Vernard Leyon Foley died on May 28 at Indiana University Hospital West at the age of 82. He was born at Holton, Kansas on March 28, 1939 to Vernon Foley and Ardis Diehl Foley. He received a B.A. from McPherson College, an M.A. from the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. from the University ofContinue Reading
Julie
left a message on February 5, 2022:
My love to Vern's family, I'm sorry for your loss. and I'm sorry I never met any of you. I kept in touch with vern a bit over the years. I was just going to write him when I found this obituary. I was hoping to visit and go for a walk with him in the spring. I'm sorry. I am forever grateful to him for his kindness, his friendship, what I learned from him, and for teaching all his classes. I was in the travel class that went to Pine Ridge and where we were first invited to sundance. I went to 3 sundances back in the 90s with him and friends. Here's what I would say to him: thank you, I am so grateful. I will think of you when I look at the stars. infinite hugs forever. j
Maria Iannucci
left a message on September 16, 2021:
I'm sadden to learn of Professor Foley's passing. He made the world a brighter place, and inspired my love of science and history. I have become a better scientist and person because of him.
Richard Moyer
left a message on August 29, 2021:
Professor Foley was my hands-down favorite teacher of all. His depth of knowledge, his erudition and clarity of teaching, and his wit and humor made his lectures in the history of science and technology vivid and compelling. After 50 years, my notes for his courses are the only ones I’ve kept.
I was in the process of finally sitting down to write a letter of thanks to him for his inspiration and teaching, and in finding this obituary, discovered I was too late. To anyone reading this, don’t delay like I did to express your appreciation to those who made a difference in your life as Dr. Foley did for me.
Gibb Phenegar
left a message on August 21, 2021:
Veni Vidi Vici Sir! Professor Foley was solely responsible for a life long fascination with the History of Science that has continued over the last 40 years. You are lucky if you have a handful of people who influenced the course of your life. Vern Foley was one of the few. With a quick smile, open door, and acerbic whit, office hours were something to look forward to and comments on term papers like “Good Work. That said, you should have a dictionary chained to your body” were typical. Indeed, I still have the copy of his first book inscribed “ To Mr. Phenegar, in hopes of rapid appreciation.”
You will be missed. BSm History 82’
Kevin Stickels
left a message on July 19, 2021:
I was a student in WL from 1979-1985 and though I was an engineering student, I took every class he taught. His humor, wit, and passion for the history of technology I will always remember. Even 25 years after I left Purdue, my buddy and I popped into his office one morning and he still remembered us by name. He was my favorite instructor and his memory will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Tiffany
left a message on June 14, 2021:
The world is a less brighter place without you. But, it brings me great joy to know you have gained the secret knowledge of life and the universe. Blessed be my friend. May you rest in peace.
Nancy Knowles Smigiel
left a message on June 10, 2021:
I am sorry to see of Professor Foley's passing. He was one of my favorite professors and tolerated an "old" lady in his classes over several years. I enjoyed his lectures and passion for the subject. Sending many wishes for healing to all of you!
Barbara Charlson
left a message on June 6, 2021:
I was blessed to meet Vernard at a Salt Creek Sundance a few years ago. Even though we were a generation apart, he captivated my mind with his stories and stole my heart with his love of life. I bought his Adam Smith book and a few others based on his recommendations. What a bright shinning star that young man was - and will be in the sky above.Thank you for all the kind, handwritten letters (on graph paper no less). I never told you this, Vernard, but I love you... Tusen takk. Barb
Melissa Ruddick
left a message on June 6, 2021:
Uncle Doc, you will be missed. Especially the letters with return addresses from nowhere! Thanks for sharing and believing in Indian heritage. It was nice to talk about it with someone who understood! Rest In Peace UD!
James Slaughterbeck
left a message on June 5, 2021:
Vern was a dear friend, full of knowledge and had the desire to share it, I spent many hours discussing native lore, weaponry and sharing our mutual love and respect of guns. You will be greatly missed my friend, until we meet again may you rest in peace, aho
Angel Bissonette
left a message on June 4, 2021:
Sending condolences to the family of Vern. Vern is, was and will always be a very humble man we all came to love here in South Dakota. He became a very special person in my father's life and ours as well. Sending prayers and hugs to all his family. From all of his other extended family in South Dakota. Fly high Vern and Rest easy.
Glenn Hueckel
left a message on June 3, 2021:
I recall with deep gratitude the many pleasant hours spent in Vern's office in the History Department discussing the fine points of trebuchets, triremes, the early history of steam power, Adam Smith's economics, and much else. His insights and his ingenious models enlightened and illustrated my own lectures in economic history and thus benefited not only the students in his history classes but others in economics as well. Though I left Purdue some twenty years ago, he remains in memory as a valued colleague and a wonderful friend during my time there. I am sorry that distance prevents me from attending his memorial, but I extend my sincerest condolences to Mary Ann, Elizabeth and Mark.
Cathy Blue
left a message on June 3, 2021:
Vern was a friend for twenty years, through Sundance at Pine Ridge and then through letters ever since those days ended. He was courageous, kind, generous, and a life long searcher of knowledge about many things historical, esoteric, and Native American. He was a Sundancer, and helper at many dances, and knew how to "Pray Hard". He will be missed by all. Waste' wicha'sa wo'ansikiye ! To'ksa, mitha'khola!
Jimmy Derringer
left a message on June 2, 2021:
Woyawaste Mithakola
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Julie
left a message on February 5, 2022:
My love to Vern's family, I'm sorry for your loss. and I'm sorry I never met any of you. I kept in touch with vern a bit over the years. I was just going to write him when I found this obituary. I was hoping to visit and go for a walk with him in the spring. I'm sorry. I am forever grateful to him for his kindness, his friendship, what I learned from him, and for teaching all his classes. I was in the travel class that went to Pine Ridge and where we were first invited to sundance. I went to 3 sundances back in the 90s with him and friends. Here's what I would say to him: thank you, I am so grateful. I will think of you when I look at the stars. infinite hugs forever. j
Maria Iannucci
left a message on September 16, 2021:
I'm sadden to learn of Professor Foley's passing. He made the world a brighter place, and inspired my love of science and history. I have become a better scientist and person because of him.
Richard Moyer
left a message on August 29, 2021:
Professor Foley was my hands-down favorite teacher of all. His depth of knowledge, his erudition and clarity of teaching, and his wit and humor made his lectures in the history of science and technology vivid and compelling. After 50 years, my notes for his courses are the only ones I’ve kept.
I was in the process of finally sitting down to write a letter of thanks to him for his inspiration and teaching, and in finding this obituary, discovered I was too late. To anyone reading this, don’t delay like I did to express your appreciation to those who made a difference in your life as Dr. Foley did for me.
Gibb Phenegar
left a message on August 21, 2021:
Veni Vidi Vici Sir! Professor Foley was solely responsible for a life long fascination with the History of Science that has continued over the last 40 years. You are lucky if you have a handful of people who influenced the course of your life. Vern Foley was one of the few. With a quick smile, open door, and acerbic whit, office hours were something to look forward to and comments on term papers like “Good Work. That said, you should have a dictionary chained to your body” were typical. Indeed, I still have the copy of his first book inscribed “ To Mr. Phenegar, in hopes of rapid appreciation.”
You will be missed. BSm History 82’
Kevin Stickels
left a message on July 19, 2021:
I was a student in WL from 1979-1985 and though I was an engineering student, I took every class he taught. His humor, wit, and passion for the history of technology I will always remember. Even 25 years after I left Purdue, my buddy and I popped into his office one morning and he still remembered us by name. He was my favorite instructor and his memory will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Tiffany
left a message on June 14, 2021:
The world is a less brighter place without you. But, it brings me great joy to know you have gained the secret knowledge of life and the universe. Blessed be my friend. May you rest in peace.
Nancy Knowles Smigiel
left a message on June 10, 2021:
I am sorry to see of Professor Foley's passing. He was one of my favorite professors and tolerated an "old" lady in his classes over several years. I enjoyed his lectures and passion for the subject. Sending many wishes for healing to all of you!
Barbara Charlson
left a message on June 6, 2021:
I was blessed to meet Vernard at a Salt Creek Sundance a few years ago. Even though we were a generation apart, he captivated my mind with his stories and stole my heart with his love of life. I bought his Adam Smith book and a few others based on his recommendations. What a bright shinning star that young man was - and will be in the sky above.Thank you for all the kind, handwritten letters (on graph paper no less). I never told you this, Vernard, but I love you... Tusen takk. Barb
Melissa Ruddick
left a message on June 6, 2021:
Uncle Doc, you will be missed. Especially the letters with return addresses from nowhere! Thanks for sharing and believing in Indian heritage. It was nice to talk about it with someone who understood! Rest In Peace UD!
James Slaughterbeck
left a message on June 5, 2021:
Vern was a dear friend, full of knowledge and had the desire to share it, I spent many hours discussing native lore, weaponry and sharing our mutual love and respect of guns. You will be greatly missed my friend, until we meet again may you rest in peace, aho
Angel Bissonette
left a message on June 4, 2021:
Sending condolences to the family of Vern. Vern is, was and will always be a very humble man we all came to love here in South Dakota. He became a very special person in my father's life and ours as well. Sending prayers and hugs to all his family. From all of his other extended family in South Dakota. Fly high Vern and Rest easy.
Glenn Hueckel
left a message on June 3, 2021:
I recall with deep gratitude the many pleasant hours spent in Vern's office in the History Department discussing the fine points of trebuchets, triremes, the early history of steam power, Adam Smith's economics, and much else. His insights and his ingenious models enlightened and illustrated my own lectures in economic history and thus benefited not only the students in his history classes but others in economics as well. Though I left Purdue some twenty years ago, he remains in memory as a valued colleague and a wonderful friend during my time there. I am sorry that distance prevents me from attending his memorial, but I extend my sincerest condolences to Mary Ann, Elizabeth and Mark.
Cathy Blue
left a message on June 3, 2021:
Vern was a friend for twenty years, through Sundance at Pine Ridge and then through letters ever since those days ended. He was courageous, kind, generous, and a life long searcher of knowledge about many things historical, esoteric, and Native American. He was a Sundancer, and helper at many dances, and knew how to "Pray Hard". He will be missed by all. Waste' wicha'sa wo'ansikiye ! To'ksa, mitha'khola!
Jimmy Derringer
left a message on June 2, 2021:
Woyawaste Mithakola
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.