Obituaries

Betty Lou Fox

Birth: 1937-11-15 Died: 2011-06-17

Visitation Date:

Visitation Location:

Service Date: 6/25/2011

Service Time: 1:00:00 PM

Service Location: Trinity United Church

Service Address: 2211 Prairie Ave. Port Coquitlam, B.C.

          Fox – Mrs. Betty Lou


 Born in Boissevain, Manitoba on November 15, 1937 Betty passed away peacefully on June 17, 2011 in Chilliwack, B.C at the age of 73. Predeceased by son Terry Fox, parents John and Mary Ann Wark, sisters Norma Wark, Kay Ross, brother Fred Wark and brother-in-law Roy Ross. Betty’s early years were spent on prairie soil in Melita, Manitoba. Betty grew up in an active and athletic family playing organized baseball and hockey (goalie) a trait that would be passed on to her own children.  After graduating from high school Betty moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where she met (corner of Portage and Main) and married Rolland Murray Fox in October of 1956.  A decade and four kids later, Betty and Rolly moved west to Surrey, British Columbia leaving all family behind.  They settled in Port Coquitlam which would be the Fox home for 22 years (1968 – 1990).  In 1990 Betty and Rolly started a very slow migration east with stops in Lake Errock, B.C. and Abbotsford, B.C. before finally settling in Chilliwack, B.C. in 2003. Betty’s second eldest son Terry was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma and his right leg was amputated above the knee. On April 12, 1980 Terry began the Marathon of Hope, a run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He would cover 3,339 miles over 143 days before cancer returned forcing Terry to stop running on September 1, 1980.  Terry died on June 28, 1981. Betty lost her son early and publicly.  With no time to grieve, she accepted a role in the development of the Terry Fox Run which would later evolve into The Terry Fox Foundation.  Her intuition and nurturing way were critical to safeguarding Terry’s integrity, values and principles. Betty was involved in all aspects of The Terry Fox Foundation, particularly commercialization issues that related to the use of Terry’s name and image for fundraising purposes.  It is estimated that Betty spoke to more than 400,000 school children alone during her 25 years of touring the country, leaving each and every child with the inspirational story of the Marathon of Hope. The final words of every speech, “Never, ever give up on your dreams”, have become her hallmark. Betty loved her family and they tried to equally return the love she had for them.  She could laugh with the best of them and a tear was always just around the corner. Her family losses were always fresh and sincere. That Betty was a family source for hard work and determination is a given.  To the very end Betty’s drive to further Terry’s work never waned as his dream had become her own. Betty is survived by husband Rolly, three children Fred, Darrell, and Judith, their respective spouses Theresa, Bonnie and Dale, nine grandchildren, Terrance, Kirsten, Erin, Jessica, Sarah, DJ, Tianna, Alexandra, and Connor, brother John Wark (Darlene) and sister-in-law Anna. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, June 25th at the Trinity United Church, 2211 Prairie Avenue, Port Coquitlam.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Terry Fox Foundation:


 


Online at: terryfox.org


 


Mail to: The Terry Fox Foundation


Suite 303 – 46167 Yale Road


Chilliwack, B.C.


V2P 2P2


 


Call – 1-888-836-9786


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Date :30 Nov -0001

Tribute :It was such a pleasure to see and talk with Betty again here in St.John's last year - all of Betty's wonderful years of work - what a tribute to Terry - he would have been so proud. As I have been (60 years) a Volunteer with the CCS I was one of three who initially met Terry when he and Doug arrived at the St. John's airport- and helped where we could prior to Terry's famous run . So through the years I was always happy to chat and meet with Betty and Rolly.- and to follow their amazing journey. She will be greatly missed. Heartfelt condolences to Rolly and the children. Margot Reid - St. John's- NL

Margot

Date :30 Nov -0001

Tribute :My deepest condolences to the Fox family.

Dianne R. Connolly

Date :30 Nov -0001

Tribute :To the family and friends of Betty Fox: I was truly saddened to hear of the death of Mrs. Betty Fox in June 2011. From what I know about Betty- she was a very dedicated- strong willed- and wonderful woman- having ensured that her son Terry's idea of a Marathon of Hope were not lost when his life came to a sad end. I have received- over the past decade or so- three letters signed personally by Betty. These letters were very touching in their thanks for my participation and help in the Terry Fox Run. I deeply admire the work that the Fox family has contributed to cancer research and I plan to continue to my support for the cause as long as realistically possible- just as both Betty and Terry have done. Rest in peace Betty. Your's truly- Derek A.J. Ness Fredericton- NB and formerly of Belleisle Creek- NB

Derek A.J. Ness

Date :30 Nov -0001

Tribute :How wonderful to know that mother and son are together in heaven....Terry Fox was a great human being and so was his mom ...My condolences to all the family.

Lynn Martins

Date :30 Nov -0001

Tribute :You will be sadly missed. But the legacy will go on.

Maria & John Alves

Date :30 Nov -0001

Tribute :Yo- good lokoin out! Gonna make it work now.

Tessie

Date :30 Nov -0001

Tribute :My heart goes out to the family-she is now at peace. Carl you are in our prayers- and your family as well.

John Teasdale and Mary Correia

Date :27 Jun 2024

Tribute :condolences to her family

Carson Loveless

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