Train to Edinburgh, Scotland after Sheffield World Masters Tournament

London after Sheffield for World Masters tourney

Sharing a memory of our dear friend Sean. This was a side trip to London after the World Masters water polo tournament in Sheffield, England. Sean was an amazing friend and human being. We will miss him so much.

The Weaver-

An Ode to Sean Foley

A Master weaver Sean, whose threads were golden

Knitting lives together, your tapestries now woven.

A brother by choice, our bond deepened true,

We weathered life storms, created memories anew.

Nicknames and banter, your playful art,

Welcoming all, right from the start.

Sean Foley birthday mnemonic 123,

Forever, your clever humor will always be.

Water, snow, & sand is where you belong,

Sharing your passions and brought us along.

On Heavenly's slopes, you led the way,

Coffee fueled mornings - the perfect bluebird day!

Volleyballs soared, laughter filled the air,

West Valley courts, your spirit laid bare.

A welcoming home, where love resides

Camp Foley’s magic, your energy outside.

Sullivans and Foleys, a bond so deep,

Thousands of moments and memories we'll keep.

With a coach’s way, you touched many hearts,

A legacy of joy, where hope imparts.

Sue, your bunny, a love story deep,

Forty years entwined, your souls to keep.

College sweethearts, a bond pure and true,

Facing life’s challenges, side by side, through and through.

Thomas, Jessica, and Jack your pride so adored

You gave them the love that they needed to soar.

A proud grandfather, a role you embraced,

Navigating family with commitment and grace.

Cancer’s shadow, a relentless three-year fight,

Somehow your strength, became a beacon of light.

You never gave up and showed us the way

Squeezing joy and gratitude from each precious day.

A warrior’s spirit, determined and bold,

Your quest for life’s story, yet to unfold.

A desire to be here you never complain,

continued to smile and live with the pain.

Now, a new pattern, woven from above,

Guided by Sean’s invisible love.

Your legacy lives on in all of us here

Inspiring us onward, we know you are near.

Helping us navigate life from a far,

Our love will continue wherever you are.

Love you -Briggy Bear

From the Perth Trip

Here is a Sean story that some people might not know about. One of the few times that Sean was not playing with the Santa Barbara Masters – it was for a Tri-Valley team at the Perth World Championships. Sean was our goalie and we were doing Ok making it to the quarterfinals and we were matched up against the Australia team that many of the players knew as friends, former teammates and competitors. Sean told everyone that we play good defense, and we can win this game. We played a great defensive game and Sean was spectacular in the goal. We ended up losing the battle – and it was a battle 2-1. Afterwords – we were all feeling down and Sean gave the pick-up talk that it was a great game, and we did what we set out to do and that was keep the game close and we just did not convert on the offensive side of the pool. It was our job to score more than 2 goals and we did not – but Sean was the guy telling everyone it was a great game and to hold our heads high. Australia went on to win the Gold at the championship.    

GOLD MEDAL

Tram to the Top of Dubrovnik

The Famous Boat Cruise Before Worlds

Sean always brought it… and brings out the best in you. One of many great weekends playing ball together…

We loved getting to know Sean first through real estate and then more through our close friends Thomas and Masha. Every interaction was so cheery - even a quick chat in the Roberts grocery store checkout line. Sending hugs to Sean's family!

The river was full, fierce and fast.  We were the first rafters let on to the Main Fork of the Salmon in the summer of 2011, and in all of our minds they should have postponed the trip another week - it was treacherous and we were all in individual torpedo rafts.  Being the water-man he is, it was Sean who made sure to always bring up the rear, watching for any "spills" (which could mean you, your raft and your bag of belongings went over!)  In spite of having other guides, Sean took it upon himself be an all-star guide himself.  

We found these "heroic maneuvers" to be part of who Sean was, always rescuing (an injured hiker friend in Tahoe), coaching (all the Scurfers & Scurfettes), and continually helping whenever he could.  His love for his family and friends was evident every day, and his genuine kindness will be missed. 

Sean was such a great friend to all who knew him, and admired by all for his selflessness, kindness, and positivity.   We all gained a greater fighting spirit in knowing Sean.  What a legacy he leaves with such a wonderful family, and we share your love for him and the loss we all feel.  xoxoxoxoxo

Great competitor and family man. Admired by all who knew Sean.