Michael Berry Foran

1947 - 2016

Michael Berry Foran obituary, 1947-2016, Atascadero, CA

Michael Foran Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 2, 2016.

On October 30, 2016, Berry Foran passed away after a lengthy fight with cancer, at home surrounded by his family.



He was born in August 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina, the third child and only boy, born to Dr. William Andrew Foran and Katharine Elizabeth Berry Foran.



He spent his youth in Columbia, graduating from high school in 1965. While attending high school many of accomplishments mirrored the man he became. He worked as an orderly at the local hospital at night, getting an early look at the life and career he would pursue. He also, to no one’s surprise, was a South Carolina scholastic debate champion.



After graduation, he attended the University of South Carolina, where he majored in Chemistry, and pursued his goal of becoming a physician. His medical school education took place at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston. Excelling in that educational experience, he moved to California in 1973, to begin his residency in General and Vascular Surgery at the University of Southern California. It was here, while in his third year of residency, during a rotation through Good Samaritan Hospital, that he met his wife, Carol who was working there as a nurse. They married in 1979, and after finishing his residency he moved to the central coast and joined into surgical practice with Dr. Winston (Pete) Anderson.



There are few residents of the county whose lives he has not touched, either as a doctor, a father, or a friend. Berry was a strong supporter of his children’s endeavors, and was often at swimming, gymnastics, cheer, diving, soccer, football or basketball competitions with his camera in hand. As a family, they travelled extensively, most often to Yosemite, hiking Half Dome with his children four times in his life. There were also yearly trips to USC football games, with his lifelong friends, enjoying fast cars, football, and golf over a weekend. He enjoyed performances at the PAC, weekly rounds of golf, Laker and Dodger games and any political discussion that might spontaneously arise.



Berry worked with tireless dedication, grace, and integrity to serve his patients until his retirement from practice last year. He was loved and respected by his colleagues, his co-workers and his patients and through every action and word was the epitome of the concept of “Doctor”. He will be greatly missed, because, as one friend expressed, “When Berry speaks, we all just listen.”



He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Katharine Cochran and Anne Tinker. He is survived by his wife, Carol, his children Andrew, Elizabeth and Patrick, his sister, Susan Wall (Tom Pedigo) and numerous nieces and nephews.



A funeral mass will be held at St. Williams Church in Atascadero, November 11, at 11 AM. This will be followed by a celebration of his life, at Hunter Ranch Golf Course from 3-5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, Berry requested donations be sent to the Cancer Support Community-California Central Coast or The Yosemite Conservancy Memorial Fund or bring a dessert on a disposable plate to the Celebration of Life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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November 13, 2016

Larry Stanton

Berry was a gentleman, born and bred a Southerner, and his manners never ceased to impress. He was a superb practioner of general and vascular surgery, but could expound on any and all events, current or past history. His knowledge and skills as a surgeon were non-pareil . His general medical knowledge was wide and deep. When I had a difficult medical question, not infrequently I would run it by him and he always had an answer. The entire time I knew him, he never was wrong re: any medical or surgical question. He was current on all surgical advances and techniques. Unlike many specialists, he was current on most everything going on in medicine. He was smart, clever, extremely skilled as a surgeon, but never forgot his general medicine.

We were suite mates for over 16 years, and if I ever had an obvious surgical emergency, I called his office and he immediately found room to see the patient, even tho it was standing room only in his office. Likewise, if he had a question in my field, we always had room for a work-in of Dr. Foran. He was always on call, yet most Thursday's found time to relax on the golf course ,even while taking patient's or doctor's phone calls. Despite the interruptions we somehow managed to make it around all 18 holes, except for the very occasional emergency when he would take off for the ER. He never turned any patient...or Doctor down.

He was a man of no prejudices, except for those few doctors who did not take the practice of medicine as fervently as he did. When first invited to play Thursday afternoons with him and another twosome, I hesitated, in that I was just a 4 yr beginner in golf, and didn't want to ruin their game. Berry insisted and through the years we played virtually every Thurs afternoon we could manage. At first I worried about taking off half a day, but soon got the bug and looked forward to those enjoyable Thursday afternoons. He was a very laid back teacher, and thoroughly taught me the game, and how to play it well. Berry was a marvelous golfer, with a handicap in the mid single digits. He excelled, however, in the mental part of the game...not surprising for a golfer who was a true student of the game. If there was a book on golf rules, etiquette , technique, ball flight, swing plane....or whatever....Berry knew it. We played many a tournament together, and frequently ended up as partners in a 4 man match. We won way more than our share, but it was almost always because of my partner.
As his family got older and larger in number, he began playing less and less golf. He was a devoted family man, and a great father.
He was always cheerful, but in a quiet way. On the golf course, you learned to be quiet and unobtrusive....because that was the etiquette in golf.
He was quick witted, and loved a good story or joke. Berry was soft spoken, but you listened hard to whatever he said, in that he did not mince words. If Berry said it, you could consider it the truth. He loved politics and was a master debater, sometihing many learned when having an argument with him. He was extremely well read, but his debating skills going back to high school days, were the things that made him impossible to beat in a discussion or argument.
Berry was a kind, decent, hard working, man, a good friend and an exceptional physician and surgeon. When there was a medical issue in the hospital, in town, or wherever, other physicans always wanted his input and advice. As the years passed he spent more and more time with his family and kids. Golf became second fiddle to his love of his family.
It was a pleasure to have known him, and he will missed. It was my good fortune to have been his friend.

November 11, 2016

Dr Foran is a physician that has made a mark in my nursing career. It was both a pleasure and honor to work with him in the operating room. It was here I nicknamed him the Will Rofers of the west for his wise words spoken in that setting. Nurses knew to be quiet and listen in his presence for he commanded that respect just by the nature of his own example. Indelible on by brain are the words spoken to another physician, " Sir, you never do MORE to a patient than you can do FOR them" . The only times I could soften the professional mood was to ask about his children. Those moments he would speak with pride and love for them and their accomplishments. A fellow surgeon was pontificating on the poor public dchool system in our area. When he asked Dr Foran his thoughts he quietly looked across the table and said , " public schools were good enough for me and I think I turned out alright". Now that I am retired I paint my nails red.....I tried it once while working with Dr Forsn. It did not go over well. He stopped the surgery and " educated me that my painted nails were distracting him from his work as it appeared I had a hole in my glove ( that would have broken the sterility of the surgery). So in tune was he to the absolutes of his work that equated to patient safety - a lesson and example of dedication to the healing arts- that I never painted them red again for the next 20 years. And to Carol, his wife. I so admired YOUR dedication to the profession of nursing that you would continue to work alongside us for so many years. The legacy of honor, work ethic, dedication to alleviating human suffering is your legacy.

November 8, 2016

Laura Durrett

I worked for Dr. Foran from 1993 to 1996. I often would assist when he did minor surgeries in the office. His surgical movements were so natural and it just seemed as if his hands knew exactly what to do on their own. I was always in awe when I watched. He also was the surgeon for my sister and she loved him. I will always remember my short work experience with a very great man and surgeon. Rest in peace Dr. Foran and God be with his family.

Posted by Laura Durrett

November 8, 2016

Bobby Dias

"camera in hand" is very accurate because he would be looking at the people without even thinking about taking a picture! He loved the people not the picture.

November 7, 2016

Susan Asabez

If it hadn't been for Dr. Foran I wouldn't be here today, he saved my life back in 2008. A wonderful surgeon, saddened to hear of our community losing a wonderful doctor. God Speed to you Dr. Foran, and to his family may God surround you in your difficult time. I will never forget the care and concern he gave me in March of 2008. He was truly one of a kind.

November 7, 2016

Pamela Barrett

You were a great doctor for my mom, my husband and me...you are missed. Prayers for your family...

November 7, 2016

Maria Cagnina

The first way that I knew Dr. Foran was through my family. My father was also a local doctor. He only had a handful of doctors that he respected enough to refer his patients to and Dr. Foran was at the top of his list. The second was as a patient. If he was anything in his personal life as he was as my doctor then he was a kind, gentle and caring person. I want to send my condolences to his family. The world has lost a special person.

November 7, 2016

George Johnson Jr

It was a privilege to practice medicine with him. We will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

November 7, 2016

Len Ward

As a patient and neighbor of the Doc's I've always appreciated his no nonsense style and sense of humor while he was rebuilding my aging body. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family.

November 7, 2016

Christina Stanley

I'm so sad that your time on this earth was cut so short, you were a talented incredible doctor and human being. I just want to thank you, because of you i still am able to hug and talk to my mother and my children can still hug and kiss their grandma! You saved countless lives! For that you will never be forgotten♡ RIP

November 6, 2016

Leilani Hanna

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

November 6, 2016

To my fellow "Leo", August 5th. It's been a few years but one of my favorite doctors. Rest in peace and condolences to he family.

Dell Wilson (Paso Robles, CA)

November 6, 2016

Mary Petersen

It is with great sadness we say goodbye to a powerful man. I began working with Berry & Carol in 1981 and quickly became one of many in awe of his talents. Many lives in our county were saved by this skilled surgeon........no words to express my gratitude for his friendship and memories shared. Thank you for climbing Half Dome with my family..........I will cherish that forever. May you be in peace now and know we will all keep your family close in our hearts. Rest In Peace dear Berry.

November 6, 2016

jim harlow

A caring doctor who made the right call for me.

November 5, 2016

Vickie Joseph, RN

I'm an RN who worked at Twin Cities Hospital. I knew Dr Foran as a great physician to work with. He never ever had a harsh word to say about nurses. He was also a great physician to myself and to my mother. I remember when he had to give my mother a diagnosis of terminal colon cancer, he had tears in his eyes after my mom stated that it must be so hard for him to do. I will always remember him with kindness and awe. He was the epitome of a kind and dedicated physician to his colleagues and his patients. My condolences to Carol and his family.

November 5, 2016

Debbie Flerchinger

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family I am so sorry for you loss

November 5, 2016

Tess Huckobey

My condolences to the family. I have many memories of working with Dr. Foran in the operating room. It never mattered what time of the day or night. Working with him was a pleasure.

November 5, 2016

Agnes Dougherty

Please accept my sympathy, Dr. Foran was a good guy and pleasure to work with. He was an excellent surgeon and felt compassion for the patients he cared for. I had the privilege to work with him many years ago at French Hospital in SLO, CA.

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Funeral services provided by:

Chapel Of The Roses Mortuary

3450 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

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