Tom L. Fox

Thomas L. Fox was born to Robert and Margaret Fox on October 4, 1932 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and his older sister grew up on the city’s northwest side under the care of a stay-at-home mother and a father who worked as a welder. Attending Fairview Elementary School and graduating from Union High in 1950, Tom then joined the Reserve National Guard.

Tom first met Mary Ann when he became friends with her brother, John Kasianowz. The couple dated for several years before marrying at St. Adalbert Basilica in 1952.

Their livelyhood was supported by Tom working as a Lineman for Consumers Energy and Mary’s employment with Michigan Bell. They built one of the first cottages on Canadian Lakes in 1964 so summers on the lake were a big part of their life.

They both had a passion for being outdoors and enjoyed many adventures including Grand Canyon River Rafting, driving to Alaska or walleye fishing at Burt Lake. Often times, they traveled with Ron and Mary Kasianowicz and regularly went snowmobiling together. In fact, early in their married life, Tom and Mary Ann were part of a group of five couples who met monthly and continued to do so to present day.

In 1954, son Robert was born, and fatherhood was added to Tom’s role as devoted husband and faithful friend. Tom was supportive and invested time and interest in whatever Bob chose as his hobbies, often driving him to events and watching his activities. Later when their grandsons were born, they focused on creating fun events and activities and also attended all their athletic activities.

Tom was outgoing, creative, adventurous and inventive. He liked being the leader, camp cook, and looked forward to Happy Hour. He spent lots of time in the garage and basement on numerous projects, making sure all engines and household mechanical items ran well. He was an extremely hard worker on the job, around the house and in his yard. As a “jack of all trades,” his organizational skills wouldn’t allow any tool to be out of place when not in use.

He had worked for Consumers Energy for 39 years before he was physically required to retire in 1991 for medical reasons. Kidney failure necessitated a kidney transplant in 1992. Tom received a kidney from an anonymous organ donor that enabled him to live 22 years beyond the transplant. Over the past three years, Tom fought to be active and his wife gave 100% to his care, right up to the last day in hospital. The two of them made a good life together and their energy as a couple was admired by many.

Mr. Thomas L. Fox, aged 82, of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away on Monday, November 17, 2014. He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Sargent and brother-in-law, John (Rose) Kasianowicz. Tom is survived by Mary, his wife of 62 years; son, Robert (Nina) Fox; and grandchildren, Clinton (Elizabeth) Fox and Jason Fox. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Arlene Sabaitis and JoAnn Kasianowicz; brother-in-law, Ronald (Mary) Kasianowicz; and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 22 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 7-9 PM on Friday, with a vigil service at 8:30 PM, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read his lifestory, archive a memory, or sign the guestbook.