Gary Leon Fox, 80

Gary Leon Fox, 80, passed due to a stroke, on May 26, 2012, at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene. Gary was born Jan. 13, 1932, in Lindsay, Calif., to Newton and Oval Fox. The youngest of three children, Gary excelled in band and sports, holding the Lindsay High School 220-yard low hurdles record for more than 30 years.

Gary married Ivalon Ruth Hill, also from Lindsay, and eventually moved to Monterey, where they raised three children. Gary worked for Monterey County as an engineer in the road department, all the while taking classes at local colleges to further his education.

In the early ’70s, Gary and Ivalon moved to Spokane, and then to Coeur d’Alene, where they settled in Mica Flats. Gary built his home, pretty much from the ground up, over many years, and with an engineer’s eye to detail. He retired from the Forest Service, where he worked as an engineer, designing and building roads.

Gary was one of the three original founders of Mica Kidd Island Fire Department, the fire trucks literally parked in his front yard, ready to roll when called on. Gary was involved with MKI for many years, from the Board of Directors, to fighting fires as a volunteer.

He was baptized at Lindsay First Baptist as a teenager, and most recently attended North Country Chapel in Post Falls.

He is survived by Ivalon, his wife of 61 years; sons, Steven and Gary of Lindsay; daughter Susan Lam of Coeur d’Alene; 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Douglas and his sister, Joann.

Per his request, there will be no service. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.