Ezra Milford Fox

Ezra Milford Fox died peacefully with his daughter at his side on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the age of 93 years. Ezra was born in Kingsville, ON, and was the oldest son of 5 children. Ezra joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1940 at the age of 18 and was assigned as a Gunner on the minesweeper HMCS Thunder. Between 1940 and 1945, the Thunder was assigned a front-line role in the invasion of Hitler’s Europe. This included participating in the D-Day sweeping of the mine-infested waters of Omaha Beach. Ezra received the rank of Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour from the Republic of France. Upon his return to Canada, he resided in London, ON where he met his wife Theresa. They were married and had two children, Susan and Andrew. He and his family moved to Calgary in 1956. Ezra was predeceased by Theresa in 1980. Ezra was a carpenter by trade who worked for a number of commercial construction companies as a Project Manager/General Superintendent in charge of many multi-million dollar projects throughout Canada. Ezra was a man of few words; it was his presence and his silence that spoke most often for him. He observed and listened to people. He was an excellent judge of character but not judgmental. Ezra was a generous man who shared his life with family and friends. He loved to garden and provided fresh vegetables, especially his famous tomatoes, for his family and neighbours. He was content with himself, with his life and with his world. Ezra had the good fortune to meet Vera Vignola. They were able to share 30 years of life together in a loving partnership that suited them both. He always had a sense of purpose in life. He continued to be positive and appreciative of the life he was able to live with Vera till the end.

Ezra the man, with his big presence in life, is no longer here. He died as he lived – content and at peace. We, Susan (Richard Large), Andrew (Christa Fox) and Vera Vignola, miss him terribly. Life without Ezra will be difficult for all of us. He was a wonderful Dad and partner. We are grateful for the time we had with him. A Memorial Service will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, AB (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Calgary Poppy Fund and Veteran’s Food Bank, 1, 4539 - 6 Street N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 3Z6. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.