George is loved, and will be missed, by so many people.  That is a life well-lived!

Debbie

I was George's legal assistant for a time. He was a very generous and giving person.  I was so sorry to hear of his passing.  George changed many people's lives through his kindness and generosity, not to mention his excellent legal skills.  He will be missed. God bless him and may he rest in Heaven.

My condolences to the family and my friend Pat Gee.

So sorry to hear of George's death.  He was a great and kind man.  He was a close friend of Michael Bevins for many years before Michael's death.

George and I attended Everett from grade school through high school.  We both went to MSU and both were in ROTC and both were Distinguished Military Graduates.  George graduated from MSU on time, while I changed my major too many times, so I graduated a year later.  We were both in the Army but our paths did not cross.  I read that George was in Vietnam at the same time I was and we were both at Long Binh at the same time but did not realize we were so close.  I always remember George to be a studious person.  When we were together, I always counted him as a good friend.  However, I moved many times during my 20+ years in the Army and later.  I did see George a few times when I returned to Lansing.  He wrote a letter of recommendation for me in the late 1980s.  George was a good man and I will not forget him.

My name is B. Paul Welch and George Foley changed my life when I was but 13 years old.  He and his most gracious wife were my sponsors under the banner of the Big Brother Organization which provided fatherly mentoring for children who had no fathers in their family.  My Father had died when I was 7 years old in 1960. How the arrangement came to happen, I can not really recall.  He and his wife would do things with me as a child, like take me to dinner or a movie. Often I attended him in his law office to my young fascination and amazement. I had great respect for him as a man and was too young to experience his sagacity as an attorney. On two occasions later in life he assisted me in handing me on some family issues.  I called him about every five or so years as time went on and was always graciously received when I called his office to my surprise as I knew how truly busy a man he was then.

I lost track  of him after a phone call some years ago when he indicated he was moving to Moro Bay California.  I wished him well, but unfortunately, never again had the honor of speaking with my old friend from 50 years ago.

My daughter now lives in Moro Bay and I searched high and low to find him to no avail.  I have thought fondly of George over the many years. When I was recommended to law school by my business law professor, I could not help but think of him then.  I did not attend.

I am sorry for your loss and understand that you do not know me from Chinese rice, but I wanted to take this appropriate moment to thank him in his passing and to reaffirm a great value he bestowed upon me personally, and therefore my family members who never knew him.  His influence with me is palpable proof that a male influence in a poor fatherless child's life can have a reverberating personal and social effect throughout history, even if he, or his family never were aware of those very real outcomes. 

In conclusion, my mother was laid to rest using Gorciline Runcimen Funeral Home there on Michigan Ave. in September 2016.  She knew George as did my sister Gail Goelz who still lives in Lansing.  My mother always remembered him and Gail called me to inform me of his passing from the local notices.

George Hamilton Foley was a special and accomplished man who will be forever remembered by me.

God's speed my old friend George and God Bless your family and all of their children and their children's children yet to come and may they all offer the world the irreplaceable value you so indelibly offered to me without ever asking for anything in return.  May you find your just return in your heaven, wherever that may be.

With all my condolences to the Foley family, all my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Most very sincerely,

B. Paul Welch
14160 Stoney Gate Place
San Diego, California 92128
858-829-8666

I met George about 20 years ago through his good friend Bill.  He has been there through thick and through thin and it is beyond belief to realize he will no longer be popping in to say hello, voice an opinion, give advice or kudos.  May you rest in peace, you will be dearly missed.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

My sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of George Foley of your loss. I had the pleasure and honor in this lifetime to meet such a wonderful person, thru one of his many sources. I enjoyed his stories.  He mentioned to me at one time, that he had an aunt who kept him in prayer, but has passed on. When I told him that I too prayed for him, he gave me one of his big smiles, and thanked me for the covering. He wa so happy to hear that. I won't forget his genuine smile, I knew it f came from the heart.

George, you will always be in my heart and my forever memory! You will never be forgotten!  Love is forever lasting!

Gerry

George,
It's me, Gerry Jack.  You often referred to me as Geraldine, My given birth name, and the way you would say it made it sound so special. We were and have been great and dear friends since we met 2007. We talked almost forever, sometimes when you were in Florida walking the beach, sometimes walking at the mall, but mostly just before you went to sleep.  You always would say, nighty nite!  I enjoyed the times we spent at my home, at your home on the Grand River, the times we went dancing,  out to eat, everything!  I am glad we spent time together the day before your Birthday October, 21, just one day before your last Earthly Birthday! I can hardly believe that on January 24, 2018, when we last talked that would be our last!  George, I miss you..! I will always remember you!  You never wanted to grow old, or be a burden to anyone, you got that wish..!  Love You always!  

Gerry( Geraldine Jack)

My husband, Keith, and I met George about eight or nine years ago when we bought the neighboring property to his in Jackson. He enjoyed seeing our farm and family grow. He  was always such a genuine, caring, and kind man. Both he and Nancy were always a delight when they would drop by for a visit. He will be fondly remembered and his loss is a great sadness to us and the community of Blackman.

I was deeply saddened when Nancy called to inform me of George's accident. This world lost a great man.

George had an insightful and creative legal mind.  Whenever you needed a different approach or way of thinking about a legal issue, George was the go to guy and was always willing to offer his carefully considered thinking.  George was always kind and generous.  He never had an unkind word to say about anyone. George had an uncanny ability to relate to everyone he met and could easily put people at ease, no matter what their difficulty.

George was also the consummate storyteller with a great memory for detail. We shared many stories over the years and created many of our own.

I worked with George on several cases and it was always a delightful experience.

I have many wonderful memories to cherish about George, so there is some comfort in that.  We enjoyed lots of boating excursions to various ports on Lake Michigan, and spending time in Florida during the Michigan winters.

My sincere sympathy to Nancy and to George's family.  You will be profoundly and sorely missed my dear friend.

I wanted to say a few things about my friend, mentor, and colleague George Foley. I had a sad moment this week when I heard of his passing. 

A woman called with a possible personal injury case. The Statute of limitations was an issue. What a great question for George. He would always be there to answer questions on cases like these. And he would always have the right answer. Then it struck me- I would not be able to call him and ask him questions or talk to him anymore. How sad was that?

George represented the last of the old school lawyers. He believed in hard work and honesty; phone calls, not emails. Face to face conversations, and not fancy websites and TV advertising. George practiced law in the trenches for 50+ years and was very successful. Although you would not know it. 

He never bragged or boasted about his success or money. He just continued to put the client first and set a great example for how lawyers should act, and practice law. He would always make sure that all those that worked with him would do the same. Myself included.

My understanding is that George did not want a fancy funeral or service and I respect that. But I believe that George needs to be acknowledged as one person that many of us looked up to and admired.
 
Rest in peace  George.

Your Friend,
Dave Zoglio

George had wonderful parents, Millie and Ham as well as a loving sister Patricia.  My condolences to Patricia,  Larry and their sons,  their son's wives and their grandchildren.

 I first met George Hamilton Foley in 1976. George was a wonderful friend and  a genuinely kind person, he will be sorely missed by his friends and others he has been so kind to.  I am so sorry for the loss of your father, your brother and family member.

I wanted to say a few things about my friend, mentor, and colleague George Foley. I had a sad moment this week when I heard of his passing. 

A woman called with a possible personal injury case. The Statute of limitations was an issue. What a great question for George. He would always be there to answer questions on cases like these. And he would always have the right answer. Then it struck me- I would not be able to call him and ask him questions or talk to him anymore. How sad was that?

George represented the last of the old school lawyers. He believed in hard work and honesty; phone calls, not emails. Face to face conversations, and not fancy websites and TV advertising. George practiced law in the trenches for 50+ years and was very successful. Although you would not know it.
 
He never bragged or boasted about his success or money. He just continued to put the client first and set a great example for how lawyers should act, and practice law. He would always make sure that all those that worked with him would do the same. Myself included.

My understanding is that George did not want a fancy funeral or service and I respect that. But I believe that George needs to be acknowledged as one person that many of us looked up to and admired.
 
Rest in peace  George.

(From all of us at Wendy's Restaurant, Dimondale Michigan) George was one our favorite people. We didn't know anything about this wonderful man, only what he liked on his salads. Our whole team is deeply saddened by his passing. His smiling face and warm presence will be greatly missed. R.I.P our friend.

George Hamilton Foley was a friend of mine who had a impact on my life. I send condolences to his friends and family members. I met George at age of 19 when I needed some very important legal advice. His advice was impeccable and his subsequent friendship was a great source of pleasure to me. I will miss him so much. I know that he had a great impact on many others too. I will always remember his expressions and his smile. I am very sorry that I can't be there for the memorial but he will always be a wonderful memory in my mind. He was truly one of a kind.


   In the 1970's my law office and George's law office were across the hall from each other on the 7th floor of what was then called the Michigan National Tower. Our facial resemblance was such that acquaintances would frequently mistake one of us for the other. This became a standing joke between us, e.g., "No dear, that wasn't me seen at the bar with a woman. It must have been Glazer"

   To me George's outstanding trait (beside his deft mind) was that he never accepted the conventonal wisdom on any subject; he thought for himself. I think this was one of the reasons for his success as an attorney.

 When taking breaks from our work, we would discuss every subject imaginable. I enjoyed his company. I am grateful to have known him.

Lawrence Glazer

George will always be remembered.  He was such a good friend to my brother Wayne.  They had many stories to tell.

So sorry to hear of George's passing.I worked for him when he was in the Michigan National Bank tower. Loved his brilliant mind and quirkiness! While dictating to me one day he tapped his pipe into his waste basket and started a small fire, which was promptly extinguished.George was not only an intelligent man, but a very kind man! You will be missed, George.My condolences to all who loved him.

Our condolences to the family of George Foley. George was a generous friend and neighbor to the MSU Sailing Center.

I am so sad to hear of George's passing he was truly one of a kind and a very dear friend he will be missed immensely. My condolences to his family.

I was saddened to hear of George's sudden passing. I knew him only through his sister, Pat. My condolences to all his family and friends. He will be remembered by many.

George, thanks for all the help you gave Nancy and I through the years. We loved you and enjoyed the talks we had about what really matters in life.  Very saddened to hear of your passing,  Our condolences to your family and friends.
 George Albert from Holt, and Nancy Odell Albert, your classmate from Lansing Everett High School.

I was truly shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of George Foley. I wish to send my condolences and sincere wishes to George's family and dear friends as they truly must be saddened by this unfortunate event.  I first met George when he assumed the responsibility of closing the estate of our youngest brother's estate. George's expertise and work in this case was second to none. I had a personal connection to George as we shared an appreciation to the out of doors and the environment. I will miss our occasional visits when we got together to discuss ecological issues and to share newly discovered innovations. George made an impact on people he met and the lives he touched, and he will be missed by many.

George, thank you for all the help you've given us throughout the years.We're going to miss going out to breakfast with you and talking about everything and anything you were a great friend.     Joe Nosal & family

I didn't know George personally however my late father-in-law Richard Butch' Fuller had many great things to say about him. George was a valued friend and business associate to all of those who knew and worked with him. God bless you Mr. Foley for touching so many hearts and helping those whom crossed your path.

OBITUARY

George Hamilton Foley

22 October, 1940 – 26 January, 2018

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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