ARVADA, Colo. — Michael “Mike” Fox, 65, of Arvada, Colo., passed away on April 6. He is survived by his loving wife Debbie; his children Jason Fox of Dallas, Texas; Brian Tracy of Edwards, Colo.; Sue (Tom) Reitz of St. Louis, Mo.; Missy Tracy of Ft. Collins, Colo.; his siblings Philip (Paula) Fox of Ft. Worth, Texas; Judith Fox of Great Bend; Vickie (David) Rondeau of Olathe; and his four grandchildren, Dylan and Nathan Fox and Annaston and Mackenzie Reitz. Mike is predeceased in death by his parents, Wilson C. and Frances V. Fox, who laid a strong foundation for love of God, country and family.
A Celebration of Mike’s life was held on Thursday, April 11, at The Chapel at Red Rocks in Morrison, Colo., with a reception following at The Den at Fox Hollow Golf Course.
He was born June 8, 1947. A graduate of Great Bend High School in 1965, Mike was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Mike graduated from Fort Hays University with a Degree in Business Administration. He spent his career in the insurance industry as a property casualty claims adjuster, including assessing damage from several hurricanes and earthquakes.
Mike lived in St. Louis, Mo., for 20 years where he was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.  He actively played softball there, the self-proclaimed owner of “The Foxholes,” who still play today.  Mike shared the last 23 years of his life with his wife, Debbie. They moved to Arvada, Colo., in 1997 to enjoy the mountain life; downhill skiing, tent camping, sitting by a camp fire, hiking, biking, golfing, Denver Broncos football, hanging out with friends, shooting a competitive game of pool, and listening to classic rock in roll. Mike was a certified scuba diver and throughout his life traveled to many tropical destinations. He always enjoyed planning the next great vacation. During his 15 month battle with cancer, Mike maintained a positive attitude and lived each day as the “Best Day Ever.”
Mike’s family and friends miss him dearly, but a smile quickly appears when remembering his loving blue eyes, signature smile, mischievous laugh and gentle spirit.
Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb: http://www.lung.org/donate/memorial-honor-gifts/. Messages to the family can be e-mailed to mikedebbiefox@gmail.com.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 26, 2013**