Ron Fox obituary, former SOREDI director

Link to virtual service on Thursday, Oct.1 at 6 pm

It is with deep sorrow and much love that our family and community mourn the loss of Ron Fox, who died unexpectedly from a heart attack on September 18, 2020 at the age of 75.

Ronald George Fox was born on June 2, 1945 in Redding, California.  Ron was the first born of  three children to Mary (Harris) Fox and Clayton Fox.  He is survived by siblings Steven Fox and Susan Walters. Much of Ron’s childhood and formative years were spent in Grants Pass, graduating from Grants Pass High School. Ron had many fond memories of his time as a Caveman.

Ron went to Oregon State University.  He began his college career as a marine biology major, with a forestry minor, but he ultimately obtained his bachelor of science in business administration and technology. In college, Ron joined the Chi Phi Fraternity and kept in touch with many of his fraternity friends throughout the years, even organizing a reunion in 2015. Ron married Paulie Brading in 1967. After college, Ron entered the Navy and was a court reporter during the Vietnam War and then served in the reserve (1968-1973). Paulie and Ron parted ways in 1970.

After the war, Ron married Lois (Reifstahl) Fox. Lois and Ron had two children, Brian Fox and Jessica (Fox) Shinneman. Brian is married to Erika (Runey) Fox and they have a son, Atticus. Jessica is married to Michael Shinneman, and they have two sons, Jordan and Jacob.  His children both reside in Newberg, Oregon.

Growing up with Ron as a dad, Brian and Jessica were exposed to all sorts of activities: skiing, waterskiing, camping, boatbuilding, and sports.  His commitment to his children’s activities was highlighted by his willingness to always make things possible for them.  While living in Madras, Oregon, Ron took it upon himself to start a youth soccer program knowing that both his children and others would benefit.

In 2004, Ron married Paulie for the second time. Paulie passed away in January 2015. Ron then met the love of his life and life partner, Lisa Marston. They continued living in southern Oregon.

In his professional life, he worked for PacificCorp as a Senior Manager from 1971-2000. In 1995, Ron was awarded the Leadership in Economic Development Award by the American Economic Development Council. He then worked for the State of Oregon as a division manager in the economic development department. In 2006, he returned to Southern Oregon and became the Executive Director of Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Incorporated (SOREDI). Ron’s leadership also produced numerous economic development awards through Oregon Economic Development Association (OEDA) and National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and was responsible for bringing growing businesses to the region. He retired from SOREDI in 2016.

In retirement Ron was re-energized by Lisa and their life together, along with his many other interests. He was in his second term as a board member at Rogue Community College (RCC). On July 1st of this year, Ron assumed the role of Oregon Community Colleges Association (OCCA) President after serving as Vice-President. “We will miss Ron’s leadership, kindness, and passion for Oregon’s community colleges and students statewide,” wrote Cam Preus, OCCA’s Executive Director. As a founding member of the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau, Ron spent over 10 years advocating and fundraising for the restoration of the Oregon Caves Chateau, a project that just recently broke ground. Ron was also on the board of the Medford Schools Foundation and an active member in the Medford Rotary Club.

Ron had many passions in life which included spending time with his family, fly fishing, following all the OSU teams, woodworking, education, and politics. He spent many hours of retirement fishing at places all over the country, but especially nearby in the Rogue River and the Deschutes River. He valued having a strong relationship with his grandkids and exhibited this by taking them on many adventures.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1427369 or the Rogue Community College Foundation.

Cards can be sent to:

Lisa Marston/Family of Ron Fox

C/O RVCOG

P.O. Box 3275

Central Point, OR 97502.