Michael Sean Foy

Born April 2nd, 1963, he was the son of the late Hugh Michael Foy and Marilyn Barbara Foy.

Mike grew up in Rochester, New York and graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and earned his Master’s degree in Oceanography from Florida State University.

Mike was loving, caring, helpful, and generous. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for you, regardless of how long he knew you. He was selfless and unabashedly authentic. What you saw is what he was. He had a unique, dry sense of humor—often hilariously inappropriate, but never hurtful or disrespectful. If you met him, chances are you were affectionately addressed as “Dude” or “Bud.” While he loved all outdoor activities, his passion was fly fishing.

After meeting at the University of Michigan, Mike and Leslie spent the next 40 years together. They celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary together on October 7th. He was a fun, devoted, loving husband and supported her in every way. Mike’s greatest joy and source of pride were his two children, Sean and Megan. He loved to take them on adventures camping, fishing, boating, visiting museums, and playing on the beach. He was actively involved in their athletic endeavors. Rain or shine he was attending Sean’s football games and Megan’s soccer and softball games. He loved his family with all his heart.

Mike recently retired as a Research Scientist and Marine Technician at the University of Washington after working there for over 30 years. His work ethic and sense of personal accountability made him a dependable, valued member of the crew. His colleagues describe him as the one person who would always go above and beyond to make sure everything was ready and prepared for an upcoming research cruise regardless of whether he was going to be sailing on that cruise. His coworkers respected him and knew they could always depend upon him to go above and beyond in his work responsibilities. They will miss his amusing and entertaining stories.

One aspect of Mike’s work as an Oceanographer that he loved the most was working with the undergraduate students. He took great pride in knowing that in some way he had a positive influence on a student’s interest in oceanography. He was thrilled to hear of their future intentions to continue studying and working in the field. As a way of honoring Mike and continuing his legacy in oceanographic research, the family is establishing the “Michael S. Foy Endowed Oceanography Scholarship Fund” at the University of Washington. This scholarship will be available for undergraduate students to receive a stipend to allow them to spend an academic quarter exploring the different aspects of oceanographic research.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, if someone would like to make a contribution to the scholarship fund in Mike’s memory, you can make your donation through the University of Washington Director’s Fund for Excellence in Oceanography (See Below). Please be sure to dedicate your gift in the memory of Michael Foy.

Thank you all for the love and support you have shown our family during this difficult time.

IOV and God bless you all.

Mike is survived by his wife Leslie Fitzgerald Foy; Son, Sean Fitzgerald Foy; Daughter, Megan Kelsey Simental (Spouse Gabriel); Mother, Marilyn Barbara Foy; Grandson, Jackson Cayde Simental; and Sisters, Marcie Lenore Adonnino (spouse John) and Tracy Ann Hogan (spouse Tom). He is predeceased by his father, Hugh Michael Foy.