Clay Ellis Fox

Clay Ellis Fox
November 28, 1922 - March 12, 1922

Clay "Hal" Fox of Rickreall, Ore. passed away with his loving wife at his side on March 12, 2012 at the age of 89. Clay is survived by his wife, Lynne, sister June Tallman and his three children - Dana (Jim) Akers of Portland, Oregon, Clay "Ev" (Hope) Fox of West Richland, Washington and Keli (Rob) Faw of Seattle, Washington. His legacy will also live on through his eight grandchildren.

Born November 28, 1922 in Tillamook, Oregon, Clay grew up in Rickreall, Oregon, on part of the original donation land claim of his great grandfather, George Johnson Baskett. Graduating from Rickreall High School in 1940, Clay went on to attend Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University) and receive his degree in education from Oregon State University, where he played basketball for Slats Gill. Serving during World War II in the U.S. Navy, Clay eventually landed as a high school teacher and coach in Union, Oregon. Before receiving his master's degree from Portland State University and becoming principal of Camas High School in Camas, Washington, Clay was a beloved coach and teacher, leading teams to the state tournament and a mentor of many students, both in and outside of school. His care and concern for his students and players continued on until the end of his life, maintaining lifelong friendships with many. Before he retired in 1977, Clay also was principal at Jordan Valley High School in Eastern Oregon as well as LaCenter High School in LaCenter, Washington. He and his family returned to Rickreall in 1991.

To know Clay was to know his enthusiastic love for the outdoors and people. During his life he was unstoppable in his pursuit of being active. A true cowboy and sportsman, Clay loved horses, hunting, fishing and sports. From setting a world record in boat racing, going on an unbelievable Yukon hunting expedition, competing in 100-mile endurance horse races to riding in rodeos, training many a bird dog and countless hours of coaching and teaching, he led an extraordinary life. After meeting and marrying his wife of more than 40 years in 1971, Clay and Lynne pursued these passions together, touching many throughout each adventure. In his final years, Clay remained an avid hunter, rodeo fan, and supporter of local high school and college sport teams.

A memorial and celebration of life will be held at Rickreall Event Hall on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 1 p.m. For information and to confirm attendance, please email clayfoxtribute@gmail.com . Remembrances may be made in his name to the Polk County Historical Society, the Oregon Duck Hunters' Association or the American Heart Association.