Gary Fox

Gary was born on January 19, 1944, in Port Huron, Michigan, to Walter Fox and Leona Tanton.  He was the youngest of their three sons and both Buck and Dale preceded Gary in death.

Gary joined the Army when he was 17 and was stationed in Berlin, Germany.  A mutual friend introduced him to Evelyne Mokolies, and it was love at first sight.  Evi’s family wasn’t too thrilled that she was dating a U.S. serviceman, but Gary’s warm heart quickly won them over.  A year after meeting, Gary and Evi were married.  They remained in Berlin for four years, before moving back to the States, to Gary’s hometown of Port Huron.  Gary and Evi eventually opened Fox’s Home Center and grew that business to three locations in the Port Huron area.  Gary was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved the outdoors. He also enjoyed cooking - a skill he first acquired while working at his parents’ restaurant in Michigan (Walter’s Ranch House).  Gary often showed up to family holidays with prime rib or a cooked duck to add to the menu.

While in Michigan, Gary and Evi began their lifelong passion of raising and training dogs.  They closed the hardware stores in the late 1980’s and moved to Albuquerque.  Gary started a computer consulting business (“Easy-Do Computers”) and Evi opened Albuquerque Kanine Kollege.  In 2002, they purchased a home on a large lot in the South Valley and Gary built Evi the dog training facility of her dreams.  He retired from his computer consulting business because of trouble with his vision and became the caretaker of their dog school. The last 15-20 years of Gary’s life were difficult because of numerous life-threatening health issues.  Evi made sure that he pulled through the many health challenges he faced, motivating his healthcare providers with a combination of baked goods and her stern German intimidation techniques.

Early in 2020, Evi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and she left this earth in June of that same year.  Gary had lost his wife of 54 years and wanted so badly to follow her.  He moved into a BeeHive assisted care facility in July of 2020.  A very bumpy start to his new home turned into several months of sweetness, with many kind-hearted caregivers patiently assisting Gary as he battled increased dementia and declining health.  God gifted Gary with a peaceful passing and he died in his sleep on April 22, 2021.

We all rejoice that he and Evi are together again.

A private Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

Contact the family for further details.

Service will be livestreamed at the link provided below.

https://youtu.be/CnFyvnszcBw