with a BS Degree in Business and Sociology, two job opportunities presented themselves one in Chicago, Illinois and one in Wolf Point, Montana. He opted for Wolf Point, because he had “spent a summer working at O’Hare airport in Chicago and never wanted to live east of the Mississippi again.”
In October 1974, he began working for Wolf Point Implement as the Parts Manager, later bought into the dealership and managed it until 1987. At that time he partnered with his long- time friend, Bill Rathert, in Rathert Fox Ford for 26 years and continued with his son, Mike, in Fox Ford until his death. Always loving farming, he purchased a small farm east of Wolf Point in 1990 and became an avid collector of John Deere tractors, specializing in the “30” series. His favorite was his John Deere 8020, #41 of only 50 built. He loved children, especially his grandchildren, and was always excited when youngsters would visit, putting them in the driver’s seat of a John Deere or Ford taking them around the farm. Tom loved spending time and visiting with family and friends and telling a good story. A successful and admired businessman, he was active throughout the years in various community events and organizations, as well as his parish, Immaculate Conception Church. He enjoyed his travels around the United States, Europe and Mexico with his family and friends, but loved exploring Montana the most and returning to his roots in Minnesota.
He is survived by his wife Trudy of Wolf Point; his mother Joan Fox of Redwood Falls, MN; children, Tiffaney (Reynaldo) Quintana and grandson Zachary of Menlo Park, CA, Michael (Laurie), grandsons Jack and Callan and granddaughter Ella of Wolf Point; and Jason Hruby of Pasadena, CA; siblings, Andy of Pine City, MN, Kevin (Sue) of Franklin, MN, Mary Anne (Devon)Glover of Idaho Falls, ID, Peggy (Perry) Ziegenhagen of Owatanna, MN and Joe (Jody) of Inver Grove Heights, MN; uncles Fr. Robert Fox of Wolf Point and Jerry (Toni) of Inver Grove Heights, MN, aunt Sr. Roseanne Fox of St. Paul, MN and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward.
Vigil services will be held on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Wolf Point and Mass will be celebrated there on Tuesday, September 23, 2014. A reception will follow at the family farm. If friends desire, memorials may be made in Tom’s name to Immaculate Conception Church (Box 789, Wolf Point, MT 59201) or NEMHS Foundation (Box 341, Poplar, MT 59255 or email: foundation@nemhs.net).
Condolences for the family may be left at www.claytonstevensonchapel.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with arrangements.
David & Chong Ae Boyd says
Sorry to hear about Tom passing. We will miss him when we come to Fox Ford. Also said hello and asked how we were. Our prayers our with the family.
Susan Twichel says
Trudy, Tiffaney, and Mike-
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I send my love and hugs up to you all as well. Tom was a wonderful man with a big heart; he was a great friend to all those who knew him. May he rest in the loving arms of God and watch over all of you.
Love and Prayers-
Susan (Hagadone) Twichel & family
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
Dear Trudy and family
We are so sad to hear of the loss of our good friend Tom. He was a good friend and was always willing to give a helping hand in whatever we needed. After Dean and Dennis’ accident he was one of the first to offer us a helping hand; and continued through the past years to do whatever he could for us. He was a true friend and we will miss him. I believe him and Dean are having a great reunion, and it is comforting knowing we will see them both again.
Our love, prayers, and sincerest sympathy to all of you ,
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Tim Cody says
My condolences to you all. Thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this sorrowful time. May God hug and hold each one of you and give you comfort.
jackie g says
So sorry for your immense loss! Tom – happy, charming, community man who is good at making people feel comfortable.
Mike & Kandis Albertson says
Trudy, TIffaney, Mike and families~
Mike, Karlee & I send lots of hugs, love, thoughts and prayers today and always as you walk this most difficult path. Tom was a great man who will be missed by lots. I pray that during the difficult times that you are able to hold on to the amazing memories and feel God’s loving arms wrapped around you.
Kris Sampson says
Trudy, Tiffaney, and Mike
Our family is so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We will always have great memories of his fun loving spirit and kind heart. May you all find peace and comfort in God’s loving arms. God bless you all.
Kris and Bill Sampson, Jonathan and family, Shawna and family.
ike and Myra Cromwell says
Our deepest sympathies to all of the family. Memories of an awesome gentleman.
Susan(Mumme) Remus says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. Tom was a wonderful Franklin friend and will be missed, especially during Catfish Days!
Gary and Donna Dascher says
Oh Tom Fox! You were the best! Always helping someone out the best you could. Oh how Jeanelle is gonna miss you. She said she was gonna give you a holler the other day. It just never fails that we put things off until it’s too late. It’s just not gonna be the same when we come looking for a vehicle. You’re an Angel now. Keep watch on your family. You and Keith stay outta trouble in Heaven. Thank goodness God will be there to keep you in line. Love ya man!
Trudy and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. What a great husband, father and grandfather and friend! Tom was loved by many and will be missed greatly. God has both arms wrapped around him and he is at peace.
Love always, Gary and Donna
Arlie Gordon says
Trudy, My deepest condolences on hearing of Tom’s passing. He had been a good friend for a lot of years. God bless.
Bill & Susan Zimmerman says
Trudy & Family:
Always admired and loved to visit with Tom whether it was about farming or the oil activity in Roosevelt County !
My thoughts & prayers are with his family
Bill Ben
Alice Christensen says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, He is gone but never forgotten.rip my friend until we meet again
Ron and Sue Johnson says
Ron and I are so sorry for your loss. Tom was an integral and vital part of this community and in his church. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you—-may your memories be a source of comfort now and in the days ahead.
Garry Spitzer says
Trudy and Mike–
I am so very, very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I always enjoyed the times we got together when I came to WP or when we went fishing in Florida. He could light up a room. I also appreciate the help he gave my mother with vehicle issues. She always spoke very highly of “Foxy”. I’ll bet a bunch of the WP crew are waiting at the gates for him I know they loved him.
Garry
Brian & Vicki Eggebrecht says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this difficult time. So sorry for your loss. Tom will be greatly missed.
Don & Judy Elletson says
Our deepest sympathy to each of Toms family members. You have all been through so much with his illness and now his passing. We hope that knowing Tom had so many friends that are thinking of you now, that it will be of some comfort to you …words aren’t easy at this tough time.
Toni and Jerrry says
Our loss is heaven’s gain! I can just hear Buddy saying, “How is it?” There will be just as many people greeting him as there will be saying good bye on Tues. He was one of a kind. There will never be one like him again. I know that you, Trudy, and the kids will get thru this heart breaking time as you have so many relatives and friends to surround you. You were Tom’s rock during his illness. Tom is in God’s hands, now, and is watching over you. All our love.
Darlyn Grainger says
Trudy and family
I am so sorry for your loss of your husband, dad and grandpa. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God bless you
Barb Unger says
My prayers going out to you at this time.Will miss the service as I am out with the kids. We are all thinking of you and your family at this time.
Roger and Karleen says
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing . A good man with a big heart, who helped those who were less fortunate.
Our love and prayers to you all
Dick and Gwen Frerich says
So sorry about Tom’s death. He had a good smile and a good story all the time. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Charles and Elizabeth Nelsen says
Liz and I send our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Trudy and the entire Fox family. Tom was a good man and will be missed. I remember how Tom helped my Dad, Hans, in his later years. He was always a good friend to my Dad. Dad held him in very high regard. I remember a funny story Tom told at my father’s wake, about my Dad and how, despite his Parkinsons tremors, he was able to make clean saw cuts and the picnic tables he was building for Fox-Rathert Ford came together straight. No one, including Tom, thought they would. We laughed until we cried. Tom with his sense of humor and compassion lifted our heavy hearts. I’m sure my Dad will shake his hand and give him a hug when he sees him in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. May you remember all of the good times and have some sense of peace during the coming days. Sincerely, Chuck and Liz Nelsen, Albuquerque, NM.
Leslie micheletto says
Trudy, I am so sorry to see of the passing of your husband Tom. Please know that I will keep you and yours in my prayers. Sincerely, Leslie Micheletto
TL says
Trudy and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. I didn’t have many opportunities to see Tom in past many years, but do remember the fun day with the two of you and Tommy at Turf Paradise a couple of years ago. Tom and his upbeat personality will be missed. He was such a compassionate person and what he did for our family when dad passed away will never be forgotten. May Tom rest in peace.
Mark and Deanna Jensen says
Trudy and Family, Our sincere condolences on Toms passing. He was a fighter and a good friend!! Heaven gained a good guy in Tom and I can bet he will be selling someone something every day whether it is his friendship or a helping hand. God bless you all!! Mark, Deanna, Family, and the crew of J and H Harvesting
Glenn Strader says
A few weeks ago, we were driving into town and here walks Tom to his mailbox on the highway wearing a light blue shirt to get the mail. I think he was waving because he saw our Ford Expedition and I told my wife, there is the Ford man and he could see we were driving a Ford. He sure did wave and smile and he was looking really slim. Our prayers go to the family!
Marvin and Judy Ferdina says
Trudy,
We are trusting His presence will bring you strength and comfort. God’s blessings as
you go thru this difficult time.
Thank you for coming to Mesquite to visit us. We have great memories.
Judy and Marvin
Steve and Jean Sautter says
We just heard of Tom’s passing; we are so sorry for your loss. Please pass our sympathies and condolences to Tom’s family.
Steve and Jean