A salute—and a sad goodbye—to revered Tempe leader
For all who knew, worked with and respected community activist Dick Foreman, word of his passing came as disappointing and unwelcome news. In recognition of Dick’s wide work on behalf of the Tempe community, Wrangler News is publishing this tribute by some of those who knew him well and wanted to offer memories and condolences to his family and friends. Their contributions follow.
Tribute by former Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman
Richard Lane Foreman peacefully passed away on July 9, 2024, surrounded by his family. Dick was born on February 6, 1954, in Rochester, New York. When his family relocated to Mesa, they moved into the RB Motel on East Main Street.
Dick enrolled in Mesa High School, where he excelled academically and enjoyed playing basketball as a Jackrabbit, graduating in 1972. The son of an Irish immigrant, Dick reveled in that heritage. An enterprising youngster, Dick started his own successful landscaping business as a teen. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University in 1976 Magna Cum Laude and later with a Master of Public Administration.
Dick thought carefully about his life’s path, considering, as he explained: “One perspective that haunts me still is the nearly certain fate of those around me who go it alone.”
To guard against such a fate, Dick entered a life in politics, government relations and extensive civic engagement, with a particular passion for and focus on tax policy and public education. After a stint at the Arizona Corporation Commission, Dick began his work in government relations with the Salt River Project, followed by an extensive career at Southwest Gas.
In his community service, Dick served on the Tempe Union High School governing board for nearly a decade, managed the district’s bond elections to continuing success, ran for Tempe City Council, participated in myriad city advisory roles, and supported most of the city’s leading charities. After retiring from Southwest Gas, Dick committed himself to advancing and improving K-12 education programs, helping to develop state education policy with governors and superintendents across Arizona. Not satisfied with his already significant record of achievement in education, Dick stepped in to guide the Arizona Business and Education Coalition for nearly 10 years, building the organization to an education policy powerhouse.
All of Dick’s achievements in government relations and community service were based on his unique ability to maintain civility and bring about compromise among those with disparate views. A talented writer, Dick contributed editorials and columns to area newspapers, including Wrangler News, for decades; authored a water policy treatise, Indian Water Rights: a Public Policy and Administrative mess; and a novel, woven with threads from Arizona history, based on his background in water policy, A Distant Fire. Dick was a devoted husband and father, marrying his high school sweetheart, Elaine Destoop.
Dick and Elaine had two children, Jaime (Shane) Allen, and Chris (Melanie) Foreman. From those offspring, Dick and Elaine received the gift of grandchildren Mariah, Mackenzie, Shea and Brandon, and great grandchildren HaiLeigh and LilLeigh. As a family they enjoyed the outdoors, spending significant time in Greer at their family cabin.
Sadly, Elaine lost her battle with cancer in their 25th year of marriage. Dick found love again with Kate (Muldoon) Foreman and, together, they enjoyed 23 years of marriage and have a wonderful relationship with daughter Brenna Foreman. Together they enjoyed their spare time on the Oregon coast near Neahkahnie Mountain, which they hiked on regular occasion. Dick also is survived by his sister Diane (Bill) Kopp. In addition to losing Elaine, Dick was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Lane Foreman Johns, his father Hugh Alexander Foreman, his stepfather Calvin Johns and his brother Robert Foreman.
Thoughts from Tempe Vice Mayor Jennifer Adams
Dick Foreman was a class act! He put his family first and was always honest. He was president of our HOA in Buena Vista Ranchos and led the community effort to repair our barns that had been in dangerous condition for many, many years. He was loyal, kind, caring, and one of the best men I have ever known. Most of all he was a great friend. He will be missed by all who truly knew the magnificent man he was.
Memories from Longtime Associate Nick Bastian
The recent loss of Dick Foreman will be felt near and far. He will be missed, and he will be fondly remembered for the many great things he has done for so many people. Dick was a guy who was respected in many circles. He was a family man, an advocate, a businessman and a good friend to people from all walks of life. He had a firm handshake, a warm smile and a personality that could easily fill a room.
He never shied away from a conversation, and he would always give you a straight answer. Some of the most fun conversations we had were about working together with people to solve all of the world’s problems. He certainly had the answers! Driving around our city late at night with Dick as part of his “sign crew” will always be a fond memory.
Man, we had fun and some great caffeine-filled conversations. Dick was always willing to fight the good fight. He was passionate about our community, our schools, our neighborhoods and, more importantly, about his family. I always enjoyed seeing his face light up when he spoke of his family and friends. He was a man who truly cared for those closest to him, and I’ll always remember and respect that.
His family will remain in our thoughts and our prayers. Cheers to my friend for a life well lived.
