We spoke with the families of our late life members, both of whom leave honourable legacies.
Retired Superintendent John Foley (2908)

When WAPU life member Rtd Supt John Foley (2908) passed away in July, it was a loss felt heavily across his community.
In his 94 years, John touched the lives of those people who knew him personally and those people whom he met on the job.
John’s son, Detective Inspector Peter Foley, told Police News
his father described his life as a “journey of interest.”
“Dad lived a full, rewarding and eventful 94 years,” he said.
John’s parents instilled a strong and deep faith into their first-born son, a religious conviction that was the foundation on which he built his life, both personally and professionally.
In 1946, John joined the St Vincent de Paul Society WA’s North Perth/Highgate Conference. It was the genesis of his 75- year commitment to making a positive contribution to society.
John’s charitable service to the St Vincent de Paul Society WA was a constant throughout his adult life, and it was through the church he met his wife, Eileen.
Det Insp Foley said his father loved not only his wife but also sport, particularly footy.
“Dad was a good athlete in his youth, and he loved following the sporting pursuits and football journey of his siblings, his sons and then his grandchildren,” he said.
“Rain, hail or shine, Dad’s booming voice would carry across the field, with a not-so-subtle nudge from Mum to quieten down.”
Det Insp Foley said his father was the greatest role model to him and his siblings.
“We’ll be forever grateful for everything Dad’s done for our family in providing us with a wonderful roadmap to follow,” he said.
“If we can do it half as well as Dad did in his lifetime, we’ll have succeeded.”
In 1955, John enlisted in the WA Police Force.
Transfers early in John’s police career resulted in him working in several regional areas, with stints at the Narrogin, Kalgoorlie, Laverton, Norseman and Esperance stations as a young officer.
In 1961, John married Eileen, by which time he had returned from the Goldfields-Esperance region to base himself at North Perth Police Station.
John rose through the WA Police Force’s ranks, serving as an inspector, chief inspector and superintendent before retiring from Perth Regional Office in 1987.
Det Insp Foley said his father’s ingrained values of faith and compassion were prevalent through both his professional work as a police officer and his personal work as a volunteer.
“Dad was instrumental in starting the Police Community and Youth Centres (PCYC) in Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie, granting opportunities to disadvantaged people that other people took for granted,” he said.
“Dad also supported the Scarborough PCYC throughout his career and well into his retirement.”
John’s dedication to his family, his friends and his employers was only matched by his commitment to WAPU.
As a WAPU member, John progressed from branch official to director, ultimately becoming our first Vice President when we created that office in 1984.
In 1985, WAPU awarded what was then only our second life membership to John.
“Dad’s membership of the union was based on enhancing the welfare of police officers while gaining well-earned benefits, some of which Steve, Julie and I still enjoy today as members of the force,” said Det Insp Foley.
“When Dad left the WA Police Force, he took with him lasting friendships, not only with officers who were his peers but also officers whom he’d supervised. These friendships extended to numerous people whom he’d met through his travels across the state.”
Det Insp Foley said his father’s dedication to community service did not stop when he hung up his police uniform after 32 years as one of the brave men and women in blue.
John was a loving husband to Eileen for 52 years, a proud father of five sons and a doting grandfather to 11 grandchildren. “In his retirement, Dad watched his family grow with all of his boys getting married. Then followed many grandchildren,
all of whom he loved and adored,” said Det Insp Foley.
“Dad took great interest and pride in their lives, careers and achievements, always giving guidance and advice to them along the way.”
John’s favourite saying was ‘never give up’ and it was one by which he lived.
Det Insp Foley said his father left with a simple legacy to follow. “Family, your faith, friends and compassion for others comes first. Integrity, ethics and fairness were central to Dad’s life, which
he promoted at every opportunity,” he said.
“He’ll remain a role model to all of us and he’ll be greatly missed. “Rest peacefully now Dad, you deserved it."

A devoted family man, a loving and warm husband and a passionate police officer.