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BORN
1934
DIED
2014
Thomas Foley Obituary
(1934 ~ 2014)
After a tough battle with both ALS and cancer, Thomas K Foley of West Seattle, peacefully passed away with family at his side (November 11, 2014.)
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Tom & Catherine Foley of Port Angeles, WA and his best friend and beloved wife Lillian "Lil" Foley.
Tom was born in New York City, NY. At a young age, Tom and his family moved to the Pacific Northwest, where he was raised in Port Angeles, WA. He graduated from St Martin's High School and Seattle University with a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering, followed by postgraduate courses at the University of Washington. He served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1952-1960.
Tom enjoyed a very rewarding and successful career at Boeing for 34 years as an Engineering Manager. His thoughtful and analytical mind was instrumental in his success and the mentoring of others. He will be missed.
Tom was a devoted son, husband, father and friend. He cherished spending free time with family. He lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed 20 healthy years of retirement.
Tom was very civic minded and believed in getting involved. Over the years, his volunteer work ranged from Pacific Northwest Masters Swimming (Past President/co-founder), Past President of Seattle Triton Aquatics Club, Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club, Southwest Community Center Advisory Council and the Puget Sound Keepers Alliance. As well, he was a passionate volunteer for the Democratic Party.
He loved the Pacific Northwest and often referred to it as "God's Country." Many of his hobbies involved nature and the outdoors: kayaking, cross country skiing, softball and beach combing with grand kids.
Survivors include his four children and nine grandchildren: Kevin (Susan) Foley (Kaelan and Kevin Jr.), Kerri (Glen) Godwin (James and Matthew), Kelly (Meghan) Foley (Jack and Paige) and Kathy (Jim) Brindle (Madeleine, Emma and Sam - Davenport, IA.)
The family will have a private interment for immediate family. A celebration of Tom's life and achievements is scheduled for December 6th. Details will be advised at a later date by family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either ALS Foundation or Puget Sound Keepers Alliance.
Celebration of Life Memorial service for Tom will be Saturday, December 6th at 1:00 p.m. at Alki Beach Bathhouse, 2701 Alki Avenue SW Seattle, WA. 98116.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Foley
Sponsored by The Family.
Tammy
November 14, 2023
Mr. Foley was always full of smiles and encouragement. Oh the memories around the pool.
November 14, 2019
Miss you out on the ball field !Hope you're having a game up there ! Walt Hogg
Tammy McGrath wilson
December 14, 2014
Your dad will have special place in my heart. Many memories at various swim meets, get togethers at your home and my attempt to water ski. My thoughts are with you all
Jayne McIntyre
December 4, 2014
I worked with Tom at SW Community Center and Pool for many years and his dedication to improve the lives of the kids that used the facility was something really exciting to see. He mentored many kids and gave as much as he could to his community. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word on his lips. Whenever we have a special event at SW I will be reminded of him. He was always taking pictures, even if it wasn't a good hair day for the subject of his pictures. He will be missed by many people and this world is a better place because he was a part of it. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Thanks Tom for being in my life.
December 4, 2014
Tom, has been not only a great friend for many years. Always came through for me & our Ball Team, when ever he was needed. A positive attitude, with that special smile of his. He will be missed by many. May he rest in Peace, and finally be free from pain. Sincerely, Phil Isernio
Kathy (Foley) Brindle
November 26, 2014
Celebration Of Life gathering for close friends & family will be held at Seattle Parks & Recreation Alki beach Bathhouse on December 6th @ 1 p.m.. The address is 1702 Alki Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA. 98116.
Al Mateu
November 26, 2014
Tom, his wife and I enjoyed many softball games and fun times,as we travelled across the United States. We won many tournaments and Tom was an excellent pitcher.
Al Mateu
Emerald City Masters
Ruth Realty
Boeing
Keth Amy
November 24, 2014
I worked for Tom at Boeing back in the 1980s. Tom was a great manager, and I enjoyed working for him. He let me join his team when I was a relatively young and inexperienced engineer. He was an excellent mentor, allowing me the freedom to work on new subjects to expand my abilities. Tom had an important role in our division, constantly on the road to keep abreast of what was going on in our business and to find new business to keep us employed. One of the many things I admired about Tom was his ability to know when it was time to make a decision, make the right decision, and be willing to change his mind when events warranted it. He was always smiling and kind, a real gentleman as so many others have said here. I didn't know much about his life and activities outside work, so it was nice to find out about his life from the obituary, and learn from the other condolences that he also had a positive impact outside of work. I am glad that I was able to tell him shortly after he retired how I enjoyed working for him, and to thank him for all that he had done for me.
Don McMeen
November 24, 2014
I enjoyed working for Tom, and always enjoyed his ready sense of humor. My kids all had their first experience water skiing with Tom at Lake Tapps over 40 years ago. He was a good man, liked and respected by all. So many stories...he was a bright spot in my life.
Kathy Brindle
November 23, 2014
The Celebration of Life for Tom Foley will be held at the Seattle Parks & Rec. Alki Bath House at 1 p.m. On December 6th.
Sally Dillon
November 23, 2014
Tom contributed in so many ways to Masters Swimming in the Pacific Northwest. Not only was he at virtually EVERY swim meet, but he contributed to the organization as a board member for uncountable years. His smiling face has been missed the last couple of years. So sorry to hear he is gone from us but hope he is swimming lots of laps in Heaven!
Steve Peterson
November 23, 2014
Tom cofounded PNA Masters Swimmers with the late Steve Engel, served as its second president, and continued to volunteer for over three decades. I'll always remember first getting to know Tom at a banquet he MC'd long ago, donning swim goggles to tell a hilarious story. This Tigers swim team member gained admiration for competing at virtually every local Masters swim meet, famous for always taking on the tougher challenges (200 Fly, 400 IM…). He was our historian and he and Lil worked the hospitality suite at two National Meets that PNA hosted. Tom was PNA's Inspirational Swimmer (1990) and was awarded a USMS Service Award (2008). I thoroughly enjoyed our lively discussions of politics and sometimes swimming on the several occasions I hitched a ride with him to PNA board meetings. Just a few months ago, I was talking with a new acquaintance at the Y in Silverdale who mentioned he played softball. I was pleasantly (though not completely) surprised that this younger man knew Tom, who was as fervent a ballplayer as he was a swimmer and contributor to both organizations. Tom, I wish I'd had one more chance to chat, to tell you what an inspiration you are to me, to say goodbye. A life well lived!
Lori and Bob Fearon
November 22, 2014
Uncle Tom was loved by all of his Montana Neices and Nephews. His laughter, jokes, and twinking eyes brought joy to all! We love you and will miss you!
Debbie Benton
November 22, 2014
May you rest in peace Uncle Tom! You were definitely one of my favorite people! We learned so much from you over the years!our condolences to the family! We loved him so!,
Dave Lazor
November 22, 2014
Tom Foley was an asset to any softball team he was involved with, being able to coach, keep the record book, and substitute for an injured player on teams much younger than he. I shared lodging with him during tournaments and was able to enjoy his sense of humor. He will be missed. A very fine gentleman.
November 22, 2014
Tom was on our 2005 world champion team with the Seattle 70's . Very nice person & we will miss him. Walt Hogg
November 22, 2014
Tom convinced me to start swimming masters, he was a charming and fun man. He and Lil were a great couple. He had a great sense of humor, always kind, he swam the killer events and was a true sportsman. He is missed. Carolyn Baldwin
Dan Brindle
November 22, 2014
Tom embodied the mantra 'forever young.' Always a smile and good things to say, a true gentleman. Rest in peace.
Bill LaVigne
November 22, 2014
Tom was a True Gentleman! Bill LaVigne
November 21, 2014
A very nice guy, I remember him mostly coaching at 3rd base with the score book.
He will be missed,
Dennis Brown
Earl Small
November 21, 2014
During the several years I played softball with Tom he was always positive with words of encouragement. He was a true gentleman. He was a true friend. We need more people on this earth like Tom. God Bless him & his family.
Jerry & Anne Popowski & sons
November 21, 2014
I spent many years playing softball and basketball with Tom and knew him slightly at work. He was a fine man and a good friend. He will be missed.
Our sympathy to his family.
Donald Fitzwater
November 21, 2014
Good memories of Tom as a fellow Boeing Engineer and Senior Softball player. Prayers with the family at this time of sadness.
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