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Allen Shane Foraker, 71
While visiting family for his granddaughter's birthday, Allen Shane Foraker passed away on Feb. 17, 2014, in Temple, Texas. He died after an 11-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71 years old. He was born on Aug. 22, 1942, in Walla Walla, Wash., to Verne and Dorothy Boehmer Foraker.
Shane is preceded in death by his father Verne LeRoy Foraker and a sister Molly Hatziliadis. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Janet; son Eric Foraker, of San Antonio, Texas; son Terence Foraker (Dolores), of St. Louis, Miss.; son Andrew Foraker (Rachel), of Belton, Texas; mother Dorothy Foraker, of Everett, Wash.; sister Colleen Manning, of Everett, Wash.; sister Lois Foraker, of Los Angeles, Calif.; and seven grandchildren: Marcelle, Logan, Jackie, Aubrey, Lauren, Sasha and Zoe Foraker. He also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
Shane found his adult feet in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force as an 18-year-old young man fresh out of Everett High School, class of 1960.
Shane married his life partner, Elizabeth Janet Ells, on Oct. 19, 1963, in Pocatello, Idaho, while stationed in Idaho. They continued to revel in each other's companionship for half a century.
Shane progressed through the naval ranks to Senior Chief Machinist Mate on nuclear submarines, then was selected to attend the University of Washington for four years, receiving a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1971 and his commission. He progressed to the rank of Commander, having qualified to command Trident submarines and small Navy based in Scotland.
Shane earned graduate degrees in international relations and general management from U.S. Naval War College and Salve Regina University, both in Newport, R.I.
Following his retirement from the Navy in 1989, he and Janet operated a small business in Bremerton, Wash., for 16 years. During this time, Shane was heavily involved in Rotary International, serving as president of the East Bremerton Rotary Club, having the pleasure of performing hands-on work on international projects and leading a cultural exchange team to Rotary counterparts in Korea.
As his health began to wane, due to extensive surgeries for a shipboard accident, he and Janet sold the business and moved to New Mexico for a warm and dry climate. In New Mexico, Shane sustained his Rotary involvement, served in the Burro Flats Volunteer Fire Department, and began developing the property into an organic soft fruit orchard and melon farm.
Perhaps his most passionate pastime, other than a deep love for his three sons and seven grandchildren, was the enjoyment he derived from working on a smelly old submarine. His first boat, USS Razorback SS394, was a World War II veteran that was given to Turkey in 1970. In 2004, many former crew members arranged for its return to the U.S., where it is now a museum in North Little Rock, Ark. Every year, Shane and others went to the boat for a week-long work party to restore parts of the boat. His step was noticeably lighter every time he returned from that week.
After being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in early March 2013, Shane made the decision to begin treatment and live life as fully as possible. During the next 11 months, he continued his travels. He made repeated trips to see his mother, visited one son and granddaughters for Thanksgiving, and his other son and grandchildren for Christmas in St. Louis. He and Janet celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a special party this past August and had a special anniversary trip to Key West, Fla., in October. A final trip to his mother's home the month preceding his death and attending a granddaughter's birthday party the two days before his passing completed his year of full living with cancer.
Shane's family especially would like to thank the staff at the Champion Cancer Center in Alamogordo for the treatment and support he received there. Their compassion during this difficult time is greatly appreciated. A special expression of gratitude is extended to Dr. Stefan Korec at the center. He continually provided Shane with honest and accurate information about his treatment, as well as hope.
A public viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, at Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home, 1334 N.Scenic Dr., in Alamogordo.
A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1800 23rd St., in Alamogordo.
Interment will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Burro Flats Fire Station, 556 Laborcita Canyon Rd., La Luz, NM 88337
The Foraker family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home to direct the funeral services.
To sign the online register book, please visit www.hamiltonodell.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To the Foraker Family,
On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on Allen's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and all SUBVETS and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Allen will always be remembered as a “Brother of the Phin” and a great Patriot.
Allen Shane Foraker
US Navy Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, Base Chaplain
Nick Nichols
July 12, 2014
May your family find comfort in drawing close to God at this most difficult time in your lives.
James 4:8
March 20, 2014
I just heard of Allen's passing and wanted to send our sincere sympathy to Dorothy and family.
Toni & Ritch
March 11, 2014
So very sorry to hear of Allen's passing. Wish I had known as I would have Attended his service for Dorothy. She so kindly attended the services for my sister & Father. I didn't really know Allen(Shane) but, know your family from my childhood days. God Bless you all!
Peggy (Holdridge) Lytle
March 2, 2014
Lois, sorry for the loss of your brother. Sounds like a great man, from a great family.
Love,
Sue
Sue Ochoa
March 1, 2014
Hello. I did not know Chief Foraker. After reading his obituary I find myself the lesser to have not known or served with him. Thank you for your service to our country Chief. Fair winds and following seas shipmate. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Milt Heger
February 24, 2014
Allen,
You were a good man, a good brother, and a good friend. I treasure the memory of our early years, two little adventuresome kids exploring life on the farm in Kennewick. We watched the big people and figured out how things worked, like the Ford tractor, the small concrete mixer, and the chicken brooder (sorry about the chickens, Mom and Daddy). We waited for the school bus together, careful not to get too close to the big irrigation ditch (you had a tendency to cuss when you fell in).
Our Everett years flew by, and then you were off to boot camp. As Daddy and I watched your plane taxi from the gate, I got a lump in my throat and knew you were headed for a new adventure. How little I knew what an adventure it would be.
I will miss our great conversations, hearing about your latest project, your many kindnesses, your humor, your incoming emails, the sound of your voice saying ‘hey, how're you doing?”
Rest well, knowing how much you are loved. And thank you for your service.
Thank you Rachel for capturing the memories of this past year – your journal is just a click away.
Colleen
February 23, 2014
Prayers and thoughts for all of you. So sorry for your loss Andy and Rachel and to the rest of the family. Glad he was able to spend his last days in Temple.
Donna Waddill
February 23, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karlene Tillson Fowler
February 23, 2014
So sorry for your loss Andy, and Rachel and to the rest of the family. I know he loved being in Temple his last days. My prayers and thoughts continue to be with all of you.
February 22, 2014
Allen,
You were a great boyhood friend and an
inspiration as we went our separate ways after EHS. We talked and met occasionally. I kept up with your life's journey through your family.
It's hard to say goodbye but I have the warm memories of our time together
while we were young. Smooth sailing my friend.
Fidelitas,
Art
February 22, 2014
Neighborhood kid growing up
Jim Rice
February 22, 2014
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