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Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr.

Fitz Dixon Obituary

Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr., longtime chairman of the Society of the Four Arts, who oversaw the expansion of the Palm Beach cultural landmark, died Wednesday at his home in Philadelphia after a long illness. He was 82.

Mr. Dixon, descendant of the prominent Widener family of Philadelphia, was a noted sportsman active in civic and cultural affairs in Pennsylvania and Palm Beach. He became a Four Arts member in 1983, a trustee in 1985, and was unanimously elected chairman in 1988, a position he held until his death.

Founded in 1936, the Four Arts operates a library and presents annual art exhibitions, concerts and lectures from November through April.

"Fitz Dixon was the perfect board chairman and perfect colleague," said Four Arts president Ervin Duggan. He was "supportive, candid, forceful and sound in his judgment."

During his tenure, the institution acquired its current administration building, formerly the Embassy apartments. It also added the old Palm Beach Public School building on Cocoanut Row, which was renamed the Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr. Education Building. He led the campaign to renovate the Four Arts' outdoor sculpture garden at Cocoanut Row and Royal Palm Way, which is slated to be completed this fall.

A winter resident of Palm Beach, Mr. Dixon was a member of Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the Everglades Club, Governor's Club, and Bath and Tennis Club. He also was a member of the board of governors for Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach. An avid horseman, he was a member of the Horse Breeders Association, and honorary lifetime director of the U.S. Equestrian Team.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his wife of 54 years, Edith B. Robb Dixon, and two children. In his memory, the Four Arts has established a fund to support the renovation of its education building. Services are being planned.
Published by The Palm Beach Post on Aug. 2, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
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13 Entries

anonymous

September 16, 2012

I met Fitz while sitting on a bench in Grindstone trying to figure out where some of the houses on my census sheet were. He was most helpful; I didn't know who he was and we chatted a while. He was just so 'ordinary'. Later my neighbors chided me because I didn't know who he was. I live just a stone's throw from the clinic in West Gouldsboro named for his mother. He was very generous to the Schoodic Peninsula; wherever there was a need for an investment issue in the community, he stepped up to the plate as in buying the navy housing after the base closed.

May his family be comforted in his passing by the good deeds he did while on this earth.

Alfred Prudhomme Jr.

August 6, 2006

from those in Winter Harbor who knew our friend Fitz Dixon. His interest in the Lobster Festival and him standing in front of the small volunteer fire station helping to judge the floats are memories we cherish...Ann Prudhomme. Edna( Gerrish)Wakefield ,Clair and Truth Whitten

Anthony Kennedy III

August 5, 2006

The members and friends of The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture pay tribute to the wonderful memories and stimulating contributions of Fitz Dixon. An active Society member for over 33 years, it was a delight and privilege to honor Erdenheim Farm and its Staff with The Society's gold medal in 2003 for the farm's on-going contribution to agriculture, horses and livestock. A gracious host, ever a thoughtful gentlemen. He is missed.

Coach Don Casey

August 5, 2006

on behalf of the Temple University basketball staff and players from 1972/82 we thank you for your interest and support - you help make it all go well-Thanks and God bless

Donald . Pierce

August 4, 2006

We cherish our association with Fitz Dixon and will never forget his unlimited kindness to us on a family cruise when stranded with engine trouble in Winter Harbor. Our deepest sympathy,

Don and Jan Pierce,

Castine, ME

Greer Gilka

August 4, 2006

Like many others with ties to the Gouldsboro Peninsula, I knew Mr. Dixon only in passing and by his tremendous reputation. I thought of him as a rare human; a modest, caring, giving man; a man wealthy not only in money but in charity; a man interested in Life, Nature and those around him; an educated man who kept learning each day. Grindstone, Winter Harbor, Maine Medical and all of us who knew or knew of Fitz Dixon profited mightily from his considerable and considerate generosity. Thank You. My deepest regret that he is no longer here to enrich our lives, and my thanks and sympathies to his family.

Christina Harman

August 4, 2006

Ever since I joined the staff of Widener University (then Widener College) in 1975, Dr. and Mrs. Dixon took their place among my life heroes and heroines. His dedication to many worthy organizations will continue to serve as an example for all and his outstanding support over decades to Widener is unmatched in the institution's history. Although I am no longer with the University, I will never forget him. I extend my sincere condolences to Mrs. Dixon and all his family.

Anonymous

August 3, 2006

In an age where so many pretend to have so much and display such arrogance, Mr. Dixon was the absolute gentleman. Grace and dignity were paramount, I learned much from my former neighbor's life.

Dave Miller

August 3, 2006

It has been a pleasure knowing such an individual as Fitz Dixon. His generosity and demeanor shall be missed by all those that have had contact with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Wayne Hardin

August 3, 2006

A man for all seasons. Thanks for all your help in the best years at Temple. My deep respect.

anonymous

August 3, 2006

Thank you, Mr. Dixon for your generosity, caring and kindnesses. You left an indelible mark on this special part of the world.

muffet

August 3, 2006

A man who did so much for so many in unspoken support and asked nothing in return. Fitz will be greatly missed.



Doug and Muffet

Joe&Lisa Morelli

August 3, 2006

Please accept our deepest sympathies. We cherished our association with him.

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