William "Bill" Edwin Foale

The friends and family of William Foale (Bill) are heartbroken to announce his unexpected death this week. He was found by friends in his home in Chicago, taken by apparently natural causes. There will be a private family service; friends are welcome to remember Bill in their hearts, by sharing pictures, and with donations in his name to his university or law school (below) or other charities.

Bill leaves behind his brother Mike (wife, AmyLou) and nieces Crystal (husband, Eric and children Kaylee and Eric), Sarah (children Annabell and Wyatt), Kelly (husband, Evan and children Kai and Evlan), and Lauren (husband, Jacob and child Hannah), and many grieving friends and relatives. Bill joins his father Edwin, mother Marlene, and partner David, cats Buddy Punk and Cantal, and dog Marion, who preceded him in death.

Bill grew up in Harlingen, TX and attended St. Mary's University and Washington University School of Law in St Louis. He was professionally and widely respected as a talented CPA, trial lawyer, and forensic auditor, working at Arthur Andersen, in the private practice of law, for the Securities & Exchange Commission, and finally after a good run, retiring from EY (Ernst & Young). He traveled the world helping companies identify and remedy fraud and corruption. In his work, he was brilliant, fearless, discerning, strategic, unwaveringly ethical, unflappable, and excellent. Clients and colleagues knew they could rely on his judgment and guidance.

If you were fortunate to be a friend or family member of Bill's, you basked in the warmth and glow of his steady, unconditional, and benevolent love and friendship. He was a true renaissance man who was cosmopolitan, always curious and learning, an open-minded and adventurous traveler, a great cook and epicurean, a supporter of visual and performing arts, literature, music, and culture, and he loved cats and dogs! He had an easy and oh so contagious laugh that brightened any room. He fiercely protected his family, friends, and the LGBTQ+ community in Palm Springs, CA and Chicago, IL.

Above all, Bill was kind, funny, devotedly loyal to those he loved, so very insightful, wise beyond measure, supremely generous, and good-natured. He was quietly spectacular at everything he tried and always preferred to shine the light on his friends and family instead of himself. We already and forever will miss acutely and profoundly the warmth of his gentle and steady radiance; the world is a little darker, less shiny, and a bit more lonely with his leaving us.

"When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun." -- Shakespeare.

No services in Chicago are scheduled at this time.