Michael Rolan Fox

Michael Rolan Fox “Big Mike” passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2013 after a difficult battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mike was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa on July 9, 1943 to Veta Johnson, step father, John Johnson, father, Rolan Fox “Doc Fox,” they all have preceded him in death.

He is remembered as having a gentle giant persona that rumbled the house. He loved the Lord with all his mind and soul. He also loved long conversation with all. He always had a story to tell. His favorite things were his 20-year-old cat, “Mother Marble,” his little shih Tzu dog, “Rudy,” a big juicy steak on the BBQ, fixing cars, mowing his lawn, growing & eating tomatoes, beautiful flowers which he called petunias. After mowing the yard he would stand back and survey his work, making sure all was perfect. His hobby was repairing old lawn mowers and cooking.

Mike was an auto body repairman. He followed his father in the business and was his first teacher. Mike became a master of his craft, able to do all repairs needed in and out. However, the one task he disliked greatly was dirty engine grease on his hands. He would only do it when absolutely necessary.

Mike restored many cars for friends in Pocatello leaving his legacy behind. Mike and Marlene Adams were married June 1, 1977 in Salem, Oregon. They enjoyed 36 years of great love being best friends and having many wonderful adventures.

By a previous marriage, Mike had two sons, Michael Rolan Fox Jr. who preceded him in death and Wayne Michael Fox, in Agra, Kansas. Plus two daughters, Donice Penigar, Fresno, CA and Nichole Walls, Taft, CA; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He also has three step children; Candi Murphy, who preceded him in death; Kelly Strait, OR, Cathie Krahenbuhl, OR; nine step grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.

Mike will be remembered by many and greatly missed; “Big Mike” with the big voice and his “Big Heart.” Mike will be cremated and his remains placed in the Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. A portion of his remains will also be sprinkled on the Oregon Coast, which we loved so much.