Stephen Fox

On Friday, December 30, Stephen Henry Fox, a beloved father and grandfather, passed away at his home in Grand Rapids, MI. He was seventy-one. Born to Henry and Jacqueline Fox on January 24, 1951. After growing up in Grosse Ile, Steve received his Master’s Degree and went on to run the family medical supply business for a number of years. It was during this time that he met and married the mother of his children, Gayle, and they started their family. Most recently, prior to retiring at the age of 66, he traveled the country working in his area of interest with computers and coding in Information Technology.

Upon retirement, Steve moved back to Southgate, MI to be near his sister Sue and nephew Geoff, who survive him. During this time, they were able to share many good meals and discuss favorite TV shows, as well as engage in friendly debates over politics. Following his time in Southgate, Steve made the move to Grand Rapids to be closer to his granddaughters, Clara and Adeline, who brought him so much joy.

Steve was a kind, attentive and loving father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family, including his two surviving adult daughters Erin Dexter (Dan Dexter) and Michelle Seif (Nate, Clara, & Adeline Seif). There were countless nights when the family gathered, and he was often found playing with his granddaughters while new recipes were being prepared by Nate and Michelle. It’s no surprise that he was so engaged as a grandfather given that he was always present and never distracted as a father, making sure to be at every performance, concert or sporting event that his girls had going on.

He often engaged in lively discussion with long time long distance friend Rich Steele; and friends of his youth have fond memories of Steve as being kind, polite, funny, and always up for a good time and a laugh. Steve had a unique perspective of the world which he captured through the lens of his camera throughout his life. He loved anything science fiction, listening to Captain Beefheart and more recently discussing the interesting world of our current political climate.

He fought as long and hard as he possibly could to the very end to spend as much time with his family before he passed and he will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. There will be a casual visitation/memorial taking place at Grand Rapids Cremation Services (4350 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525) on Wednesday January 11th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation to Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. (www.gildasclub.org => click “Donate” button => enter donation info => designate “Tribute” donation as “In memory of” => enter Steve Fox and a personal note if you choose)