Our beloved father, companion, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on March 16 at St. James Community Hospital.
Richard James Foley was born to Catherine (Boyle) and James Foley on November 17, 1946, in Butte, MT. He attended St. Anns grade school and Boys Central Catholic High School where he graduated in 1966.
While growing up Rick played many sports including basketball, baseball, and boxing. He was a talented boxer and was awarded the Golden Gloves twice. As an adult, Rick loved hunting, fishing, bowling, and painting houses. His favorite pastime was spending time with family and grandchildren. He was playful, fun, and a real jokester. Everyone had a good laugh when Rick was around. He also had the gift of gab, he could sit and talk for hours telling the best stories.
Rick had many jobs during his lifetime including Buttreys, Pioneer Lumber, and Skillbuilt. The jobs he found most rewarding were those that included service to others. He was kind, compassionate, and fair to those around him and this was evident in his work at AWARE, Montana State Prison, and Meadowlark Elementary in Gillette, Wyoming.
Rick spent the last 21 years with his best friend and companion Cathy Barney who meant the world to him.
He is survived by the love of his life daughter Nicole along with her husband Mike Hislop, daughter Kelly and husband John Frost, Sons and daughter Richard Jr, Michael, and Kristine Foley of Arizona, and stepson Nick Barney. Grandchildren Koda and Keaton Hislop, and Keelan and Kinsey Frost. Brother John Patrick Foley and daughters Kari Handly and Kellie Wozeniak. Sisters Karen (Joe Benski) and Kathleen Foley along with their children Chris Benski, Amber Stearns, and Matthew Schrapps; and his favorite little niece, Roberta Brome. Also, numerous cousins, and great-nieces and nephews.
Rick was preceded in death by his wife Florence Smyth Foley. His parents James and Catherine Foley, and brother Jim Mike Foley.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Chris Spooner for his care and special friendship with Rick. Also, Dr. Massouh, Dr. Jeysingh, and the entire ICU nursing staff at St. James. Along with Butte Fire Rescue 2, Mike McGree, and his amazing staff at A1 Ambulance.
Services will be held on April 9 at 12 noon at St. Ann’s Church, graveside at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow at McQueen Athletic Club.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Richard.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Richard and his family.
Frank Rozan says
I am shocked to see Rick has left us. Rick was without doubt one of the few who had an uncanny sense of humor, a sense of Friendship that is beyond compare. A True Butte character to all who knew him. I met Rick 40 years ago at Pioneer Lumber. No other salesperson could not only make your day brighter, he knew the products he was selling. Never again will such a Butte Icon be found.
My deepest sympathy to Rick’s Family…. 🙁
Frank Rozan
Marie says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your dad, was always there for you, he will definitely be missed by many. We are here for you if you need us. We love you.
Brendon Heim says
I met Rick about 14 years ago I was in a group home as a kid Rick and I met in Boulder Montana he was my staff I remember him as a kind man you were awesome r.I.p. Rick.
Rose Everett-Martin says
Rick was a constant friend while working with him for a short time at Youth Dynamics in Boulder. He is well thought of. Thank you for sharing your friend and loved one with many of us.
theresa Bates says
Theresa Bates
Rick was a Great friend to my husband during their time at the prison and he quickly became my friend thru caring and both of us having the gift of gab. He was a great support to us at the time we had the loss of our two children. My husband died six years ago and RICK was there during his rough times when he could and kept in touch from Wyoming. I had not seen him in awhile and missed the xmas card in 2019 from him so I
said to Kathy I missed it and in 2020 there it was a xmas card from Rick and Kathy. Rick give a big HUG to Wayne from me on the other side . Thank you for being our friend all these years Kathy will have to send that Christmas card . Rick has a lovely family and my thoughts and prayers are with you and I know he will be greatly missed and you my dear friend Kathy made his life more full I know your house and heart will be empty without him for a long time . I`m here for all of you as he always was for us
Dr. Chris Spooner says
Rick was a terrific father, grandfather and friend. He will surely be missed!!
Joe Moses says
Rick was a great friend and classmate at Boys Central. He would always come and visit me at my store in the mall when he was in town. We had some great talks. He was a good guy and I will miss him.
Joe and Edie Moses says
Our deepest condolences to the family. You are in our prayers at this sad time.
Travis Brasier says
Rick was a truly Wonderful Man, when I was 15 I worked after school at Sheas home improvement, he taught me a ton of useful things and led me along. His favorite sayings where “sweet lips” and “if ya feel froggy, leap” he was a Good Man and I am very fortunate to have known him. My deepest condolences to his Family, RIP my friend, we will meet again.