Gerald Foy, aged 89 of East Grand Rapids passed away Friday, March 11, 2016 at his home. Gerald was born in Flint, Michigan to James Howard Foy and Neva (Mills) Foy. He moved with his parents at a young age to Indianapolis and later to Chicago where he enjoyed two years at Tilden Tech high school. The family then returned to Flint where he completed his last two years of high school and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy, spending time in the South Pacific as a Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class, waiting to invade mainland Japan. In 1946 he was honorably discharged and subsequently had careers with the State of Michigan and the U.S. government before following his true calling as an entrepreneur, investing in and managing his income properties. Gerald was a prolific letter writer and did not hesitate to challenge City Hall when he felt it necessary and often expressed his opinions in “Letters to the Editor” of The Grand Rapids Press. Gerald was not an onlooker and regarding sports his motto was “If I can’t play, I am not interested.” He particularly loved playing tennis and basketball, both in which he participated to an advanced age. He also enjoyed swimming, downhill skiing, sky diving and the many bicycle/camping trips overseas with his wife, Donna. He introduced sports and the outdoors to his children at a very early age, leaving them with a lifelong love of active participation in the outdoors. The Nature Conservancy, particularly the Michigan Chapter, was a love of Gerald’s, he spent many hours introducing family and friends and the general public to the outstanding successes of the organization. Gerald was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Mary Louise Brockman. Surviving are his wife, Donna (Clemenz-Clark), children Jeanette Gee (Winston), John Foy, Howard Craig Foy (Siiri), Susann Luper Foy (David), Karl Foy (Julie), Nancy Blumel, Daniel B. Clark, David C. Clark (Aveva) and brothers Robert Foy (Verda) and Edward Foy (Joyce) and sister Thelma Tereau, 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Emmanuel Hospice and Gauthier Family Homecare for the loving attention given. The family will meet with friends and relatives Sunday 4-6:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral service being held Monday 11:00 a.m., at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Interment Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice, 2161 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 or The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Field Office, 101 East Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
