DONALD ARTHUR THOMAS FOX

DONALD ARTHUR THOMAS FOX

DONALD FOX Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 21 to May 22, 2013.
FOX DONALD ARTHUR THOMAS
66, of Bangkok, Thailand, passed away on Wednesday, May 15. He was born to the late Charles and Jean Fox in New York City, NY on April 7, 1947 and was a dual citizen of both the U.S. and Australia. Donald was a graduate of the Barnard School For Boys in New York and Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. He served as a detective and then sergeant in the Allegheny County Police Force in Pittsburgh, where he also earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant with the U.S. Air force Reserve. Following his service to the Police and Air force, Donald worked for U.S. Homeland security, most recently as a resident of Lovettsville, VA, until retiring in 2011. He then moved to Bangkok, Thailand, where he continued his lifelong hobby of world travel. Donald's travels spanned six continents and approximately 50 countries. In addition to travel, Donald was an avid marathon runner, skier, biker, and reader of world history. Don was the father of four sons, Tom, Donald, Michael, and John, each of whom both reveled in his willingness to try anything once but also provided him with his greatest joy and satisfaction. He cherished the role of grandpa in the gift of his grandsons, Matthew, Charlie, and Alexander. Don is also survived by his brother, Robert; and sisters, Betty and Marjorie. Don also leaves behind many friends around the world. We will all miss his impulsiveness, his boundless energy, and a unique sense of humor. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Donald Fox may be directed to support Basic Cancer Research at the Duke Cancer Institute. Please make checks payable to the Duke Cancer Institute. Gifts may be mailed with a memo indicating that this gift is in memory of Donald Fox to the Duke Cancer Institute, 512 S. Mangum Street, Suite 400, Durham, NC 27701 or make a gift online at www.cancer.duke.edu by selecting the Make-A-Gift menu option. A private memorial ceremony will be held in Durham, NC. May you find peace in your latest adventure, Don.
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June 2, 2013

Daniel posted to the memorial.

June 1, 2013

Donald Fox posted to the memorial.

June 1, 2013

Don Hammersburg posted to the memorial.

Donald Fox

June 1, 2013

May 30, 2013Sorry for the family lost. I was his partner in General Investigations (ACPD).He was a good man.Silas E. Whitehead,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Donald Fox

May 27, 2013

Your Dad was like a big brother to me. I remember when we meet at the academy and how he made things easy for most of the classmates. I also remember that was the year he meet Eunice. And then years later my fiancee and I climbed Kilamajara with your dad. It was a blast as my fiancee could not keep his bearing and your dad thought it was extremly fun how he kept falling down as we were going down the mountaim. Great memories. I have several pictures I will post.

Donald Fox

May 23, 2013

May 22, 2013Sorry to hear of Don's passing. Don was a goof- and I mean this in a good way. The first time I met him, we were in a parking lot at South Park and he was throwing Ed Sanszack's(sic)antique polish records into the trees. I wanted to kill him but big Mike Davis picked me up, put me in my truck and told me that he wouldn't feel it anyway. While detectives in the General Investigations Branch I was partnered up with Don. I don't know who was being punished me or him but we worked really well together.We were both saddened when we were broke up.We made tons of arrests, got great press and made many friends in departments in the Mon Valley.We solved several huge burglary cases, and ended up winning 2 Variety Club awards. Don was a heavy smoker, and our squad car was an old 77 Ford LTD with no airconditioning,and a windshield that would put most solar panels to shame-well I was a runner and didn't like the smoke so I would roll my window down and he in turn his- didn't matter if it was raining or snowing.Then out of the clear blue after making fun of me- Don became a runner. Don did have great insight into a lot of things. He taught me that most people love to tell their stories(good or bad) just give them the opportunity- he was great at getting people to confess. He taught me how to do this- which was instrumental as I went forward after they split us up. Don ended up a Sgt. and I went off to the Narcotics squad where I continued doing what Don taught me and ended up with 2 more Variety Club awards. But Don wasn't just about work we always discussed our families and children.He was more sensitive than his outer appearance. He was very comfortable in his skin whether wearing his 'Craftsman'Sears suits and clip on ties that he laundered in the washing machine, eating his 4 hamburgers and 1 white milk, or singing German drinking songs. When I told him that I had finally gotten my 36 Chevy running he asked me if I had it out of the garage. When I told him no, he made a point of stopping after work and took it on its 1st drive around the block. I'm sure I could go on and on with Don stories, but I want to end saying that even after my Police days ended Don remained a good friend and adviser.Don I'll miss you . Jerry Ondo Allison Park Pa

Donald Fox

May 22, 2013

So sorry to learn of Don's passing. He was always fun to be around. the thing I liked most
about Don was his attitude. He was a guy who
danced to his own music. My condolences to
his family.Tom Miller,South Fayette Twp.

Donald Fox

May 22, 2013

We are so sorry to hear of the sad news. We haven't been in touch for a really long time however do think of all of you and wanted to express our sympathy. We spent a few years with Don living in the apartment below he and your Mom. I remember him as a fun loving guy who loved his children and who loved to travel. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We would love to get back in touch with all of you! Our thought and prayers are with all of you!Denny and Sue Skrbin,Glenshaw, Pennsylvania

Donald Fox

May 22, 2013

My condolences to the family of Don Fox. I served with Don in the 911th TAW at the airport. I found him to be a person whose constant goal was to solve problems and "set things right" - both of which endeavors he excelled at.

Stephen W. Thrower, Col, USAF (Ret)

Donald Fox

May 21, 2013

Dear Robert, Betty and Margie, I am so very sad to learn of Donald's passing. Please accept our family's deepest sympathies. May God watch over your family and give you strength through your journey of grieving.
Sincerely,
Patty Couch & Family

Donald Fox

May 21, 2013

I am sorry to learn of Don's passing. He was a great guy who lived life to the fullest and it was my privileged to know him.Ed Kelemen,New Florence, Pennsylvania

Donald Fox

May 21, 2013

I enjoyed my years working with Don; he was great fun and always full of surprises.John Schur,Munhall, Pennsylvania

Donald Fox

May 21, 2013

Don worked very hard doing his policing while he worked for me at the Greater Pittsburgh Intl Airport. My prayers go out to Don 's family

Norb Kowalski,
Bethel Park, Pennsylvania

Nereda Lynn

May 21, 2013

I had the privilege of being a good friend of Don's for seven and a half years, and my family and I mourn his passing. We had many interests in common; the law, current affairs, politics, history, geography, his Australian heritage, with his mother being an Aussie war bride, and, most of all, family. He was very proud of his four sons, Tom, Don, Mike and John, his three grandsons, Matthew, Charlie and Alex, and also his stepchildren, Angela and Phillip, and what fine citizens they had become. Hardly a day went by that we didn't email each other over all those years. He was at his most eloquent when he was describing his travel adventures; the sights he had seen and the wonderful people he had met on his journeys. He talked about his friend Ricky in Bangkok a lot and how he enjoyed their meetings. He also talked a lot about his US friends, particularly Vince Foley, Tom Flaherty and a couple of others whose names I can't remember. He enjoyed their company very much.

He visited Perth, Western Australia, with Mike in 2007 for a couple of weeks and hit the ground running. After a long flight from the US with a stopover in New Zealand and then a seven-hour flight to Perth, they had a short sleep and we went into town where he had a run along the Swan River foreshore. Mike rebelled and left his father to it. All Mike wanted to do was to relax, but Don was at his hyperactive best and hardly raised a sweat. They visited Shark Bay in the north-west to Albany in the south-west and were thrilled when a few kangaroos hopped across the road in front of them on their journey to the south-west or maybe an emu, which Don called "emmoo" when the correct pronunciation is "eemew". My family were very fond of him, so farewell from all of us, Don. May you enjoy your rest up there in heaven where I am sure you are already organising marathons for your loved ones in residence.

Nereda Lynn

Tom Fox

May 21, 2013

I remember asking my dad about twenty years ago, while talking about life, if he was happy. He was about the same age as I am now, 44. He told me he was very happy and while he wanted to live many more years he had done everything in life he wanted to accomplish. He had many accomplishments most take a lifetime to complete. At least twenty years had passes since our conversation and he lived at least another two or three lives. Traveled most of the world, enjoyed children and grandchildren growing, retired from several very successful careers, loved many, laughed lots, saw the world from high above and far below. I'll always miss him and wish we had more time together. Love Tom Fox

Donald Fox

May 18, 2013

 
Your father reintroduced me to skiing after a 27 year hiatus, I was 51 he was 63.  His example is fairly unprecedented, he lived life fully and he lived life well.  Whenever we skied he would be on the diamond mogul run and I would watch from the blue.
 
He shared memories of the ski trips he took with his boys and his pride with how strong you all were as skiers.  I understand he also took Tae Kwon Do with all of you.  Memories of his commitment to all of you remained strong in his mind, he shared them with pride, those are the memories that he wanted you to remember him by most.
 
Your father was like a force of nature, his strong will, his fear of nothing, and his sense of adventure are an example for all of us.  He will be missed, he will never be forgotten.
 
Vic

Donald Fox

May 18, 2013

 
I would like to give my deep condolesces  to the Fox Family and Love ones on your loss. My name is Melvin F. Rolon. I am currently employed with US Customs as an Officer. I went to the Immigration Academy with Don back in 1999. I was his training partner while  I was there. We spend 12 weeks together before I graduate and went back to California. I pray for Peace and understanding, and I also pray for our Lord and Saviour will keep all of you in His hands...Respectfully...Melvin F. Rolon...Yuma AZ
 

Donald Fox

May 18, 2013

 
Don Jr, Mike, John and Family,
 
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. Your father was
such a great friend of mine here in Thailand. His wonderful smile, funny laugh, strong spirit,
and stories will always be part of my wonderful memories of him. His enjoyment of life, love
of travel, sharing of books and history was a weekly lunch event I will truly miss. 
Just like the movie, Don had a "bucket list" of new places to see and experience. He was
the most happiest person planning his next new challenge and endeavor. Whether it be
climbing the tallest mountains in Asia or experiencing the archaeological wonders of Angkor
Wat. Don just glowed with gleam after each and every trip. I'm so happy to
have met his wonderful sons, as he called them my "three boys". His memory will
live on. We will all miss him dearly. 
 
With Love!  Ricky

Daniel

June 2, 2013

I remember talking to Don about his adventures and physical feats of endurance one day and found his accomplishments quite intriguing. I mentioned to him, as I began thinking about our sedentary lifestyles, that he ought to be leading the office fun run in 20 years, at age 80-something. He replied he expected to be long gone before then. But Don, I think you will be making good on that suggestion one day, if you're so inclined, and I'll be proud to be running right behind you as you lead the way.

Don Hammersburg

June 1, 2013

I am a (Legacy) Immigration Inspector who worked with Don for a time at both the Detroit Canada Tunnel and the Detroit Ambassador Bridge.

Don was a good person to have your six. He always had a smile of sorts and was a good reference person to go to about the law or union matters, of which we both were members.

He will be missed and so will his smile.

My condolences to you, the family.

May God bless you Don.

Éramos los inspectores de inmigración juntos,
pero, ahora, Usted no necesita un pasaporte más.

amigo, Vaya con dios ..

Hadi FARISS

May 30, 2013

My sincere condolences to Don FOX family, especially, his wonderful son Mike whom I met in Japan while he was in transit. I´ve been talking to Don telephonically while I was working in Europe and Japan since 2007 and I am glad I had the chance to meet him in Japan before and after he retired. Last year we had a great time in Tokyo while he was touring Japan including climbing Mount Fuji. Don, you will be missed. R.I.P. // H. Fariss

Peter Millin

May 23, 2013

Don was a great guy, whom I owe a lot to. Without him I wouldn't be around today.
My condolences to his family, may he rest in peace.

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Silas E. Whitehead

May 30, 2013

Sorry for the family lost. I was his partner in General Investigations (ACPD).He was a good man.

Tracy Moten

May 26, 2013

May you hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful time together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Don Fox

May 24, 2013

Thank you everyone for all of the wonderful memories of my Dad. Please also visit his memorial website: http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/DonFox/homepage.aspx

May 22, 2013

Sorry to hear of Don's passing. Don was a goof- and I mean this in a good way. The first time I met him, we were in a parking lot at South Park and he was throwing Ed Sanszack's(sic)antique polish records into the trees. I wanted to kill him but big Mike Davis picked me up, put me in my truck and told me that he wouldn't feel it anyway. While detectives in the General Investigations Branch I was partnered up with Don. I don't know who was being punished me or him but we worked really well together.We were both saddened when we were broke up.We made tons of arrests, got great press and made many friends in departments in the Mon Valley.We solved several huge burglary cases, and ended up winning 2 Variety Club awards. Don was a heavy smoker, and our squad car was an old 77 Ford LTD with no airconditioning,and a windshield that would put most solar panels to shame-well I was a runner and didn't like the smoke so I would roll my window down and he in turn his- didn't matter if it was raining or snowing.Then out of the clear blue after making fun of me- Don became a runner. Don did have great insight into a lot of things. He taught me that most people love to tell their stories(good or bad) just give them the opportunity- he was great at getting people to confess. He taught me how to do this- which was instrumental as I went forward after they split us up. Don ended up a Sgt. and I went off to the Narcotics squad where I continued doing what Don taught me and ended up with 2 more Variety Club awards. But Don wasn't just about work we always discussed our families and children.He was more sensitive than his outer appearance. He was very comfortable in his skin whether wearing his 'Craftsman'Sears suits and clip on ties that he laundered in the washing machine, eating his 4 hamburgers and 1 white milk, or singing German drinking songs. When I told him that I had finally gotten my 36 Chevy running he asked me if I had it out of the garage. When I told him no, he made a point of stopping after work and took it on its 1st drive around the block. I'm sure I could go on and on with Don stories, but I want to end saying that even after my Police days ended Don remained a good friend and adviser.Don I'll miss you . Jerry Ondo Allison Park Pa

May 22, 2013

My condolences to the family of Don Fox. I served with Don in the 911th TAW at the airport. I found him to be a person whose constant goal was to solve problems and "set things right" - both of which endeavors he excelled at.

Stephen W. Thrower, Col, USAF (Ret)

Denny and Sue Skrbin

May 22, 2013

We are so sorry to hear of the sad news. We haven't been in touch for a really long time however do think of all of you and wanted to express our sympathy. We spent a few years with Don living in the apartment below he and your Mom. I remember him as a fun loving guy who loved his children and who loved to travel. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We would love to get back in touch with all of you! Our thought and prayers are with all of you!

Tom Miller

May 22, 2013

So sorry to learn of Don's passing. He was always fun to be around. the thing I liked most
about Don was his attitude. He was a guy who
danced to his own music. My condolences to
his family.

Don Fox

May 21, 2013

Norb Kowalski

May 21, 2013

Don worked very hard doing his policing while he worked for me at the Greater Pittsburgh Intl Airport. My prayers go out to Don 's family

John Schur

May 21, 2013

I enjoyed my years working with Don; he was great fun and always full of surprises.

Ed Kelemen

May 21, 2013

I am sorry to learn of Don's passing. He was a great guy who lived life to the fullest and it was my privileged to know him.

May 21, 2013

Dear Robert, Betty and Margie, I am so very sad to learn of Donald's passing. Please accept our family's deepest sympathies. May God watch over your family and give you strength through your journey of grieving.
Sincerely,
Patty Couch & Family

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June 2, 2013

Daniel posted to the memorial.

June 1, 2013

Donald Fox posted to the memorial.

June 1, 2013

Don Hammersburg posted to the memorial.