David Harmon Fox was born to Charles and Leah Fox on  August 17, 1932 and grew up in Duluth with a close extended family. He told many heartwarming and funny stories of his childhood, especially the times spent with his younger brother Harold, who passed away in 2023.

David met Margo, and there was little question after their first date (which lasted 12 hours!) that they were meant to be together.  On January 14th, 2025  they celebrated the 63rd anniversary of that first date.  

Their children, Tamar, Regan and Adam (and then Dan, Jean, David, and Claudia), and grandchildren Leah (Will), Hannah, and Isaac were all sources of joy. He treasured and was so proud of each of them.

An alumnus of Lincoln Elementary and Jr High, and Denfeld High School (class of 1950) ,  he felt indebted to Duluth’s public school teachers who interested students in life-long scholarship, and in sports and performing arts.  At  Denfeld, he sang in shows;  played football; won the State Championship in Shot Put and Discus; and earned Boy Scout Eagle Scout Award in 1947.  He also helped out at Kewpies, his parents’ restaurant.

David was awarded a full scholarship to go to Northwestern University in Chicago. To supplement scholarship money, he had summer jobs that included laying ties for the railroad and working in the steel plant. He received his Bachelors Degree in 1954.

After college, he spent two years in New York City at the Jewish Theological Seminary and immersed  himself in jazz and theater.  He said he would take the subway for a nickel and nurse a coke at jazz clubs while listening to many of the jazz greats. Once back in Minnesota, David chose to become a Social Worker, a profession he was proud of, where he made a positive difference in people’s lives. He earned both a Masters Degree in Social Work and a Masters in Public Administration, from the University of Minnesota graduate school.

After a 36 year career, he retired as Manager of Employee Development for Ramsey County Human Services.  His colleagues gifted him business cards with the motto: “Windmills Fought. Impossible Dreams Dreamt. Unreachable Stars Reached”.    …  referring to his hero, Don Quixote.

Throughout his life, David had wonderful relationships with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, his clients, and members of Or Emet MN Congregation for Humanistic Judaism. In retirement, he had more time to write, read, enjoy music, travel, support causes and just be. He loved living. Though he faced serious health challenges in recent years, he kept a positive outlook. He would say to us all … “slow down, take it easy, relax” and “enjoy your time in this wonderful world.” 

David died with his sweetheart Margo beside him on March 26, 2025.

Sincere thanks to Our Lady of Peace Hospice, Kingsley and all who helped David to live at home until he died. It was his favorite place.

A Celebration of David’s Life will be held  on Sunday, August 3rd  at the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy. Program will begin at 1:14 in the afternoon.

Memorials to Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest Heartland or to the cause of your choice.

David would ask us all to continue with our good works … !