Michael R. Foley
Michael R. Foley, 54, of Mesa, AZ. passed away at 5:10 A.M. Saturday, January 19, 2008. Michael was born on November 15, 1953, in Pekin, Il to Bill J. Foley and JoAnn L. Olt-Foley. He is survived by his wife Laura Swenson, son Trevor J. Foley who resides at home, sister Mrs. Mark (Karen) Webster of Fountain Hills, AZ. Michael worked in the security alarm services field for many years and was the former owner of Saguaro Alarm Specialties. A private family service and cremation rights will be accorded.
Published in The Arizona Republic on 1/23/2008.
One of the good ones
To the editor;
A very dear friend, native Pekinite and 1971 PCHS alumni Mike Foley passed away Saturday morning.
Since Pekin doesn't care to record its rich musical history, allow me to add that it was my great pleasure to have him as my drummer in a '70's band called Daze.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Mike was one of the top five drummers ever to emerge from Central Illinois, and one of the top two ever to come out of Pekin.
His mentor Harold “Harry” Smith was No. 1. Mike was proud to be known as “the funk drummer from the housing projects” back in those days.
He grew up in the projects off of Broadway in Pekin.
Mike Foley was one funny guy. He made me laugh out loud so many times I couldn't begin to tell you.
We had been keeping in touch in the last year or so and I'd sent him many of the live recordings we did back in the “old days.”
There aren't too many drummers out there who couldn't learn a ton from him. He will certainly be missed.
Only Mike would know the meaning of “Mist Craddock;” it was one of our crazy jokes.
So “Mist Craddock” to the funk drummer from the housing. May he rest in peace and may the good Lord comfort him and his loved ones in their time of loss.
Mike Isenberg
Hollywood, Calif.