Arthur Gregory Fox

Arthur Fox was an artist and musician who loved nature, reading, and meditating and reflecting on the world’s religions. He was a great fan of the Marx Brothers and other early slapstick comedians, and loved to act out their hijinks with family members, especially the famous Harpo Marx facial expression known as a “gookie”. Unfortunately Art developed schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in his early adult years. In spite of his severe mental illness Art persevered for ten years and completed a bachelor's degree in general studies.

Art studied Chinese language, history, and culture, and traveled to Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China with his mother when the country first opened up to the west. He took up classical guitar in his adult years, after 11 years of piano lessons from his father Valerian Fox, who was a concert organist and piano teacher. He sometimes practiced for as long as five hours a day, which helped to relieve some of his schizophrenic symptoms. Art composed and recorded an album of beautiful guitar music and sent copies of it to all of his family members.

He learned to build beautiful furniture using only antique tools and slots instead of nails, and gave his creations away to his friends. Art loved to get bike parts from Goodwill, or find them on the street, and built bikes that he gave to his homeless friends to help them with transportation. Art always felt like not having a career made him a failure, but instead of feeling sorry for himself, he spent his life in service and kindness to others. He was the most kind, loving, purehearted, and joyful soul. Art was an inspiration and exceptional role model of true love in spite of his tortured mental and physical sufferings in this world. His soul was always full of love and gratitude, and he lived a life of loving service to all humanity, especially for those poor souls who were less fortunate than him and were homeless and broken on the streets of Old Town Portland. Wing your way in peace through all the Worlds of God my dear beloved Art!

Arthur is survived by his siblings Steve Fox, Maura Fox, Kevin Fox, Angela Ansari, and Tama Fox. His brother, Leo Fox passed away in 1986.

A memorial mass for Arthur will be held Friday, November 3, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 375 NE Clackamas St., Portland, OR 97232. Following the memorial mass will be a committal service from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 333 SW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97221.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made to Central City Concern. Donations can be provided through this link: https://centralcityconcern.org/donate/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zellerchapeloftheroses.com for the Fox family.