Dana Ray Foraker, 59
Dana Ray Foraker, 59, went to be with the Lord April 5, 2011. He had lived in Post Falls for the past 3 1/2 years, coming from Escondido, Calif. He loved the clean, fresh air and all the beautiful trees.
He was born Jan. 31, 1952, in La Jolla, Calif., the youngest of six brothers and sisters. Growing up in the San Diego area, he attended schools there, and joined the U.S. Marines, and then on to numerous jobs in the area. He found his niche working in the industrial waste field, and spent 15 years at Al-Max Sanitation in Santee, Calif. He then went to work for Darling International Inc. in San Diego, Calif., first as a salesman, where he grew the company by 150 percent in the first year he was there. He was promoted to Plant Manager where he remained for the rest of his career. His employees respected him greatly, and he was and still is missed.
In 1983 he met the love of his life, Sharon, and they were married in May 1984. They shared so many wonderful adventures together, and with their children and family. They loved to travel, and going on cruises. The last cruise was to Alaska in 2007, and because of it's beauty, they decided to relocate to Post Falls, and also to be close to some family members.
He enjoyed working with wood, and also model railroading. Working in his yard was like therapy for him, and he delighted in trying to always have the "best yard in the neighborhood." He really liked having a vegetable garden that produced lots of vegetables and fruit for his family and to share his blessings with friends, family and neighbors.
Dana found the Lord in April 2008, and was baptized at Real Life Ministries where he loved to volunteer at the Real Life Thrift Store. He participated in a men's Bible study, and his home was the meeting place for his small group. He read his Bible daily, and found comfort in the Lord's word. It was especially great that the neighborhood in which he lived was filled with fellow Christians, many of whom also go to Real Life Ministries.
His survivors include his wife and best friend of almost 27 years, Sharon; his son whom he loved dearly, Dana Ray Foraker Jr. and his spouse Enid of Colorado Springs, Colo.; stepson Kevin Hulett and spouse Cindy of Cortez, Colo.; his beloved granddaughters, Leiylah and Sophia Foraker, and Britanny Hulett.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Ann Gibbens and his brother, Eric.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Real Life Ministries, in RLM 2, 1866 Cecil Road, Post Falls, ID 83854. His ashes will be interred at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Real Life Ministries Benevolence Fund.