Michael Fox Obituary

CHICAGO – Michael P. Fox, 28, passed on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Michael was born Aug. 9, 1980, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Rita Fox and Micahel P. Lucas.

Seals Funeral Home, 8354 S. Marquette Ave., Chicago, Ill., is handling funeral arrangements. Melker-Bluitt-Parker Mortuary, 704 N. Fourth St., Champaign, Ill., graciously submitted obituary on behalf of Arnold and Linda Fox.

Michael relocated to Urbana, Ill., in 1995 to reside with his cousins Arnold and Linda Fox (Pop's and Momma Fox). He graduated from Urbana High School in 1999. Michael was an excellent swimmer. For more than nine years he worked

as a lifeguard/swimming instructor for the YMCA in Champaign; Chicago; Tallahassee, Fla., and most recently at the Hollywood Wilshire YMCA in Los Angeles, Calif.

He will be dearly missed by his students and co-workers. Pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a model and actor, Michael participated in project opportunities and was receiving acting instructions through ALW Professional Acting Studio of Los Angeles, CA.

Micahel enjoyed spending conversation with family and friends, watching movies, reading novels, writing, eating, laughing and smiling and physical fitness. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and became a member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Urbana.

He leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Rita Fox; five sisters, Shontee Lucas, Rita Lucas, Takela (Eric) Jones, Oralanda Davis and Nikki Johnson; one brother, Fredrick Lucas; maternal grandmother, Juanita Fox, all of Chicago; and a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Lucas, and brother, Vincent Lucas.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Gazette on Dec. 15, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Fox

12 Entries

Linda Fox

December 9, 2020

Michael you are truly missed!

Michele

January 4, 2009

I worked out at the YMCA swimming pool quite often. Michael always offered kind words and a smile. I watch as he taught children how to swim. They loved him and he created such an impact on them.

Caroline Burruss

December 23, 2008

My 2 1/2 year old son had just started swim lessons with Michael in November. We have not known him long, but thought so much of his gifts. He will be missed. Our prayers are with your family.

Robert Ward

December 18, 2008

I had the locker next to Mike's and we often talked about acting, writing, and his plans for a career in Hollywood. He was a charming and kind young man, and a great singer as well. He often sang songs while getting dressed and everyone around him would smile. He passed far too soon, and I miss him. All of my sympathy to his family.

Linda Fox

December 17, 2008

Services for Michael
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Visitation - 9:00 am; Funeral - 10:00 am
Victory Apostolic Church
8053 S. May St.
Chicago, Illinois 60620

David K

December 16, 2008

I've been swimming and working out at the YMCA for a few years now. I've often seen Michael smiling, shadow boxing, and charming the lives of many. He reminded me of myself at his age. I used to be a boxer and a lifeguard too. Only, I wasn't as pleasant as Michael. Recently, working out late, I had reason to speak to him and was delighted to discover an extremely gracious and kind soul. I finished an otherwise dull workout smiling. For the short while I knew him, like so many others, I looked forward to seeing him at the Y and saying hello. My deepest sympathies to his friends and family.

Tianna Langham

December 16, 2008

I heard about Michael's passing yesterday and have been in a state of despair ever since. He taught me to swim 6 years ago when i was 27 years old after so many people before him had failed to do so. I now swim 3 times a week and think of his caring, motivating instruction every single time. I am forever grateful to him for giving me this gift. I would speak with Michael almost every time I went to the Y and always looked forward to it. He is a unique individual with a spirit you don't come across often. I will miss him so so very much but am blessed to have known him over these years.

Jeanne Wiilliams

December 15, 2008

Michael was the swimming instructor for my two children, Henry (6) and Cate (4). They took private lessons with him every Sunday afternoon for the past two years. He built their confidence and helped them find a sense of joy in swimming. We are devastated by his passing and will remember his kindness, patience, and beautiful smile always.

Words cannot begin to convey how deeply I feel for you at this time. Please know that your son, brother, nephew and cousin was truly loved. Our lives have been forever changed by having known him.

Heather Hanes

December 15, 2008

Michael was a wonderful teacher. Our son, Julian, learned a lot from him at the Hollywood Y. He was very enthusiastic and I loved the way he would have the kids put their hands on top of each others' at the end of the lesson and yell a positive message as they threw their hands up in the air. What a great person. He'll be missed. Our deepest condolences to his family. Heather, Dave and Julian Hanes.

carla giboeny

December 15, 2008

To the Fox family , my deepest sympathy goes to you all.My pray goes out to you all .

Carolyn Finger

December 15, 2008

Michael taught me to swim four years ago at the Hollywood-Wilshire YMCA. I was 35 and had a lifelong fear of the water. I took his class and I can honestly say that he changed my life. He made the process so much fun and so attainable for all of us. His untimely death makes me sadder than I can say. I knew him as someone who was friendly, kind, fun and a great role model for all ages. His presence on earth was too brief, but I will be eternally grateful to him. Kick, kick, pull, breathe...

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