Browse the obituary of residing in the province of province1} for funeral details
Brian left us in the early morning hours of July 26, 2023, as the result of a massive heart attack, his family by his side. He suffered from COPD, and had been on oxygen for over six years. Brian’s health had further deteriorated in the past few months, taking away his ability to drive, to ride his quad, and to mow his lawn, the last outside activities of a very active, hard working life. He spent hours on the front porch, watching the hummingbirds and swallows, and overseeing whatever farm activities were within his view. His telephone was his lifeline. Many will miss his frequent phone calls. May he rest easy. He would not have taken well to the other probabilities of old age – dementia, walkers, wheelchairs, and especially, seniors’ homes. When he could no longer climb the stairs at night, he slept on the chesterfield and watched TV. Poppy became his constant companion. How he loved that cat!
Brian was born in Kamloops 78 years ago. His mother, Dorothy Elsie (Blackwell) Foley, was born to Agnes and Milton Blackwell, in the farmhouse, in what is now Barnhartvale. Brian’s father, Percy Clinton Foley, was born in Yorkshire, England, and came with his parents to Victoria, BC, as an infant, and to Brigade Lake at the age of 10. The Brigade Lake property included the site, where, in 1879, the McLeans killed John Ussher. Brian lived there till age 11, with his parents, brother Harry and sister Agnes, when the family moved to Mamette Lake.
Brian was born into a world of trucks and tractors, cattle, horses of the saddle, work, and wild varieties, pastures, haylands and meadows. When Brian was 16, he lived by himself, over winter, feeding cows at Beaton Meadows.
Brian’s education began in the one room schools at Long Lake and Mamette Lake, and continued by correspondence. He spent one year at Kam High, as a dorm kid. Later, he entered a mechanics’ course in Kelowna. Besides ranching, he worked at diamond drilling and logging.
In 1967 he married Linda Ferguson. The world was good. Children Brenda and Clint were the light of their lives. Then tragedy struck, and the children were lost in a house fire. Brian Jr. arrived just four months later, followed by Debra and Becki. Sometimes tragic events are too much to bear, wounds cut too deep, and the marriage eventually broke down.
In the fall of 1983, Brian came to fix fences on Louise De Marni’s Campbell Range ranch, and stayed for almost 40 years. His 11 year old son, Brian Jr. joined him in the spring of 1984. Brian had returned to a rural life of pastures, hay meadows, trucks, tractors, cattle and horses. He became a 4-H Dad, helping tame years of steer and heifer projects, and hauling them around the area to various events and fairs. He became part of the purebred side of the operation. Until 2000, when the cows were crossbred, he spent many happy years participating at Bull Sales and Hereford meetings, and delivering bulls around the country. Three memorable trips were made to Montana to purchase breeding stock.
Brian loved the Range and his neighbours, lending a hand when he could. The 1912 ranch house became his love too, and he was part of all the improvements over the past 40 years.
Brian was pre-deceased by his children, Brenda, Clint, and Debra, and brother-in-law Roy. He is survived by his brother Harry (Mary) and sister, Agnes. Partner, Louise, children Brian Jr. (Michelle) and Becki (Mike); stepchildren, Stephen (Akiko), Paul (Michelle), Jeanette (Cliff), and Sue (Ken); grandchildren, Maria, Michael, Tiah, Alexis, Becca (Trey), Alex, and Danika. Step grandchildren, Meggan (Peter), Hailee, and Logan, great granddaughter Micah, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Lately Brian would joke with people who asked him how he was. He’d say, “I haven’t read my name in the obituary section yet.” Well, Brian…
Brian’s cremated remains will be interred at the ranch, in September, at a private family gathering. A Celebration of Life will be held Thanksgiving weekend, when the crops are in, and the cows are home, Saturday, October 7, 2023, 11 AM at the Barnhartvale Hall.
Offer Condolence for the family of Edward “Brian” Foley 1945-2023
2023
Death notice for the town of: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Edward “Brian Foley 1945-
obituaries notice Edward “Brian Foley 1945-
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Edward “Brian Foley 1945- and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
