Obituary: Eugene L. (Gene) Fox

Eugene L. (Gene) Fox, 86, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2016, in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Gene was born to Elmer Elzie and Ida Florence (Neet) Fox in Eureka, California on Jan. 3, 1930. He attended Eureka schools graduating from Eureka Senior High in 1948. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army Reserve, California National Guard. Following his military service, he attended Eureka Business College. It was there that he met the love of his life, M. Isabelle (Izzy) Smith. They were married on Oct. 8, 1950. Together they raised three children.

Gene was employed by David L. Moonie and Co., CPAs, during which time he attended Golden Gate University and earned a CPA license. In 1960 he was made resident partner of the Garberville Office. Gene later bought out his partners dba Eugene L. Fox, CPA until his retirement.

In 1993, Gene and Izzy became “snowbirds” with homes in Chandler and Dewey, Arizona. They enjoyed this lifestyle until Izzy’s death in 2005. Gene then began living full time at The Villages in Dewey. He joined the Faith United Community Church and sang in the choir.

Throughout his life, Gene was very active in the community. He served as: president of the Garberville Chamber of Commerce and Garberville Rotary Club and treasurer, finance director and grand marshall of the Garberville Rodeo Association. He was a member of Redwood Empire Masonic Lodge, serving as secretary and worshipful master, was named Mason of the year and received the coveted Hiram Award. Gene also was a member of the Garberville and Sun Lakes Shrine Clubs; serving as president in 1991 and 2004.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Izzy; and granddaughters Amy and Emily Boysen. He is survived by his children: Pam Boysen (Jerry) of Redmond, Oregon, Jeff Fox (Brenda) of Pryor, Oklahoma and Steve Fox of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren: Zak Boysen of Portland, Oregon, Katie Boysen of Sydney, Australia, Bridget Whitlock (Mike) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Candice Haas (Joel), of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; great grandchildren: Macy Whitlock, Cooper Whitlock, Lily Haas, Eli Haas, Lucy Haas and Emily Haas; Niece, Jan Orlando of Wheeling, Illinois and Nephew, Don Orlando of Wheeling, Illinois.

A memorial service will be held at the Elks Lodge, 6245 E. 2nd St., Prescott Valley, on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to: Shrine Hospitals for Children, Transportation Fund, 552 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008-6641

Arrangements were entrusted to Valley Of The Sun in Chandler, Arizona.

Information provided by survivors.