On March 13, 2021, Sean Foxen died in Lakeland, Florida of complications of Covid-19. He was 73 years old.
Sean Foxen is survived by his sons, Forrest Foxen (Rayza); Kelly Foxen; Ian Hunter Foxen; Stormy Foxen (Courtney); Pepper Foxen; granddaughters Lily Foxen-Logan; and Luna Foxen; and siblings Elizabeth (Betty) Foxen Nickerson of Los Angeles, CA; Patricia (Patty) Foxen Duncan (George) of Los Angeles, CA; Veronica Susan (Susie) McIntosh Colln of Lakewood, CA; Mariana Christine (Chris) McIntosh Wolter of Corvallis, OR; William Robert (Bill/Bob) McIntosh (Karen) of Buena Park, CA; Theresa Jean (Jeannie) McIntosh Burley(Mike) of Anaheim, CA; and Mary Jane McIntosh of Payson, AZ. He was preceded in death by Marie Theresa Sheldon, mother; John Percival Foxen, father; and Lucinda (Cindy) Michelle McIntosh, sister.
Sean Foxen was born on July 25, 1947 in San Francisco, CA. He graduated from St. John Bosco Catholic High School in 1965 and went on to live an adventurous life through the lens of his camera.
As a photographer, capturing stunning images would become Sean’s lifelong passion and something he would be widely known for. He got his start photographing celebrities at the exclusive Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, Ca such as Tony Curtis, John Wayne, Chuck Yaeger, Carol Shelby and every president from Richard Nixon to present. His still photography took him to five Academy Awards shows, and has been published in Time, Newsweek, People, Scholastic, Cat Fancy and many others.
In 1972, he was team photographer for the California Angels and photographed four of Nolan Ryan’s seven no-hitter games. A lover of wildlife, he also worked at Lion Country Safari in Irvine, Ca, where his publicity photographs of Frazier the Sensuous Lion led to a 1973 feature film. Sean enjoyed grabbing shots of celebrities with the animals like his photo of Muhammad Ali in a boxing pose with a baby lion cub.
Taking the opportunity to become a world traveler, Sean spent a year as the staff photographer on Chapman College’s World Campus Afloat, where his pictures were reminiscent of National Geographic images of indigenous tribes and Big Five animals in the wild.
Sean expanded to videography while traveling to war torn areas for ABC Nightline News. But by 1980 he was looking for subject matter that was less violent in nature. That is when he created Sean Foxen Productions. Partnering with seasoned outdoor writer partners, Bill & Sandy Rice, they created Outdoor News Network tv series, which ran on The Nashville Network until 1990. The show was nationally award-winning and had top ratings above many of the outdoor sportsman shows on TNN, challenging its counterparts to up the quality of fishing, hunting, and camping shows by incorporating stunning views and featuring travel destinations while teaching its viewers how to land the big one.
In 1990, Sean met and married Danica Joan Carter while visiting Lakeland, Florida. They lived in Irvine, Ca before moving to Branson, Mo with the opportunity to launch Americana Television Network. They worked with Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers, Louise Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Andy Williams, Mel Tillis, Jim Stafford, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Box Car Willie, Roy Clark, Ray Stevens, Mickey Gilley, Moe Bandy, the Osmonds, Glen Campbell, Bobby Vinton and numerous others.
By 1994 Sean and Danica returned to Lakeland, FL with their growing family. Of all his accomplishments, being a father gave him the most satisfaction. With interest shifting to family, in 1996 Sean and Danica co-created a children’s tv show, “Whiskers Outdoor World” which allowed him to showcase the abundance of nature footage he had collected over the years. The pilot aired nationwide on PBS.
Sean found great pride in teaching his five sons a craft he loved so much. They worked alongside him in five Super Bowls, other national sporting events along with numerous high-profile conventions using his masterful skills operating long lens video cameras, camera jibs and still cameras. Sean’s videography has aired on ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox Sports, ESPN, TBN.
A funeral mass for Sean Foxen is scheduled for April 15 at 11:30 AM at Church of the Resurrection in Lakeland, Florida. It will be immediately followed by a 2:30 PM graveside burial ceremony at Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of Flowers the family has asked that a donation be made to the Sean Foxen Memorial Fund where a portion will be given to Resurrection Catholic School as a scholarship to needy families.
It was an honor to work with Mr. Foxen. He grew on me every timeI did work with him as he was one of the nicest, kindest, strongest most hard working person I have ever met in my entire life. I send my deepest condolences and sympathy to the Foxen family. May his soul Rest In Peace. I know he is in heaven smiling down on all of you!
My most sincere condolences to the family & friends who had the privilege and honor to know such a spectacular genius! He’s one of the last of his kind! They just don’t build men of his character and stature anymore! It was truly a blessing knowing even just a glimpse of Sean’s mind & heart! He’ll truly be missed!
One of the nicest most sympathetic people you could ever meet. Everyone in our profession looked to him as a father and in many ways he was Papaman we are all going to miss you until Jesus comes to get us. Give Jesus one of those big hugs for us. ❤❤❤
It was such a privilege knowing Sean for so many years. He was one of the most positive people I ever knew. He raised 5 amazing young men who will continue to make Sean very proud. Until we meet again dear friend…rest in peace.
Sean, thank you for being the mentor to many in our industry. A leader in an industry providing guidance to your son’s, great Men All.
History is a telling of the Good things in Life.
People like you make the Good in Life.
You will be missed, God Bless to you on this final journey,.
Tim
Sweet Sean is on my mind a lot as of late. He was loved by Lakeland. He loved sitting on his porch. I loved him as a neighbor. People from all over town would stop by just to say hello and chat. He loved to chat. He loved car rides and getting ice-cream. He loved my dog. He loved Salmon omelettes from First Watch. His home was a beautiful and charming collection of his life story. He had old ships in bottles, stone and carved animals everywhere. You could talk to him about anything, it wouldn’t phase him. Maybe due to living such a rich life and knowing so many personalities- made it so easy for him to be a friend to all. I will always carry Sean in my heart. I am so happy that he shared his stories and experiences with so many. I have never met a soul who has experienced so much richness as his. Metting him as soon as I stepped out into the world- was such an inspiration. I hope to always carry his kindness, openness and truthfulness.
Thank you, Sean.