The Cal Expo community was shocked and saddened on Wednesday, September 10 when fellow horseman Kent Fox passed away after suffering a heart attack.
‘Foxy,’ to everyone who knew him, had been a longtime owner, horseman and pari-mutual clerk for more than 40 years.
Graduating from Carlmont High School in Belmont, Calif., in 1963, Fox eventually entered the military during the Vietnam War. Afterwards he found his way to the racetrack, finding work as a pari-mutual clerk, a job he enjoyed until his retirement. But it was his love of the horses that made him unique.
Of all his horses, two were his favourites, both trotters, with My Tryin Ryan and High Dollar. After a win you could bet Fox would be driving his golf cart in the barn area the next morning, passing out boxes of donuts to his friends. And he always had a treat or three for the barn dogs who were there.
A kind and compassionate man with a great sense of humour, Fox was always there to help a friend in need or another fellow horseman. But his horses were his family and he treated them like royalty. In the morning you could usually find Fox at the barn, either passing out horse treats or jogging one of his own and always with a smile on his face.
Memorials were posted instantly on Facebook and text messages sent as the Cal Expo community found out about Fox’s passing. He was one of the good guys, many said, or you don’t find people like Fox anymore. Many agree though, that Fox will be missed and never forgotten.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Kent ‘Foxy’ Fox.
(Robin Clements)