I knew Tom Fox as he was my soccer coach a Taft School in 1963. He was a wonderful coach and friend. The memories of coach Fox live on as I approach my 80th birthday, memories I have held dear for more than half a century. He instilled in me a completive desire to always try my best despite many personal adversities. I played and coached soccer for almost 50 years, playing my last game at age 54. God bless you, Coach Fox.  

I remember sitting on the rocks and eating a picnic lunch (including Fox potato chips!) with Tom and the family.  Loved being with them all.  

Dear Elizabeth and Family,

I am sorry for your loss of Tom. My condolences to you all. 

It has been so many years since my time in Togo. I remember you, Elizabeth, and Tom very well. The photos of the two of you on this site are unmistakably a slightly older version of the way I remember you both. I recall Tom as a very present person. Given that I lived in Lomé during my second year, and I would drop by the Peace Corps office often, I had many occasions to see Tom and chat with him--always a pleasant experience. 

Sometime in the 1990's, I can't recall exactly when, I contacted Tom, and he and I had a long telephone conversation related to my writing about my PC experience.  Tom was most helpful in multiple ways. I would like to share more about that conversation and its wonderful follow-up with you. 

My e-mail is: 

<Ezra Teitlbaum> e.teitelbaum1@verizon.net

Wishing you all the best,

Ezra Teitelbaum

My condolences to Thomas's family. I first met Thomas when I was on staff with him in the Africa Region Peace Corps Washington.  An inspiration to all that worked with him during  that time.  

From Northern Vermont, we send heartfelt thoughts to you, Elizabeth, Adair, Brian, and Shelley. Tom was among a group of friends growing up in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in the 1940s and 50s. One could discern that he was someone to reckon with, as Ben Field described so well. Some of us went away for high school and then returned for college at Williams. Though not seeing Tom since Spring, 1961, he has been a presence in our lives all these years. Over a period of time - perhaps 2010 - 2020 - we exchanged letters touching on our families' annual doings. It's of value to know that George Faison - a lifelong friend of Tom's from the Berkshires - will be with you all tomorrow at All Souls.  You are in our thoughts and prayers. Peter Thoms, Montpelier  

This is from John Riggan!!!

REMEMBERING TOM

Tom was a wonderful combination - outstanding human qualities, devoted family man, loyal friend, great leader...and compassionate and smart.

He had brilliant multiple careers - accomplished in all of them. He led quietly and was both great with the big picture - and details.

I had the honor - and pleasure - of working with, collaborating, and sharing professional interests including serving on boards for more than 50 years. I went to Tom for advice including starting new organizations and he reciprocated. He never turned down any request for help including more than one "lost cause!"

But Tom was much more than work. He was dedicated to his wonderful family. I really saw his quality when I had the privilege of spending time with them. And, he knew how to play! And loved and was tormented by golf (like all of us). Over many years our foursome - Bill Reese, Bob Chase, Tom, and me - had many outings, but most memorable was a week in Scotland, the home of golf and such sweet suffering!

Tom was a great friend and remarkable human being. I miss him but will always be grateful for sharing some of life with such a good man.

One of his gifts to me was showing how to just enjoy life.

John Riggan

Dear Elizabeth, Adair, Brian, Shelley, and all of Tom's family,  

I have written of my sympathy and sorrow (and joy to have known him) to you separately but want to post my love again to you all.  Tom meant so much to me growing up and is such a huge part of my childhood memories.  I cherish all the moments, his smile, his advice, the twinkle in his eye, his laugh...all dear.

I will be attending the memorial virtually and will be there fully in spirit.

Love, Kathy

My heartfelt condolences go out to Elizabeth and the entire Fox family. Tom Fox was a gifted, talented and wonderful human being. I was fortunate to meet Tom originally through Elizabeth. Around 1981, while working at The National Council on the Aging, Inc. (NCOA), I often attended the monthly Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Advisory Council on behalf of my supervisor. Elizabeth, who worked at Christian Communities Group Homes, was also a member.  In 1982, Elizabeth became the Executive Director of Iona House where I had already been a volunteer for several years after college.  In 1983, I accepted a position on the conference planning team at The Council on Foundations, so I was delighted when Elizabeth shared with me that Tom was a Director on the staff and that we would be working together. Some years later, Tom and I served as members of the Citizens' Advisory Group at Iona together.  Tom leaves such a legacy for good in his community and in our world. May his memory always be for a blessing...

Tom was a wonderful friend who mentored both my late ex-husband and me.  Through that friendship  we entered the Peace Corps and continued working internationally for years afterward.  Also through Tom, I met and became friends with his wife Elizabeth and their two amazing children.  I am so grateful for all he did. 

Tom,  I can still hear your voice through the screen of my back dood talking Elizabeth down from some moment of mild hysteria as you were arranging yet another wedding for someone in your/our joint back yards.

Along with the sadness I have felt these past weeks about Tom's passing, fond memories of our time together at Andover and then Williams College have also come to mind. We roomed together three of the four years at Williams, played soccer together all four years, and became lifelong friends. I want recount a pivotal event that occurred during our freshman year which really says it all about Tom. Our class was given the task of building a giant snow sculpture in the freshman quad that winter, and Tom was in charge of getting it done. It turned out to be King Winter, a monstrous crowned head ten to fifteen feet tall which dominated the quad. Tom was a master organizer and managed to get most members of the class working way into the night in all kinds of weather to erect this monument. I liked to kid him that it was a monument to himself. How he galvanized all these people to work so hard was truly amazing, and I came to realize that his personal and organization skills were what made it a big success. King Winter finally melted away, but it launched Tom' career on campus as a leader and was a preview of his life of numerous accomplishments and contributions to make the world a better place. I feel most fortunate to have been his friend. 

How I wish I'd met Tom long ago but am very glad that I did meet him a little over a year ago on his birthday, he and his family on their porch, we on the lawn ( Corona). I didn't know too much about his past and in the present I knew he had a most wonderful family!  Reading the posts from friends and former colleagues has given me more insight into his work, his past life and what a remarkable human being he was. He lived an amazing life of service to his fellow man. His life must have been a very fullfilling  one for him.  He was indeed a very fine man and is certainly missed by his family and friends but the loving memories gathered over the years will keep Tom Fox alive in hearts and minds of those who knew him.

Enjoying a breakfast treat

Reception Party

The KEOX clan - Phil, Tom, and Ken Fox and Alice, Lindsay, Sandra and Scott Keep

Elizabeth and family,

I was out of the country in early January and just learned of Tom's passing this week through the USAID Alumni Association.  I am so sorry for your loss.

I had the privilege of working with Tom when he was confirmed as USAID's Assistant Administrator for PPC until I left for my overseas assignment.  I learned so much during those 20 months from Tom in terms of managing a large team and making tough decisions, while treating everyone fairly and with understanding.   Even though Tom served as AA for a limited time,  he made such a critical difference in both raising morale and advancing the Agency's operations. 

Tom was my first "senior" official visitor during my tenure as Mission Director in West Bank/Gaza.   I remember a contentious meeting that we had with the Palestinian Minister of NGO Affairs; as we walked out, and reflecting on how he was seeking to assert control over Palestinian civil society, Tom advised me to continue engaging in a dialogue with him, which I did.   I also had the opportunity to drive him around Israel and the West Bank, where we had time to talk about USAID and life as a father (my son had  just turned one when he visited).  Hearing him talk about his children and (later) grand-children served as a reminder to me that work/family balance is absolutely critical. 

My sincerest condolences,

Larry

A truly elegant man in every way that counts!

Dear Elizabeth, Adair, Brian, Shelly, Monika, Charlie and Owen,

I was saddened to hear about Tom's passing but I, like all of you am grateful that he had such a long, full life. And I'm grateful that he was part of mine. From the early days in Togo when you guys looked after us and Tom taught us our table manners, to watching Tom's amazing career in organizations dedicated to helping others, he was always a role model to me. His example is one I still try to live up to. I know you will all miss him tremendously but also that you will cherish the enduring love and memories.

Love, Steve

I met Tom when he was at WRI and I was at USAID. Tom was fully dedicated to helping people in developing countries to improve their lives and used his many skills to make a difference. He was a valued colleague for many years who could always be counted on for wise advice and encouragement. I know that he will be missed by many.

What can I say about the man--indeed couple--who were second parents to me as a child in Togo when their close friends, our parents, would go out of town? The man who scared me because he was much more strict than my own parents, but who I knew loved us as his own and wished the best for us throughout our lives. The man who opened his newly purchased home to me for my wedding in 1982 and took it all in stride when it rained cats and dogs and forced the outside wedding to be held inside.  The man who welcomed our next generation of Fursts as he had the previous two. And the man who was such an intricate part of my parents' lives for so many years and therefore my life that I can't imagine Washington, DC, without him.

Elizabeth, you and Tom were such role modes for me in so many ways. Your marriage, your careers, your family--I can't imagine you without him. I'm so grateful you've lived the multigenerational household that you have so that now you are not alone in this time. Adair and Shelly and Owen and Charlie, I'm happy you all have each other and, I'm sure, your wide circle of support. Bryan, and Monika who I have not met, thank goodness you have been there in these last months to spend time with Tom and the rest of the family. 

I'm hoping to make it there in March and, if not, I'll be there virtually of course. 

All my love, Terry

The warmth, wisdom and caring Tom exuded from the global stage to the very personal will always be with us .  I will forever cherish Tom bringing  me to the Unitarian Church in Mt. Pleasant and sitting beside me giving me his quiet strength as I faced the imminent loss of my daughter to cancer.  Tom will always live in our hearts and inspire us as we, each in our own way, work for justice and peace.

Tom presente!