Craig J. ‘C.J.’ Foley, 60
12/14/1948 ~ 01/08/2009

A room in Heaven lit up with such brilliance on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009.

That is when Craig J. Foley arrived after a beautiful morning on the ski hill at Lost Trail. He was with his best friend, Bruce. Jesus must have needed someone to cheer up the angels! Craig was good at that.

When the word Positive was said — Craig was that man. Gener-ous? Craig was that man. He was full of joy and able to tell a joke (even the same one) over and over again, with the introduction of, “OH, THAT REMINDS ME OF THE TIME ...” or “HEY, WAIT, DO YOU REMEMBER O’SHAUNASSEY WHO WALKED INTO THE BAR? ...” But that is only a small piece of C.J. Foley. One only had to be with him a short time to know he loved life and took nothing for granted. He put God first, along with his children. He loved each one BEST!

Craig was born Dec. 14, 1948, to Edward John and Kathleen (Forgarty) Foley. He was the youngest of three children. He received his grade school education at the Immaculate Conception and St. John’s. He graduated Boys Central High School in 1967. He then went on to attend college at Montana Tech and The University of Montana, Missoula, for three years.

Craig worked at Skagg’s drug store for many years making numerous friends and enjoying his job to the fullest. C.J. dreamed of opening his own business thus, he became a traveling salesman, selling tapes, sunglasses and novelties. In 1976 he opened his first store, “Sounds Great,” selling car stereos. He purchased the Montana Hardware Building on Front Street, which then became CJ’s Car Audio and Performance. Craig was an avid business man and enjoyed being a “workaholic.” He joined the Gold Hill Lutheran Church and became very active as a lector. He was also a member of Kiwanis Club and the Shriners. Craig was an expert skier and enjoyed traveling around the world to enjoy his passion. Overall, his pride and joy was his family. He enjoyed spending time with each and every one. He had a beaming smile and a radiant personality that made him many friends anywhere he went.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathleen and Edward John Foley, and son, Eric Lee Coleman.

He is survived by his daughters, Tonya (Dan) Neuman, Tiffany (Al) Wellman, Christian Foley, Ashton Lee (Clayton) Wood, and Christina Lee (Bill). His beloved grandchildren are Cyan and Ren Neuman, Tristan, A.J., and Brittan Wellman, Alexah Larsen and Konner Wood; his brother, Michael (Leonora) Foley; and sister, Nikki Foley.

Since family and friends were so important to Craig, we are sure to accidentally leave someone’s name out. However, near and dear “family” members are Sandra and Bruce Blotkamp, Christina Foley, Bill, Patricia, John, James and Tim Rickard, Christopher and Patrick Franklin, Michelle Zarate, Heather (Chad) Smith, Chad (Rhonda) Blotkamp, Ellen Mulholland Stewart, Carol Mulholland, Jananne Gallagher Buck, John Charles Gallagher and Susan Nyquist. He is also survived by numerous friends in Butte, Missoula and many places around the world.

The viewing will be on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home beginning at 4 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

The family would like to ask attendants to wear red, white and blue in honor of Craig “Captain America.” The family expresses in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Craig’s name to the charity of your choice.