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Major Bernard ‘Bernie’ Fox, 72

Major Bernard (“Bernie”) Arthur Fox, U.S. Army (Ret.), found his perfect fishing hole on Aug. 13, 2018. While endeavoring his 16th annual fishing trip, he was called home. Born June 14, 1946, in Bureau, Ill., he was the third of five siblings born to Patricia and Ray Fox. He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda; his father, Lt. Col. Ray Fox, USAF (Ret.) and his mother, Patricia. Bernie lovingly cared for his mother in his home for the last 18 months of her life.

Growing up in a military family, Bernie spent his younger years at Ellison AFB in Alaska, Morrison Academy in Taiwan, and stateside in Virginia and California. Bernie’s passion, aside from his family, was the great outdoors. An avid fisherman, he died while doing what he loved. Before he fell ill, you could find him on a local lake or river fishing for the big one.

Bernie’s life was dedicated to his country. He was a career military officer who served for more than 20 years, beginning in 1966 when he enlisted in the Air Force. Following discharge, he immediately joined the Army as an ROTC Cadet at Lake Superior State College. Upon completion of the program, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. His wife, Capt. Elizabeth Fox, USAF had the honor of pinning on his bars. During his career, Bernie’s awards included the Meritorious Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars. Upon retirement, Bernie wanted to live where there were four seasons, great hunting and fishing and a wonderful community to raise his family.

He never met a stranger, as everyone was a friend waiting to happen. Upon retirement from the military, he continued to serve military veterans as a veterans’ representative at the Idaho State Job Service (now Idaho Dept. of Labor) in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was active in the DAV, VFW and American Legion.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth A. Fox; his brothers, Ray and Gary Fox; his sister, Cynthia Shipley; his sons, Eric Fox of Sedro-Wooley, Wash., Aaron A. Fox of Rathdrum, Idaho, Benjamin R. Fox of Dalton Gardens, Idaho, and daughter, Rebecca A. Hasz of Athol, Idaho. He has six grandchildren: Kaden and Kyler Fox, Madelynn and Collin Hasz, Micah Fox and Gabe Hegbloom.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Alan Seeley and his staff at the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Coeur d’Alene and Schneidmiller Hospice House of North Idaho for their outstanding care and compassion during Bernie’s last months.

A celebration of Bernie’s life will be held at noon on Oct. 31, 2018, at the American Legion, 1138 E. Poleline Ave., Post Falls, ID. A luncheon will be provided after the ceremony. Anyone wishing to celebrate Bernie’s life is encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to DAV Ft. Sherman Chapter 9, 4160 Spotted Horse Road, Spirit Lake ID, 83869-5111.

“Vaya con dios, mi amor.”

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Bernie’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.