Raymond Carl “Ray” Fox, Jr., 76, of Twin Lakes, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his children on Aug. 28, 2024. Born on Oct. 12, 1947, Ray was the youngest of five children of the late Raymond Sr. and Myrtle (nee Haggren) Fox. Ray grew up in Franklin Park, Illinois. After losing both parents as a young teenager, he was cared for by close family friends, Will and Fran, until he graduated from West Leyden High School.
Ray proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice, also earned The National Defense Medal and The Vietnam Service Medal.
Ray will be remembered most for his immense love for his family and the joy he found in being a grandfather. An award-winning and published photographer, he had a keen eye for beauty and a deep appreciation for the world around him, especially sunsets. His love of life was evident in his many passions – from his mastery of baking pumpkin pies and his fondness for grilled brats, to his affection for kitties, especially his beloved Yellow Cat. He loved live music, especially blues and jazz, and often photographed local acts.
Motorcycles were one of Ray’s greatest joys. He wasn’t just a rider, but also a collector and mechanic, spending countless hours fixing and maintaining his bikes. He loved seeing his friends around town and was rarely seen without a camera in hand, relishing his role as the unofficial photojournalist of Twin Lakes and the surrounding area.
Ray enjoyed an over 40 year career at Wilmot Mountain, retiring as the night mountain manager, where he took great pride in snowmaking and ensuring the slopes were ready for all to enjoy. He previously owned a leather shop in Wilmot where he and his friends crafted beautiful leather goods.
Ray is survived by his children, Erin (Rick) Dalton, Dan (Kellie) Fox, Megan (Ryan) Fox, and Rebecca (Nick) Goergen; Melissa (Wilkins) Fox; his siblings, Robert “Bob” Fox, Janice (Don) Erickson, Lois Fox, and Marilynn Fox-Zieman; eight grandchildren, Ryan, Cali, Daniel Jr., Kailyn, Dominic, Oliver, Milo, and Mira; and many loving friends who he considered family. He is preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Bryan; sister-in-law, Marianne; and niece, Kirstin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be made to www.petsforvets.com.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory, 620 Legion Street, Twin Lakes, with visitation from 4 p.m. until the memorial service at 7 p.m. The family would like to encourage all friends from the biker community to come dressed in their favorite biker gear. Burial for Raymond will be held privately.
Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory are honored to have served the Fox family.
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