Charles Fox

Charles Junior Fox Life partner, husband, father, grandfather, hard-working businessman, car buff and life enthusiast passed away on Friday, February 17, 2017 in Bothell, WA at the age of 88. Charles was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on March 18, 1928 to Charles A. and Cecilia Fox. In 1946, at the age of 18, Charles enlisted in the Canadian Army, during which he served time with the Merchant Marines, until his discharge in 1949. Soon after, Charles immigrated to the United States, settling in North Seattle. There he entered the retail grocery field with his first job at Arts Food Center. In 1951, Charles married Olga Warawa in Vancouver B.C. and enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Moji Port, Japan and appointed to the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1953. During his military service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. After discharge, Charles and Olga remained in Seattle, becoming U.S. citizens in 1959. Over the next several decades, Charles continued his career in the retail grocery business, taking on greater responsibilities and management growth through stints with Arts Food Center, Lucky Stores, IGA, Foodland, Tradewell, and K-Mart, before moving to Sunbeam Baking Company as a Sales Supervisor, and finally Gais Baking Company, where he retired in 1990. During this time, Charles and Olga had two children, settling in Lake Forest Park, then in Edmonds, where they lived for nearly 30 years. Grandson Michael was born in 1992. After Olga passed in 1993 following a prolonged illness, Charles moved to Everett, later marrying his second wife Althea Butler in 1996 1998. He then moved to Marysville, where he reconnected with an old friend Beverly Haggard. Relocating to Bothell in 2008, he found great companionship with Bev in his later life. They enjoyed many daytrips in her Sebring convertible and special times. As he showed the increasing effects of dementia, she provided loving care of his daily needs and maintained close contact throughout the remainder of his life. In late 2016, Charles moved to Gentle Senior Care, an adult family home in Bothell, WA. His Care Provider, Gabriela, worked tirelessly, giving Charles a high quality of life and happiness in his final days. Charles died peacefully at his home on February 17, 2017 at 88.Charles had a full life of many work experiences and life adventures, including five years with the King County Sheriffs Reserve; Scoutmaster for son Michaels Cub Scout Troop; member of the Edmonds Masonic Lodge for over 40 years; bus driver for the Edmonds School District; loving care provider for both Olga throughout her illness and his grandson Michael through his first years. In his post-retirement, he then spent many summers with Horizon Seafood, managing concession stands during the fair season in Lynden, Monroe, Puyallup, and Enumclaw. He also ferried cars for Enterprise Car Rental several days / week, until he began to experience memory issues in 2008. Charles was a hard worker and provider, but also enjoyed life. He loved long drives in the country, particularly through the Skagit Valley and over the mountains to Wenatchee. He loved cars and meticulously cared for them. He enjoyed all things NASCAR. He liked to be a dapper dresser. He played piano in his younger days and enjoyed playing keyboard and organ during the family years. He proudly showed his Irish heritage and enjoyed his Irish whiskey. He was a good cook. He had an offbeat, roguish sense of humor. He enjoyed family gatherings at holiday times and for special occasions. He was proud of his childrens accomplishments. Grandson Michael was his best buddy throughout his life. He attended many of Michaels school events, baseball games, and surgery dates. Michael later reciprocated by accompanying his Papa to many of his doctor appointments with great love and patience.Charles is survived by his partner Beverly Haggard, son Michael Fox and Susan Simpson-Fox of Seattle, daughter Melanie and David Tronson and grandson Michael Tronson of Bothell, as well as his niece Diane Clemens and family of Lynnwood. A private ceremony and interment was held by the family at Restlawn Memorial Park in Edmonds, WA. Please feel free to post memories or condolences on this memorial page. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Seattle Childrens Stanley Stamm Camp, LArche Noah Sealth Seattle, or a charity of your choice. Announcement: In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Seattle Childrens Stanley Stamm Camp, LArche Noah Sealth Seattle, or a charity of your choice.