"Jan Bogar"
In loving memory of
Steve Foley
August 2, 1952 - March 7, 2010
Steven Roy Foley was born on August 2nd, 1952 in Tacoma, Washington, the third child of Irene and Roy Foley and their only son. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on March 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington.
From an early age, Steve was known as fun-loving and outgoing , and was often the center of attention. He attended public schools in Sumner, Washington and then went on to Green River Community College and the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Fisheries. He was a long-term employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he made innumerable friends and worked every day for the betterment of the fish population in Washington state.
Outside of work, Steve spent countless hours fishing in streams, in Puget Sound or Alaska, or bird hunting and occasional deer or elk hunting in Eastern Washington. He especially loved hunting for pheasants, with his ever-present black lab testing Steve's patience in the brush. These trips were also a relished opportunity to spend time with his great friends who loved the out of doors just as much as he did.
Steve was full of life and full of fun. He carried on his father's tradition of entertaining all those around him with jokes and stories, and he had the knack of lighting up a room with his smile and his fun-loving attitude toward life. He cared so deeply about his family and friends and always looked forward to gatherings -- card games, good food and libations-- with great excitement and anticipation. He loved to cook a fish or two, and to keep secret the "secret sauce" recipe that so many attempted to lure out of him but never succeeded.
Steve is survived by his mother Irene, his wife Linda of 35 years, daughter Lindsey, and stepson Ken Borchert, as well as his sisters Leojean Anderson and Marie Petrykowski (and their spouses Bill and Jeff) . He also had a multitude of extended family members, too many to name individually but nonetheless always important in his life. He will be sorely missed, yet he will live on in the hearts of many who knew him well, endured his jokes, delighted in his cooking skills, and loved him for the great friend, husband and father that he was.
Tributes
"Linda and Lindsey -- I was shocked by the news of Steve's sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish I could hug you both. ---Jan"
"Dear LeoJean and Marie, I am saddened to learn of the loss of your brother. His achievements, contributions and success in life translates into a great loss for many. May God richly bless his memory. Dina"
"Leslie & Ed -ol' buddy"
"Rudy and Melody Font"
"To Irene, Leo and Marie: My heart goes out to you in your loss. I knew Steve primarily as your happy "little brother" when we grew up. It is so nice to read now about his successful, kind and full life. On behalf of my Mother and me we are thinking of you....Mary Beth"
"When we moved to Sumner from Wyoming, we bought a home that needed some remodeling. After making numerous calls, we were directed to Roy Foley. It turned out he was the original builder. We formed a strong friendship with Roy, Irene, and Steve, who was 17 and in high school. He came every day to help his dad - always smiling and always positive. When our first daughter was born, Steve was at the house every day to hold and play with her. When he went off to college, we missed him so very much. He was a beacon of light wherever he was. What a competitive spirit he had!!! He, Roy, Cliff and all fishermen strove for the largest fish, the best story and the most fun. We had so many wonderful camping trips with the Foleys and were so happy when he met Linda and moved on with his life and family. Steve brought so much joy to this world and will be sorely missed. We are shocked and saddened at his untimely death, but he is with his Lord and isn't suffering. Our love to Linda, Lindsey, "Greenie" and all the family. Our prayers are with you."
"I grew up with Steve in the Sumner school system.I still remember his passion for fishing and the outdoors even when we were in grade school together. The last conversation I had with Steve was when he was attending the U of W. and he told me that "they pay me to fish in closed water for study purposes." I was jealous! I would perodically see him on TV or read abut him the newspaper and think thst he was so lucky to still be doing what he loved. To this day, I can say that there has not been a time that I don't pick up a fishing pole and think of him. God bless him for what he has done in his life. "
"We were office mates in the early 1980s, at Boat Street, right on (where else?) the water. I had not seen him since. What a sweet, fun guy! He will be missed."
"Hey Steve, Your spirit will always be with us in our Boat St. office and beyond. Though you and I did not cross paths often in recent years, it was always good when we did. No one had such a good outlook and sense of humor as you did. Your School of Fisheries buddies will remember you well and fondly."
"Steve was a great colleague and friend, and always set an example by taking the high road. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him and especially those of us who got to spend some time with him in the field and on the water. Rest in peace my friend."
"Ron, Linda,Gretchen and Ingrid"
"ULLA FOLEY MCKINNEY"
"Ray & Nicky"
"Barry & Darlene Stroyan"
"Sue Gavin"
"Bill Hebner and Lora Leschner"
"Reese Ranta"
"Scott, Carol & Ashley Toda"
"Coursin Randy and Vicki"
"Cousin Nan"
"Justin, Athena and Logan Haley"
"Joe Scordino"
"Dave & Anne Overby"
"Annette Hoffmann"
"It seems as if I have known Steve Foley forever and although I never was fortunate to fish with him or hunt with him....two of his favorite pastimes....I was able to eat with him. I heard stories of his fishing and hunting trips from others, but considered eating with the man in person, a life's lesson. He was a chef extraordinaire who could turn a plain old hotdog into a gourmet meal. As a fish biologist, he was second to none. One of his co-workers remarked to me yesterday, "we're really in trouble now" knowing that the understanding and knowledge Steve possessed was no longer going to be there for us to draw from. For those friends and family he left behind, be comforted in knowing that I, for one, never heard anyone ever say anything bad about Steve Foley."
"Steven, you did leave here a little too early, but that's OK. You brought so much joy and fun to everybody's life, it is a joy to know you! You were already a true angel right here on Earth. Job well done! Rest very well my good friend! 'Til we meet again!"
"Linda and Lindsey, We are truely saddened to hear of Steve's sudden passing and are sending our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories comfort and sustain you during this difficult time. "
"Harry Toda"
"Mike, Linda, Lauren and Jillian Toda"
"It's a privilege to have known Steve. And I know he'd like to be remembered as the star shortstop of the almost-undefeated, mighty Coneheads."
"Eli Olson (Brian Walker's son)"
"Dennis Moore"
"Dennis "
"I don't know who to address this to, because I know each and everyone of the family is grieving in their unique way. The Foley family (Roy & Irene) where our neighbors for at least 25 years) in what was then called Sumner (now Edgewood). Marshall and I were in our 30's and now we are in our 60's. We have so many memories of Steve and Linda and Lindsay. Steve lit up the house when visiting his parents, played a mean and spirited game of bridge with us and his parents. Everyone was always wanting to beat Irene because she was the queen. We so loved the warm and loving home that the Foleys created and would come running when we knew Steve was visiting (particularly Marshall). The memory we have of Steve and his family still brings a smile to our face. Linda and Lindsay: Our sorrow is so great and know that when we see you, it will probably be you comforting us and not vice versa. Words can't express what a loss we feel and as always a regret that we have not seen you in such a long time and now can't get that back. We are still here in the old neighborhood and our home and hearts are open to you and of course the surviving Foley family. We will be there on Thursday for what is called 'a celebration' "
"Mari Riksheim with deepest sympathy"
"Linda and Lindsey - and Extended Family, It was our unique privilege to be among your guests (accompanying Chris and Tracy) at the wonderful salmon cookout last year - your "sendoff", Lindsey. Meeting both of you and enjoying several conversations with Steve (plus tasting his expertly-cooked salmon!) will remain in our "special" Seattle memories. Chris and Tracy spoke highly of Steve, saying he was a wonderful cohesive, capable force in the workplace and a joy to be around. That joy will last in the hearts of all who knew him. May your memories comfort you, along with the love you shared. In deepest sympathy, Betty and Dave Adamson"
"Leslie, Ed, Elissa & Nate"
"Linda & Lindsey, On behalf of the Kinswa family, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and that you are not alone. Hugs, Kinswa Family Suzanne & Curt Stephens"
"Steve touched a special place in the hearts of everyone he met. He was a very special man. A very loving husband and father. The word that keeps coming back to me is strictly AMAZING. I will forever remember him and the way he just danced through life with a smile on his face and full of laughter. I'm a better person for knowing him and am blessed to have had him as not only a coworker, but my friend. I will miss him always."
"He will be in our hearts forever.... May you find peace in the memories"
"Linda & Lindsey - Our hearts and thoughts are with you both. We will forever remember Steve and his amazing zeal for life! He's made such an impression on us both. He will be sorely missed!"
"Linda: We are so sorry to learn of Steve's passing. Our hearts are with you. Marilyn and Dick Portwood"
"Sheryl Bertucci"