Charles Elliot Fox was an outstanding member of the Melanesian Mission. A missionary, historian, anthropologist, and WWII Coastwatcher he served the Anglican Church in Melanesia for over 70 years. He holds the record as the longest-serving expatriate member of any church in the Solomon Islands. A man of scholarship, courage, generosity of spirit, and humility, his influence on the education and spiritual life of Melanesia is unequalled.

1884 Charles immigrated to New Zealand with his parents. Educated in Napier, he played cricket against a team from Norfolk Is.,. That contact inspired him to join the Melanesian Mission. He graduated Master of Arts from Auckland University in 1901, with a degree in theology from St John's College, Auckland in 1902, then joined the Melanesian Mission in 1903.

Fox had never enjoyed robust health, so initially he was sent to St Barnabas’ College, Norfolk Island. He was ordained in 1903, and in 1911 finally gained permission to go to the Solomon Islands. He was to set up a boys’ school at Pamua on San Cristobal.

He was a district missionary, headmaster, and labourer. In 1932 he turned down becoming a bishop to join the Melanesian Brotherhood, as the only European member, he served 11 years (1932-1943). During his time as priest on Makira, he was adopted into the Arosi tribe and exchanged names with one of the young chiefs. He lived as a member of the chief's household and developed a unique knowledge of the Arosi customs, history and language. His exchange name was 'Takibaina', but he was nicknamed 'Kakamora' due to his short height. During World War II he became a legendary Coastwatcher, successfully evading capture by the Japanese through his intimate knowledge of the terrain and the loyalty of the Islanders.

A published author, an expert in Melanesian languages, he wrote several dictionaries, a pioneer study of the people and culture of San Cristobal, ‘The Threshold of the Pacific’s, (for which he was awarded a D.Litt. in 1922), a history of the Melanesian Mission ‘Lord of the Southern Isles’, and a charming account of his own work, Kakamora. He also translated the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. He was awarded the MBE in 1952 and the CBE in 1974.

He retired, to NZ in 1973, having become a legend in his own lifetime. He regarded himself as Melanesian, maintaining contact with friends and co=workers in the Islands, regularly renewing his vows as a Melanesian Brother. He was a man of immense mana, he lived the gospel, he sought no power for himself and was free of paternalism. He was affectionately known as 'The old man of Melanesia'. After his death, his body was flown back to Honiara for a funeral at St. Barnabas' Cathedral and burial at the Melanesian Brothers head-quarters at Tabalia, at his own request.

BORN: 1878, Stalbridge, Dorset, England

DIED: 28 October 1977, New Zealand.