In Loving Memory

SGT Aaron V. Fox

SGT Fox committed suicide via gunshot wound to the head on 10 November 2021.

He was born in Flagstaff, AZ to Ron & Nancy (Head) Fox. He enjoyed swimming, fishing, & boating in Lake Powell with his loved ones, & assisting with the family construction company near there.

His introduction to mechanics began as a little boy, when he admired his father Ron working on a car: "I want my hands to look like yours, Daddy".  He was promptly handed a wrench, and his hands were never quite clean again.

He attended Motorcycle Maintenance Institute after high school, & loved riding his own Harley. He was very excited about restoring his 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook ("Delores") and a 1980's Triumph motorcycle.

SGT Fox worked for years in Arizona and Oregon nightclubs as a bouncer, bartender, and DJ, and was known for his talent as a peacemaker (while still maintaining his ability to make the occasional miscreant taste pavement). He was passionately protective of the people in his life.

His interest in mechanics carried over into the National Guard; he joined the Oregon Army National Guard on 16 March 2010 as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic and Recovery Vehicle Operator. SGT Fox served over 10 years as a Non-Commissioned Officer. He served for Fox FSC, Hotel FSC, and Bravo 141 BSB. He deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield from 2019-2020, and served as a Fire Team Leader for 2nd Platoon, A Company 141 BSB at Sayliyah, Qatar. He also volunteered in 2017 to assist fighting the 191,125 acre Chetco Bar Fire.

His awards and decorations include: Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device, Army Service Ribbon, Oregon Emergency Service Ribbon, and Oregon Faithful Service Ribbon.

He had a special love of cooking, and was particularly talented with spices & smoked meats. He was exceptionally fond of raw oysters, and was known to put away more than 3 dozen at a time.

SGT Fox was an avid fan of rockabilly culture, tabletop gaming (especially Magic the Gathering), firearms, anything Star Wars or Dune related, and was a connoisseur of both good and bad whiskeys. He collected many tattoos, notably the large colorful swallows on his chest, crossed wrenches on his left hand, and daughter Samara's name on his knuckles.

He met his wife Brandy in 2008 at a club where they both worked; he told everyone "I loved her from the moment I saw her". They married 20 November 2017, in Portland OR. They moved to Colville in 2021 to learn how to manage her family's property in South Basin, while He worked as a mechanic at Country Chevrolet.

SGT Fox suffered from periods of melancholy most of his life--particularly in the fall--which worsened after his deployment. He was finally unable to outrun the Dark.

SGT Fox was cremated and his ashes will be scattered at Lake Powell near Sand Hill. He will have a grave marker in Willamette National Cemetery, and Brandy will plant a "Veteran" peach tree in her family's memorial Orchard. There will be many places to mourn him, but his favorite would certainly be raising a glass at Pirate's Cove/Sandy Jug, where he and Brandy both worked.

He was a lover of dogs and children, of vintage cars and pretty women, was a terrible speller with worse penmanship.

He was a much loved and treasured friend, likened often to a golden retriever puppy: blonde, engaging, charming, and eager to make friends. He had a deep voice, big hands, and a big laugh.

SGT Fox is survived by his mother Nancy; sisters Rachael, Leslie, and Clarissa; in laws Russ and Bea Durbin; numerous nieces and nephews; his daughter Samara; and wife Brandy.

He is savagely missed by everyone. Too many of our soldiers are killing themselves,  and as a country, as citizens, as families we all must do a better job caring for our veterans.

The widow wishes to express her own condolences to his family in the 141 and at "The Cove". You were, and are, loved more than you know.

Many thanks to Danekas Funeral Chapel for their considerate care of our beloved, departed.