Dr. E. Mark Fox, the veterinarian who owned the 99-year-old Rau Animal Hospital in Glenside for 40 years and the Chestnut Hill Cat Clinic, once told me, “I consider myself the luckiest person in the world. I have always loved animals since I was a child, and I get to take care of them every day. And of course, I enjoy working with the people who bring their animals into the hospital because they also love animals, so we automatically share a bond.
“I think it was the Chinese philosopher Confucius who first said that if you love what you are doing, then you will never work a day in your life. That describes me perfectly. I don’t consider this work. I consider this love.”
When I asked him jokingly if his last name had anything to do with his becoming a vet, he laughed and said, “Well, I would love to open a clinic to take care of foxes, but there just aren’t enough pet foxes in the area to keep the clinic going.”
Fox, age 73, of Warminster, died peacefully on July 2. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Greenstein Fox. He was the proud father of Matthew, Peter and Jill (Michael), son of the late Dr. Stuart A. Fox and Claire Gilbride Fox, and the brother of Richard S., Jeffrey K. and Susan A. Fox.
“I can’t tell you how much this community meant to my dad,” Jill told the Local last week.
Born in West Philadelphia, Fox was an alumnus of Germantown Academy (’71), Hamilton College (’77) and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (’81). He joined his father, Dr. Stuart Fox, as a veterinarian at Rau Animal Hospital, eventually acquiring the practice and expanding it. He was a longtime board member and volunteer at the Abington YMCA and served in other local civic organizations.
A statement issued by Rau Animal Hospital last week said: “Dr. Fox fully embraced the special bond between people and their pets, creating an atmosphere of caring and compassion at Rau Animal Hospital. He was a caring, generous and kind person who always encouraged his Rau Animal Hospital team to continue to learn and grow in the veterinary field. He was instrumental in Rau Animal Hospital becoming accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.”
Rau will remain open but the Chestnut Hill Cat Clinic is closing after caring for felines and their families in the area for four decades. The clinic’s last day will be Aug. 28.
On the Givnish Funeral Home website is this tribute from Debby Hanzelik, a vet tech from Jenkintown: “I worked for Dr. Fox back in the beginning of my veterinary career in 2002. He was an amazing vet and just a wonderful person. Even after leaving Rau, I would still take my dog to see him as I trusted him immensely. My prayers are with the family. May his memory be a blessing.”
As of last Friday, there were 97 messages of condolence posted on the Rau Animal Hospital Facebook page. Here are just a few:
•Kayla Lynn: “I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Fox’s passing. I started my career in veterinary medicine at Rau in 2009 and was lucky enough to work with him during my time there. He truly was an inspirational man who deeply cared not only for the animals but also for his employees. I will never forget my time at Rau. It was the best job I ever had with the most amazing people.”
•Marlie Robbins: “He was the vet I felt all in the field should aspire to. He was a wonderful vet and person. All of my pets have benefited from his care and kindness ever since I was a child.”
•Lisa Conklin: “I am so very sorry to hear that Dr. Mark Fox has passed away! I’ve been taking my cats to Rau since 1987, initially with his father but then with Mark. He was such a kind, considerate person and in dealing with various kitty personalities.”
•Liza Ledet DiTommaso: “He was my first veterinary boss when I was a veterinary nurse. Now I’ve owned my own practice for 13 years. He was the kindest person ever. I know he will be deeply missed.”
•Kristi Wilson: “What an amazing and caring man he was! I am forever grateful he was willing to take on Rau, too. I enjoyed working for him for 12 years! He was a blessing to my life and the lives of so many others.”
In his spare time, Dr. Fox enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, golf and spending time with his family. His kindness and humor will live on in the countless human and animal lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the ALS Association, Mid-Atlantic, 1015 Virginia Drive, Suite 110, Fort Washington, PA 19034. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August. 9 at 1 p.m. at Arch Street Meeting House (320 Arch. St., Philadelphia).
Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com.
