Julian Fox, born in St. Ives, Cornwall (UK), passed away in Lantzville, BC, leaving behind his wife Liz, daughters Joanne, Jessica, and Caroline, brothers John and James, and an extended family who all miss him dearly.
"Jules" grew up in Yelverton, Devon at the edge of Dartmoor,UK,arelatively remote and wind-swept place, where he developed his lifelong passion for the outdoors while hiking and appreciating each new place discovered. As a student at St Luke's College in Exeter, Devon he enjoyed rock climbing excursions to Wales, the Lake District, and other places in Europe. Inspired by stories of adventure in Canada's North, he and Liz emigrated to Canada a week after being married in 1969.
Living briefly in Prince George there were subsequent moves to Ontario and Alberta to attend the Universities of Waterloo and Alberta. After graduation, Jules worked as an environmental consultant, and as a geologist for the Alberta Research Council, both experiences enabling him to visit many of the wild landscapes of Canada's North that he loved. After a move to Lantzville in 1988, he spent 15 years teaching Geography at Malaspina College (now VIU). Jules enjoyed teaching and his interactions with students during his time there.
Kind and generous, tolerant and funny, with an imaginative, inquiring mind, Jules will be fondly remembered. His love of a clear view from a mountaintop, canoeing, cross-country skiing, books, rocks, the occasional good whiskey, his always badly-behaved dogs, and his family were evident in the way he chose to live his life.
Following retirement, he bought an old wooden fish boat with a view to restoration and spent many productive and not so productive hours in the company of fishermen and other boat owners at the Ladysmith docks. He also enjoyed many hours meandering the island's back-roads in his truck, a thermos of tea at hand and a happy dog by his side, always curious about what lay around the next corner. The back hills will not be the same without him.
His family thanks Dr. Cafferky and the Palliative Care team whose help made it possible for him to be cared for at home with his family during his illness. No service will be held; in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food bank or any local animal rescue society. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer when friends and family can once again laugh while recounting his quirkier sayings and even more obscure meanings! Hark Hark the Lark!
Rest in Peace Dad. We love you.
The Fox Family.