Mr. Merle Fox was born on September 28, 1949, to Vera and Alphonse after they moved to their farm in Alberta from Wolf, Saskatchewan in 1947. His parents had hoped for a girl but were surprised to welcome a fifth son into the family. Merle spent his entire life on the original family farm quarter and resided there until his passing.

He attended school in Bowden before leaving in grade ten to attend Vermillion College, where he completed his Cattle AI program. He spent the year living on his own in the dorms, making new friends and learning many skills. After returning home, he farmed alongside his brother Harry and his neighbor Bert. Merle grew his own herd of cows and lived to farm.

In 1981, Merle married the love of his life, Lori Nelson, and together they built a wonderful life, having their only child, Amanda, in 1982. They welcomed many family members and friends to their home and enjoyed hosting sleigh rides on the farm with their friend Dave, which foreshadowed what Merle would do in his retirement.

Throughout the 1980’s, Merle worked at the lamb plant, game farm, and for his dear friend Alan Boffey. He spent many hours at Boffey’s home and made a lifelong friendship. He also drove school bus for Chinooks Edge for several years and even worked in the office as their Safety Coordinator for some time. Throughout his life, he was also part of the Bowden Lighthorse Association and served as a director for the Rural Electrification Association, of which his dad was a founding member.

In 2003 Amanda married her husband, Morgan. Merle thought the world of Morgan and quickly welcomed him into the family. The next year, Colton was born. Colton and his grandpa had a relationship like nobody else. They bonded over their love of farming and both joked about the other being hard on equipment but really, they were both hard on equipment. From the day Colton was born he was instantly grandpa’s little buddy and they were inseparable to the end.

In 2006 grandpa’s most precious gift was given to him in the form of his granddaughter. He loved her from the minute he laid eyes on her and she adored him. She shared his love for horse’s and they had a deep bond over everything equine.

Merle started working at Sunset Guiding and Outfitting in the early 2000s and Lori quickly followed to join him in their dream job of running and managing a campground/trail riding adventure. They both lived for their time “out west” and made countless great friends. Merle took people on trail rides and shared his love of the landscape and wild horses with everyone. You couldn’t be around him without feeling the love he shared for the cowboy way of life. They would spend their winters at home taking care of the farm and cows and summers at Sunset.

On Merle’s 65 birthday he suffered a severe stroke and was airlifted to Foothills hospital. In true cowboy fashion, he came back from it with maybe a few deficits, but with a new will to live. He didn’t let it get him down and was back at Sunset the following spring. Merle was slowing down since his stroke, but didn’t know life without work, so continued life just as it was before his stroke.

In 2025 Merle was diagnosed with myelofibrosis. A terminal illness that he wasn’t prepared for.

He passed at the Red Deer Hospice on August 4, 2026 at the age of 76 years.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Innisfail Acute Care and the Red Deer Hospice. Their compassion, kindness, and exceptional care were a true blessing. They are angels on earth.

Merle is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of forty-four years, Lori, his daughter, Amanda (Morgan) Minty, his cherished grandchildren, Colton and Lauren Minty, his brother, Glen Fox (Joan Green), along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends. His friendships meant the world to him, and he considered many of them family. Merle was predeceased by his parents, Vera and Alphonse Fox, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Lorne Fox, Harry (Joyce) Fox, Art (Audrey) Fox, his sister-in-law, Karen Fox.

A Celebration of Merle’s life will take place at Sunset Guiding and Outfitting 102028 Panther Road, Sundre, Alberta on September 26, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

If desired, memorial donations can be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Avenue. Red Deer, Alberta, T4R 3S6 or at www.reddeerhospice.com. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2026-08-20
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Innisfail) "Honouring Families Since 1999" www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.227.0006