top of page

Keith Fox

Image by Nick Andréka

KEITH FOX

August 7, 1949 – July 14, 2022

It is with deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of Keith, a beloved brother, uncle and friend to many at the age of 72 years.

 

Keith is survived by his brother Randy (Denise) Fox; sister Debra Fox (John Helsdon); and will sadly be missed by his nephews and niece, Jason Wiens, Gavin Wiens, Shelley Fox, and Greg Fox; and their families.

 

Keith was born August 7,1949 the eldest son of Bob and Hazel Fox in Miami, MB. Keith was active in sports as a boy and excelled at hockey and baseball. Upon completing his education, he tried his hand at mining and the military before settling into his career of 43 years at MPI. Keith had a lifelong affair with horseracing in Manitoba and could be found at the track rain or shine throughout the years. His daily routine was to jump a bus from downtown, get off at Unicity, and walk to the Downs for his daily exercise.

 

Although horseracing was his favorite pastime, his real passion was family. Keith would constantly ask “how’s Jason doing”, “where's Gavin”, “what's Greg up to”, or “how are Shelley and the baby”. Uncle Keith was a fixture at holiday gatherings and the empty chair at the table will be a bittersweet reminder of better times. Keith was a kind and generous man to a fault and will be missed by all who knew him.

 

The family will hold a graveside interment at a later date. If friends so desire, please make a donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation or any community group in Miami, MB. 

 

Keith's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

Thank you for your comment!

21 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)

Ken Greenhalgh

September 23, 2022 at 6:26 PM

I met Keith on a cold January night on a train to Cornwallis Nova Scotia. Keith and I became friends during our basic training in early 1969 ,both being from Manitoba. We lost touch over time but coincidentally bumped into each other again at the St .Charles Hotel ,the very day we were both getting out of the military. He was a nice guy Sorry to hear of his passing. 

Nat Kleinschmit & Harley

August 12, 2022 at 6:01 AM

My heartfelt condolences to Keith's family. I am one of the many, many strangers your uncle/brother inspired. His passing was a shock to many of us here on Carlton St, where he cleaned up the back lane every day - making sure that our little world was a little safer. He'd lecture us on recycling properly or just amble by with a friendly smile. In some ways, we took him for granted and his helpfulness as a given. Well, this week, there's garbage flying around and our world feels a little out of sorts... Neighbours have noticed the shift and are sharing the news with sadness...  it seems that everyone has a good Keith story! Stories of kindness, of presence. We miss him! We're all going to have to step up and be a little more like Keith now... It was special to learn more about him and put a name on a familiar face.  Please know that he was deeply respected and appreciated. His example will continue to live on in the South Broadway folk he inspired to be good neighbours. #BeLikeKeith 

Bill Kryschuk

August 5, 2022 at 9:54 PM

I knew Keith for 48 years. I worked with him for 40 of those at DVL and MPI. He was a co-worker, a friend, and the big brother I never had. I will miss our chats about sports, work, City Hall, and of course the race track. Keith was an avid horse racing fan above everything else. He always told you when he won, but you never heard about the losses! I will miss him greatly and will always remember the happy times we had at the Chicken Bashes and Xmas get-togethers. My condolences to his family and friends. Win the big one, big fella!!

Greg Johnston

August 5, 2022 at 1:28 PM

I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Keith. I met Keith at ASD many years ago. He was very well liked. He loved horse racing and was a big fan of the Winnipeg Jets.We had many conversations about the races and the Jets. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be remembered and missed by many.

Randy Premachuk

August 5, 2022 at 11:58 AM

I didn't really know Keith (only to see him) but being a passionate race fan, it would always bring a smile to my face to see him walking on Portage Avenue over the years with a racing form in his back pocket. I appreciated his passion for horse racing. Race track fans are often unique and seeing him around ASD, he was very eccentric in his approach to racing and certainly brought interest and joy to those around him. It's sad to see anyone go, but especially when it's much too soon! Kind regards to the family!

BRETT PERRAULT

August 5, 2022 at 7:55 AM

FIRST MET KEITH AT THE OLD POLO PARK INN IN THE EARLY 90S.HIS LOVE FOR HORSE RACING WAS UNBELIEVABLE.HE WAS A KIND MAN AND I CONSIDERED HIM A FRIEND.HIS SECOND PASSION WAS THE JETS AND I HAD MANY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE JETS WITH HIM.AT THE TRACK HE ALWAYS HAD A WARM HELLO FOR EVERYONE.ASD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.

buddy callum

July 28, 2022 at 12:51 AM

our condolences to keiths family ,keith worked for my dad and mom on the farm as a teen ager ,keith loved potatoes and could make a meal out of just them ,from the callum family at miami 

Lynne Steppler

July 26, 2022 at 8:31 PM

Thinking of you all Randy Denise , Deb & family ! So sorry to hear of Keith sudden passing! 

Larry Slagerman

July 26, 2022 at 1:25 AM

Keith will indeed be missed. Believe knew of Keith prior to actually meeting him. In around the early 1970's noticed a fellow who went to the races often; wearing unlike most others a suit and carrying a racing form. Later on read an interesting article in the paper about a "Mr. X".  Actually met Keith in 1998 when started working  at DVL and afterwards while working in the same department at MPI. Keith would rarely miss a day of work. When I have gone to the racetrack occasionally in recent years would usually have a brief chat with Keith which hopefully did not cause him to miss any good bets.  Many comments have been made in regards to Keith's good character. Keith often showed curiosity and an interest in people. He was also know to sometimes give well-meaning advice and to mentor others. Larry Slagerman

Doug Morgan

July 25, 2022 at 11:59 PM

So Sorry . I only knew Keith the last few years , he was a thoughtful and kind hearted Man . Usually mixed it up with him discussing hockey , Of course ..!  And the occasional chatter about the Track .. I will miss him , and he will be Well Remembered !! My Sincerest Condolence. Doug  Morgan 

Diane Hopkins

July 25, 2022 at 3:09 PM

My deepest condolence to Keith's family & friends. His smiling face & great humor will be missed. Even after Keith retired, it was a good day when you'd run into Keith in the walkways downtown or when he'd pop in (always with donuts to share).  You were a fantastic co-worker & friend to so many. I consider myself fortunate to have been in that group. The Fox is no longer in the hen house. We will miss you. Diane Hopkins

Saskia Brouwer

July 25, 2022 at 2:38 PM

My deepest condolences to the Fox family on the loss of your brother & uncle. I worked with Keith for 20 years at DVL and MPI. He was a kind & gentle soul who possessed a quick wit and an ever-present smile. He was passionate about playing the ponies, talking sports, and keeping our city streets litter-free. He had a wonderful sense of humour and was the true definition of "unique" and "one-of-a-kind". Godspeed, Mr X. I will always think of you fondly with a pen in one hand and a tip-sheet in the other! Rest in peace Keith. 

Ulysse Poirier

July 24, 2022 at 11:52 PM

My sincere sympathy to all of Keith's family. As many have said, Keith was an integral part of the DVL family. That photo with his perpetual smile says it all! Rest in peace Keith. Ulysse Poirier

Garry Minsky

July 24, 2022 at 5:27 AM

My thoughts are with Keith’s family. I had the opportunity to not only know Keith as a work colleague but as a friend.  I will miss Keith’s whimsical smile, his sense of humour, our political and sports discussions and our breakfasts. Keith will also be missed by CJOB, CBC, the Winnipeg Free Press and the Winnipeg Sun since Keith was always offering them his opinions on the Jets, the Bombers, the Jays and any political or community matters. Keith took pride in keeping our streets clean and was removing all litter in his pathway! Keith we will miss your enthusiastic outlook on life. Your life as was your passion for the ponies was always a photo finish.  

Shannon Davis

July 23, 2022 at 7:01 PM

My condolences to Keith's family. I met Keith many years ago at the old PPI (Polo Park Inn - Off Track Betting). He sat at a corner table selling his picks, betting his winners to show or playing a set of numbers! He always was grinding to make a quarter million! No matter where Keith played his horses the grounds were always cleaner! He took pride in Winnipeg! He will be surely missed and never forgotten! Rest in Peace Keith! ❤ Shannon Davis

Don & Carolyn Halbert

July 23, 2022 at 6:44 PM

Sorry to learn of Keith's passing.  We had the pleasure of working with Keith for many years at DVL and fondly remember Keith's attendance at our organization's many "Chicken Bashes".  Keith was always the hit of the party.  Keith was an avid horse race fan and could talk about it for hours on end.  He was a gentle and kind soul who will be missed by his DVL family.  Our sincere condolences are extended to his family.  Rest in Peace, Keith  Don & Carolyn Halbert

ALEDA MARSHALL

July 23, 2022 at 6:37 PM

My deepest sympathy to the family! I worked with Keith in 1972-1973 during the transition of the Motor Vehicle Dept to Autopac. Keith and I had the same birthday and celebrated together one year on that day. Yes, he was a kind, very gentle, and caring man who loved his sports and the race track back then as well. My deepest condolences in your loss. I know he will be missed

Ward Keith, former Registrar of Motor Vehicles

July 23, 2022 at 6:25 PM

My sincere condolences to Keith’s family on his sudden passing. I saw Keith just a few months ago - at the race track - and he was kind and friendly as always. His quick wit was also just as sharp as I remember. 

Ron Zurba and Diane Duncan

July 23, 2022 at 5:27 PM

Our condolences to Keith's family. It is difficult to see Keith's  vacant seat at Assiniboia Downs.  He was an avid fan of the horses and a mediator and advisor for all things Winnipeg Jets! When Ron would get upset with some Jets moves and non moves, I would just tell him to" go and talk to Keith.!" Rest in Peace Keith❤

Karen and Dennis Nelson

July 23, 2022 at 3:56 PM

Our condolences on the loss of your brother and uncle. My husband and I worked with Keith at 1075 Portage Ave. for 30 years.  Keith was indeed a kind and generous man.  He had a wonderful sense of humour and his own unique way of looking at things.  He spoke often of his family and you could hear the love and pride in his voice when he spoke of his nieces and nephews.  I enjoyed talking (sometimes arguing) with him and always learned something from him.  We will miss him and will remember him always with a smile.    .

Al Ilott

July 23, 2022 at 11:07 AM

Sad to see another character from the race track leave us. Keith was certainly that and will fondly remember by many as Mr X. With the return of Jets he took on another moniker, coach.  A great guy who never asked for anything from anyone!
bottom of page