R Michael Fox, beloved husband, father, grandfather and successful Twin Cities entrepreneur, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on August 6, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He departed this world with Sandra Fox, his wife of 50-years by his side.

Michael leaves behind a family who loved him deeply: wife Sandra Rosenbaum Fox; daughter Meredith Fox and her spouse, Jon Steadland (Minneapolis, MN); son Benjamin Fox and his spouse, Amber 'Manresa' Fox (Arvada, CO); and three grandchildren who brought him immense joy—Bennett Micah Fox Steadland, Braxton Miguel Fox and Kaya Janea Fox.

Michael was the cherished son of Nadine and Robert Fox and younger brother to Pat Kiloski. His early years were marked by frequent relocations across Michigan, California, Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois, guided by his father's position as a Southern Baptist preacher. Despite facing financial hardships, from a young age Michael exhibited a great work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, starting his first paper route at age ten and employing other children to expand the business.

A storyteller at heart, Michael would entertain his kids with hilarious tales of his adventurous youth, including his high school exploits in Springfield, Missouri. Although he began his college journey at the University of Texas to play football, injuries led him to pursue different paths, eventually making significant strides in the business world without a formal degree.

In St. Louis, Missouri, where he met his wife Sandy, Michael drove a bright orange Corvette with his fluffy white Samoyed dog riding shotgun—ever the charismatic figure—and they wed in a small ceremony in 1974. There he ventured into various enterprises, ranging from owning wig stores, importing art from Asia, distributing candy to roadside convenience stores and selling medical supplies to surgeons.

The couple settled in Chicago where they welcomed daughter, Meredith and son, Benjamin (BJ / Ben). In 1984, the family moved to Edina, Minnesota for Michael's job with Honeywell. In 1989, he left the corporate life to found Matrix Associates, where he served as president and CEO for almost 30-years. Known as a "go-to fixer," he was a lifeline for struggling local businesses, saving law firms from insolvency, reviving regional farming cooperatives and even helping the FBI solve a major fraud case.

Michael’s life was imbued with a passion for helping others. He volunteered with Operation Smile in Peru, mentored students at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, was a long-time board member of the Minnesota Turnaround Management Association and coached his son’s 6th grade basketball team to a championship. He particularly had a passion for nurturing early career entrepreneurs, many of whom are successful business leaders today.

Michael’s biggest love was his family, whom he cherished dearly and loved fiercely. Michael treasured the stability and love he cultivated with Sandy, Meredith, BJ/Ben and later his grandchildren, Bennett, Braxton and Kaya.

An avid golfer, Michael marked his 65th birthday at Pebble Beach with his family. He was an enthusiastic reader of political thrillers, had a great appreciation for modern art and was an enthusiastic sports fan – particularly football and basketball. He found joy in traveling the world with Sandy, exploring cultures in Russia, China, South Africa, Australia and beyond. Passionate about jazz, exercise - particularly yoga - and an aficionado of luxury cars and fine clothing, Michael lived life to its fullest.

With a wicked sense of humor and an insatiable zest for life, Michael Fox was one of a kind. His legacy is a life well-lived, richly adorned by love, lots of laughs and a great slice of key lime pie. His family deeply mourns his loss but celebrates the indelible mark he left on each of their lives. Michael will forever be cherished in the hearts of all who knew him.

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