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Dennis Lawrence Foley
1942 - 2013
Dennis Lawrence Foley
1942 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1942
DIED
2013
Dennis Foley Obituary
Seventeen years in a wheelchair did not diminish his wit, his combative spirit, or his love for Kathy.
After Kathy's death, her daughter Lise became Dennis's mainstay. Her devotion was the great gift of his later years.
Survived by his son, Sean, his stepchildren Lise Tsao(Anthony) and Evan Hamilton(Karen) and their children Alexandra, Jennifer, Jonathan, Christa, Jack, and Miles, all of whom he dearly loved. Also by his beloved sisters Norah and Maureen and brothers Wayne, Brendan, and Patrick.
Among the many professionals who sustained and supported Dennis and Kathy, the family extends special thanks to Dora Jane Apuna, his insurance caseworker, and Julie Costello, his longtime caregiver.
Friends are invited to a memorial on November 9th at 2PM at Valley Memorial Park in Novato. Reception to follow at the Foley home, 704 McClay Road, Novato.
Please post messages for the family or remembrances of Dennis on the website of Keaton's Redwood Chapel of Marin. Rather than flowers, he would have appreciated donations to The Marin Center for Independent Living, 710 4th Street, San Rafael, 94901.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dorajane Apuna
September 26, 2016
Even after all this time, Dennis was still a great guy. I miss our interactions so much. I was a very lucky nurse to have been his case manager. He made me laugh, he taught me how to hone my negotiation skills, and how to appreciate life. He is missed.
Maureen Foley Robertson
November 9, 2013
Maureen Foley Robertson
November 9, 2013
Maureen Foley Robertson
November 9, 2013
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Maureen Foley Robertson
November 9, 2013
Maureen Foley Robertson
November 9, 2013
Maureen Foley Robertson
November 9, 2013
Maureen Foley Robertson
November 9, 2013
Maureen Foley Robertson
November 9, 2013
Maureen Foley Robertson
November 9, 2013
Maureen Foley Robertson
November 9, 2013
George Patrick
November 9, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2012
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Dennis's family. Although it has been 50 years since I last saw Dennis, by an astonishing coincidence I learned of his death only today. But over those fifty years, the memory of his quips, his unfailing humor, and his energy and enthusiasm have remained vivid reminders of the sunshine and irreverent joy he brought to others. And after fifty years, I still grieve with you for the passing of an exceptional man.
George Patrick
November 9, 2013
November 8, 2013
Dennis was the wittiest, most intelligent, best storytelling curmudgeon I've ever had the pleasure of spending time with. As his visiting morning nurse we shared a lot of stories, mostly his, about everything under the sun. His compilation of "you wouldn't believe" stories, his factoids on just about everything, his wonderful sense of humor and delight in most things English
made him a friend for life. I always felt welcome in Kathy and Dennis' home and really do miss them both very much. My condolences to Lise and brothers, for the loss of both Dad and Mom...two wonderful friends I will always hold dear to my heart.
Love, Loretta
California. 1970's.
Wayne Kool
October 25, 2013
Wayne Kool
October 25, 2013
42 years is a long time for a lasting friendship. Especially one between a ‘copywriter' and an ‘account man.' Anybody who has worked in the advertising business knows the two types don't always mix too well. We met at Cogent Elliott (the best agency outside London) in the early 1970's and our friendship was largely forged in an English country pub that was a second home to a hard core of agency staff. A hard core, led of course, by the inimitable Foley. If he wasn't explaining in minute detail the difference between a ‘slider' and a ‘curve ball' to a confused Brit cricket fan, he was organizing some word or dice game (which he invariably won) that required a concentrated application of brainpower. Not easy after a few of the local brews. Dennis was an exceptionally gifted adman. A superb writer (promoted to joint Creative Director within a few months of joining the agency) who was as tough on himself in the creative process as he was with any colleague who failed to share his passion for intelligent, creative advertising of a very high standard. The way he endured and survived the last 17 years of his life against all the odds and medical expectations speaks volumes of his cast-iron personality. On both a professional and personal level, Dennis was larger than life and it was an honor and a privilege to have him as a friend and a colleague. Many, many happy memories of a special man of many qualities ...
sukey kielman briggs
October 23, 2013
I am grateful and feel blessed for the time I spent w/ the old curmudgeon. He was a family member––and a friend––graced w/ wicked sarcastic humor, brilliance, challenge, and no patience for fools. I wonder what he thinks of us now, fooling around w/ his memory, coloring it w/ our own set of crayons: one can only hope he's finding this dark humor to his liking rather than, once again, sputtering at our ineptitude. I miss him. I loved him dearly.
Charlene Bolyard
October 23, 2013
I regret that it has been years since seeing Dennis. However, my memory of him is of a vibrant, intelligent young man on top of the world. I think he stayed that way through hardships - of which he had many. He was so strong to overcome his physical limitations and do more and more. I miss you, but know you are running all around Heaven with Kathy and your mom and dad.
Cousin, Henderson, NV
October 18, 2013
It is not Dennis's passing that I mourn but the suffering that he endured his last 17 years of his life. I am happy that he has gone on to the next level of spritual life where hopefully his sprit only remains in peace. Cousin Cecily
Matthew Sontag
October 15, 2013
Words can not express my gratitute to Dennis for the kindness he showed towards his cousin, my Mother Sunshine. For many years he gave his heart, kind words, and donations which helped support her during her ilness. This allowed my sister (Heather) and I more time with our Mother and helped Sunshine be a good Grandma when times were so difficult for us all. Without his kindness, life would have been more difficult for us all. Thank You for being such a kind and wonderful person. Matthew Sontag
Victoria Sears
October 15, 2013
Charming cousin Dennis, wild boyhood rascal, always cooking up adventure,lifelong wordsmith, story teller & curmudgeon, I miss you. You were always just so much fun, full of wit and imagination. Bless you for your kindness, generosity and heart of gold. It was an honor to be with you during your passing. Love you, and even though you steadfastly refused to believe, I am looking forward to being with you in the reality where you are now, that exists after our lives on Earth.
Little Sister
October 12, 2013
Dearest BB, tears streaming down my face thinking of the confinement you endured the last 17 years. The irony of course, is that you were truly the adventurer of the brood. Chicago, Ireland (!), LA, San Francisco, San Rafael. Whatever you put your mind to, you achieved with panache, admiration and great success.
After careful contemplation, I have decided what I admire most about you. The choices are numerous and it was somewhat difficult to come to one top prize, but it has to be, far and above all others, the grace you carried in dealing with your limitations and the 180 degree turn in lifestyle that befell you in an instant. Your wit, intelligence, warmth, humor, honor and determination bundled all together to give you the inner strength to press on, and always have that wonderful smile that said "I am so glad to be here talking with you".
The day you took your last breath in this realm, my mind visualized you soaring through the heavens, doing somersaults, long dives and fly-bys to check on your loved ones still on Earth. You may have even hopped a train! What joy you were feeling!
I will you join you someday ............ until then, love and kisses, LS
October 7, 2013
It's been a long long time since I saw Dennis, but I remember him fondly as a warm, kind and funny man. He was blessed to have Lise in those last years and dear Kathy for the ones before. Thank you for sharing his obituary.
Love, MJ (Kunic) Levine
Joe Frederick
October 7, 2013
Dennis, my best friend since we were 14, was, according to my wife, the only person who could make me laugh out loud. He and I greeted the dawn many nights having shared a bottle of John Jamison together. It would be ironic for Dennis if there was a hereafter, but if there is I'm sure he would rally, give Saint Pete a hard time and talk his way into heaven.
John Crawford
October 1, 2013
Not even becoming a quadriplegic impeded Dennis's sense of irony. His observations on the futility of Handicapped Parking spaces - so conveniently located that they attracted the Fake Handicapped - and the quirks of the Gimpmobile were typical. As a storyteller, he was inimitable. Never again will we be regaled with The Boy Taxidermist, The Swahili Speaking Pyrotechnician, The Compassionate Dublin Gas Meter Reader, and so many more. He defied the cruel fates by remaining essentially Dennis.
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1801 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947-2907
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