HealthPRO’s founding President and CEO Mike Foley passed away peacefully on July 31^st after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. Foley was asked to lead HealthPRO upon its inception in 1996, succeeding two regional group purchasing organizations. With 11 employees and a vision to form Canada’s group contracting provider for healthcare, Mr. Foley set out with his favourite quote top of mind, one that inspired his team for years to come: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me” by Samuel Johnson.

During his tenure, Mr. Foley grew the organization from operating in a single province to membership extending across seven provinces and the territories, achieving over $1 billion in contract value (over $2 billion today) – purchasing power that delivered tremendous benefit to our healthcare system. His incredible legacy can be read about in the May edition of Canadian Business Journal as he was interviewed for the organization’s 25^th anniversary.

“Although Mike had many other leadership roles throughout his career, HealthPRO was his passion first and foremost, his pride and joy,” recounted his wife Barb Stuart Foley.

“If Mike could leave us with one message, he would likely recite the words from his favourite song I Hope You Dance by Le Ann Womack: when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance,” said his wife Barb. “No matter how big the mountains are in the distance you can give up or you can dance. And Mike absolutely danced. Right until the very end. He always took the road less travelled.”

The HealthPRO team will pay tribute to Mr. Foley by continuing to build on his legacy and his dedication to our Canadian healthcare system.

Mr. Foley leaves behind his loving wife Barb, his two children Mike and Jennifer, his three grandchildren Brennan, Lyla and Alex, his HealthPRO family and all those who have ever had the honour of knowing him.

To honour his memory, a scholarship is being established at Toronto General Hospital, the Vascular Division, for the pursuit of research. If there is a wish to contribute, donations can be made at the UHN Foundation for research in the name of William Michael Foley.