Rev. Raymond Fox has announced his intention to retire this summer after eight years in Donegal Town.
Speaking to the Donegal Post on his impending retirement, he said: “I have enjoyed serving among such lovely people in an area where there is such a strong sense of community.”
Mr Fox is married to Jean, who recently served as Diocesan President of Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union. Following their retirement to Portstewart, the couple hope to spend more time with their extended family, including their three children and six grandchildren.
However, Canon Fox won’t be fully retiring from the Church as he will be continuing his involvement with the Church Mission Society, the Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer and Edgehill Theological College in Belfast.
The Church of Ireland rector of Donegal, Killymard, Laghey and Lough Eske revealed at the weekend that he would be standing down at the end of July.
Canon Fox was appointed in 2002 after spending much of his ministry in Northern Ireland.
Ordained in 1971 in Bangor, Co. Down for the curacy of Holywood, he taught for a time at Down High School. He was also rector of Killinchy, Co. Down and the Belfast parishes of Crumlin Road and Carryduff.
Prior to his arrival in Donegal, he was vicar of St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast from 2000.
A former Canon of Down Cathedral, Mr Fox has also served as Rural Dean of Raphoe and became a Canon of St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Raphoe last year.
The 64-year-old is a keen golfer and has been a member of Murvagh Golf Club during his time in Donegal Town.