Allan J. Fox

DUBLIN -- Allan J. Fox, founder of The Friendly Farm in Dublin,

who loved bringing farm animals and people together, died at his home on January 3, in Dublin. He was 93.

Down to earth and adventuresome, Allan was a kind gentleman who

preferred the barnyard and milking a goat to an office and working at a desk.

In 1964, with five children between the ages of two and 15, Allan had all sorts of farm animals which drew the children in their Concord, Massachusetts neighborhood to his home. Allan saw their wonder and delight when they helped take care of the animals and the seed of a dream began to germinate.

Knowing that children were growing up in cities and towns far away

from farms, Allan believed children could benefit from a better

understanding of what farm life entailed and from experiencing the joys of getting up close and personal with the animals.

Allan James Fox was born in Dracut, Massachusetts on March 27, 1923. He married Mary Alice Cande on July 3, 1948. Besides his wife, he is survived by five children: Nancy Jo Merrill, Bruce Fox, Tom Fox, Ken Fox, and Andrew Fox and their spouses; thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Allan and Mary Alice met as students at the University of Massachusetts after Allan returned from serving in the Army in World War II, during which he was awarded the Bronze Star.

In 1964 Allan declined his employer's request to relocate to New Jersey. Having found temporary work as a church custodian, Allan met with a career counselor and the results of his testing and interviews determined that he would be happiest working with people and with animals.

The property in Dublin with a house and barn right on Route 101 and enough pasture land for the animals, was purchased in August of 1964 and within two weeks Allan and family moved to Dublin.

Allan and Mary Alice sold The Friendly Farm to their son Bruce in 1976 but worked for him until 1990 when they retired. During the off season of the farm, for nearly thirty years, Allan and Mary Alice had many wonderful adventures and met many friends while camping in the United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe and the Middle East. Following their travels, the Foxes decided to spend their winters in Florida until 2014 when they came back to live year round in Dublin.

Joy, delight, and learning about animals and farm life continue to be the driving forces of The Friendly Farm today, just as Allan dreamed it would be 53 years ago.

A memorial service was held at Dublin Community Church on

Saturday, January 7 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be

made to the Memorial Fund of Dublin Community Church, 1125 Main St. Dublin, NH 03444 or a charity of your choice.