LOS ANGELES – Edward Owen "Chip" Foody, a longtime live event professional known for his work on tours for Neil Diamond, NBA events and other productions, died March 8 of natural causes in his home. Foody, 55, got his start in the industry in the 1980s at Imero Fiorentino Associates in New York. He was hired as a shop assistant to Doug Pope when Pope was production stage manager/technical director for the Neil Diamond tours.
"When it came time to go out on another tour, I suggested to Patrick [Stansfield, production/tour manager] that I had a fellow who would fit right in," Pope said of Foody. "He was someone who had the work ethic to push hard for the job and not work just for himself. That type of worker is hard to find, and I am proud to have been a mentor to him. He was a dear friend and will be missed."
Foody was a carpenter and sometimes rigger during his stint with Diamond, and Stansfield worked with him often since then. Most recently, they worked together on several auto show and other high-profile live events. "As always, he was a stellar presence on every event and tour I got to work with him on," said Stansfield. "I have treasured his advice, his available resource network, and his friendship for over 30 years."
Since the 1990s, Foody worked under chief electrician Rob Baxter on various NBA games and events as an electrician and power management lead. "He was also responsible for the maintenance and logistics for the Laker-Truss Court Lighting system at Staples Center," said Baxter. "This meant being present for Laker home games and all of their court lighting system transitions from either storage to deployment or vice-versa."
His sudden passing has shocked and saddened the live event industry.
"There are hundreds in the production community who feel they knew Chip as a friend and untold thousands whose lives he touched just by working with them and being his wonderful self," Baxter added. "He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered."
