A treasure to this world
Josh Fox, as intelligent as he was industrious, led a genuine, creative, and love-centric life. Defined as “xenodochial” by his youngest son, Alyster, he was never afraid to welcome those unlike himself and to help however he could. The quirky, minimalist, “Dead Head” loved music, fishing, cooking, bonfires, bread-baking, crafts, training his dogs, and learning. His children, Skyler, Abigail, and Alyster, as well as his two sisters, two brothers, his mother Malia, and his stepfather formed his close circle, though he had a broad network of aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom he adored. Josh made his neighbors feel safe, his classmates feel welcome, and his family feel loved.
Josh was born with a photographic mind. He remembered the minutest of details, even from his earliest years, making him a stellar student with a propensity for learning languages. He was also an incredible sales associate, doing whatever it took to make the sale, and a talented craftsworker, having built many homes in Colorado Springs and LaCrosse. His children were his treasures, and he took endless pride in them. His trademark meals graced holiday dinner tables. Josh loved setting off fireworks, and fishing kept him in touch with nature. With a smile and an outstretched hand, Josh was a genuine soul who helped so many.
Josh transitioned from building houses to sales in adulthood, but he still aimed to build on his parent’s land and be close to them as they aged. He set out to care for those who cared for him. Bipolar tendencies made it difficult to predict Josh’s mountain range of emotions.
Unpredictable mood changes triggered by unforeseen circumstances created anxiety in those around him. Sympathetic to his core, Josh never wished for anyone to suffer the traumas he had experienced. His mother, Malia, prayed for something to change after three decades of substance use disorder. She hoped some treatment would be successful in stemming the tide. Instead, substance misuse swept him out to sea.
His smile, his voice, his help, and his knowledge are desperately missed. So many have reached out to Josh’s family to express their gratitude for his effect on their lives. He encouraged when others would not. He assisted when others could not. To honor his legacy, Malia created a nonprofit called RIPple Drug Education & Awareness, advocating at schools and events and providing naloxone openly because, as she states, “ALL should be a first responder.” Her cause is to destigmatize, inform, and prevent the loss of another unique soul like Josh, whose light endures in the spirits of his children and loved ones.
Josh’s mother, Malia Fox, provided the information for this narrative.
September 30, 1977-August 2, 2022-Age 44
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Jill Denton
