Douglas Earl Foster
June 9, 2012
Born on November 21, 1935 in Wheatley, Ontario, passed peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Saturday, June 9, 2012.
“Peacefully playing his trumpet in the heavens.”
Survived by his wife, Rita Foster. His companion, his love, his partner ‘n best friend, in her heart always…the love will never end. His children: Daughter, Jill Foster Maltese and her husband Vince from Sonning Eye, UK; Son, Greg Gordon Foster; Earl’s step-children: Coreen and her husband Phil Gerantonis, Angela Bobbett. His kindness, his wisdom and constant love that he’d give, prepared us through life’s journeys, the encouragement to live. His grandchildren: Trevor, Chad and Shane Foster, Mathew Maltese, Tyler Bobbett. Their youth, their smiles, spending time was a joy, kept him grounded and youthful and reprised the inner boy. His brothers and sisters; Bud, Murray, Fred, Larry, Joy, Marion, Janice and Donna. His brothers and sisters each send their love, some here on earth, the others with him up above. Predeceased by Anne Gordon Foster, loving wife of 44 years. So many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends, a friend and a mentor to all ‘til the end. He worked in Human Resources Management mainly in the automotive sector. Earl Foster was a man of integrity, of charm, wit and humour. He was a great musician, playing his trumpet, belonging to the choir and enjoying his faith at Colborne Street United Church. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered! Special thanks to the Oncology staff at Victoria Hospital. Visitation will be held at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Saturday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Funeral service will be conducted at Colborne Street United Church, 711 Colborne Street, London, on Sunday, June 17th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Earl are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Centre.
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(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
I Am Very Sorry to Hear about Earl, a Finer Man I Have Never Met, I Have Great Memories of Our Days at Canadian Fram, I Know I Speak of All Who Knew Him, Very Sorry, a Great Loss.
Earl was an amazing mentor,coach ,and very good friend.He touched so many people during his illustrious career and his life journey.Earl will be missed greatly and remembered fondly ! Love ,Dan,Shannon,T.J.Sean and Emily
To Jill, Greg, and Rita - you are in my prayers and thoughts. Earl was one of a kind, so thoughtful and generous. He always made me laugh. He made my life richer for being a part of it.
Dear Rita, Jill, Greg and families: Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We have so many wonderful memories of Earl as an amazing and steadfast friend and neighbour. His sincerity, his music and zest for life will always be remembered. A true and loving gentleman! I am so pleased that I have the memory of Earl's birthday party: his accompanying Jill and Mathew with his trumpet was magical! Lastly, we regret not being with you on Sunday, but we'll be there in our thoughts. Much love, Joan, Jeff, Susan and Sarah
My condolences to Jill, Greg and their families at this sad time. Your father was well respected and will be missed.
earl was always very kind and courteous to me, even though we lost touch in the last few years; hterythe will be remembered as someone i always looked up to.
Dear Rita, Jill, Greg & families - We have wonderful memories of Uncle Earl with his thoughts and acts of kindness. He often mentioned how proud he was of all of his family members. His eyes would sparkle when he spoke of his Ballroom dance lessons with you, Rita :) We will miss his laughter & his music. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. with much Love, Carolyn & Ron
I will always remember Uncle Earl for his smile and laughter. Uncle Earl and Anne reconnected with me when my husband, Harold, passed away, I was thankful for their support. I can picture and hear the laughter Uncle Earl, my Dad and Harold all enjoying a round of golf in the Heavens above. My heart goes out to you Rita, Jill, Greg and all of the family. Cheryl
Well, it certainly feels like "the passing of an era." Earl and I became good boyhood friends when we played trumpet together in Wheatley Community Band (he was much better than I). Earl and I, along with Fred, Bill Whittal, Glen Hall and Ron Johnson formed the Melody Kings orchestra when most of us were still teenagers; Larry Foster joined us shortly after. Those were great days! I remember when he started to work for Canadian Filters and was taking some extension studies and asked me to help him with, of all things, Logaritms (does anybody even use those anymore!). Then we were ushers in each other's weddings. Anne had gone to Teachers College in London with my wife, Janice, and introduced us. We were engaged on December 17, 1959 – the same night Earl and Anne brought baby Jill home from the hospital. We haven't lived close together in the past good number of years, but the connections by heart and spirit and friendship remain. Janice and I are saddened to learn of Earl's death. He was a great guy and one we were honoured to know as a wonderful friend. Tom Watson
Earl and I met in 1969 and worked together at Canadian Fram in Chatham. Earl never met a stranger and I am sure that many people feel as strongly as I do that he was a very good friend to them. Earl was a great negociator---always ready to laugh to overcome a stressful situation. Always ready to help and give support. He tried hard to make a golfer out of me.
Earl was a great friend and mentor to me during my tenure with Canadian Fram, and after. His wisdom, insight, skill in business, served all who new him well. Unfortunately time and 1500 miles seperated us. Over the last 25 years there was seldom a personal or business problem that in a pinch I couldn't find a solution for by thinking "what would Earl of suggest I do here". Wish we had more time together.
Earl was the nicest gentleman I have met, he extended his hand to all and was a welcoming man. We had lots of laughs and spent a amazing New Years Eve at his home with him and Rita and their lovely friends. You made Dave and I most welcome you will missed dearly. God speed my friend. Our deepest sympathy to Rita and your family. Susan and David
Earl was like a Father figure to me,taught me how to deal with work and life issues,always had that smile on his face and always provided the best advice on anything we talked about. He is definitely in the heavens playing his trumpet and enjoying a cold Guinness. I will miss him very much but I am a better man for having had him in my life. I wish the family all the best.
I always considered Earl to be a REAL gentleman. I know that he loved his family very much and made them all feel special. It is a pleasure to say that I am truly glad to have met and known Earl. Wishing the family & loved ones all the best.
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We wish to offer Rita, Jill , Greg and all the family members our most sicere sympathy. As owners of Rossini's Restaurant in Chatham, we saw the Fosters regularly. Earl was often at our place for lunch with a bunch from Fram. We saw them ouside of the restaurant as well as we had many friends in common. One pleasure we will never forget was listening to Earl play the trumpet. He played for a small wedding at the restaurant several years ago in one of the back rooms.When he finished, the whole restaurant, even those who were no part of the wedding, applauded. It was great. We are sure that Earl will be missed by all who knew him.
~ Bill and Jean Rossini