Harry Joseph Fox

Born on the 15th of June 1946, in White Plains, New York, Harry lost his father at a young age leaving his mother Mary to raise him on her own. The loss of his father at such a young age taught Harry to be independent and resilient, qualities that would serve him well throughout his life and career.

Harry graduated from Pace University in 1969 with a degree in finance and later went on to attend the graduate program at the University of Miami’s Business School. His career in finance unexpectedly began while working as a chauffeur for a wall street lawyer who exposed him to the trading world and ignited what would become a lifelong passion for the financial industry.

By 1972, Harry was vice president and regional director of a prominent over-the-counter securities trading firm. Between 1974 and 1980, he built an equities, futures, and options trading firm that he sold to Commodities Corporation in 1981 and acquired a seat on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange. In 1982, he relocated to Bermuda to serve as President and CEO of Hamilton Securities LTD. During his time in Bermuda, Harry discovered he could run a business from anywhere—a revelation that shaped the rest of his career.

In 1983, Harry and his wife Ellen moved to Aspen, Colorado. They were immediately captivated by its beauty and close-knit community in Woody Creek and decided to raise their family there. A year later, Harry reacquired his former business and restructured it into Woody Creek Capital Management, an investment management and consulting firm serving Fortune 500 companies. While in Aspen, Harry and Ellen welcomed two beloved daughters, Whitney and Amanda; nothing made him prouder than being a father.

Harry was a man of many layers. He was known for his sense of humor, love of practical jokes, and a spontaneous spirit that often led to last-minute plans, much to the frustration of his family. He was always up for a good time, and you could tell when he was up to something by the twinkle in his eye. Harry’s charismatic and upbeat personality, combined with his generosity and warmth, gave him the ability to light up the room and form lasting connections.

Harry discreetly extended financial support to countless individuals and organizations, as well as offering his time and guidance to those working to rebuild their lives, never seeking recognition for his acts of kindness. He found great solace and peace spending time with the monks, particularly Father Joseph and Brother Raymond at the Monastery in Old Snowmass.

In 1996, Harry relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he devoted himself to family life and raising his two daughters. After the girls graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, Harry split his time between Denver and Houston to be close to his children and their growing families.

Harry is survived by his daughters, Whitney Fox Gordon and her husband Matt; Amanda Fox Shifrin and her husband Matt; grandchildren Charles and Isla Gordon, Grayson and Rhodes Shifrin. Harry’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Hallmark in Houston for their care.

A private burial and memorial service will be held in Colorado.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations in Harry’s memory may be made to Memorial Hermann’s Mobile Stroke Unit online at www.memorialhermann.org/donate, by mail to 929 Gessner, Suite 2650, Houston, TX 77024, or by phone at (713) 242-4400. Please list Mobile Stroke Unit in the designation field or on the memo line of your check.

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