Robert D. Foster
May 30, 1933 ~ April 14, 2016
Robert D. Foster passed away at Swan Valley Lodge in Creston, British Columbia after a long battle with Parkinson’s on Thursday, April 14, 2016 a month shy of his 83rd birthday.
Robert is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Betty (nee Asleson) Creston, BC; children Elise Harper (Dave) of Hartville, Ohio, Cheri Legaard (Scott) of Post Falls, Idaho, Eric Foster (Lynn) of Creston, BC, Inga Arts (Rick) of Rathdrum, Idaho, Althea Sanders (Michael) of Puyallup, Washington; grandchildren April Wright, Christa Troyer, Joshua Harper (Ohio), Aaron Harper (Kansas), Kip Legaard, Sean Legaard, Benjamin Legaard (Idaho), Aimee Foster, Robert Foster, Jeff Foster (BC, Canada), Erin Norris, Justin Arts, Bekah Fish, Johanna Arts (Idaho), Samuel Foster (Washington); and 17 great-grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents Odbert J. Foster and Orah J. Foster (Mowery); his brothers Ronald Foster (Parkersburg, WV) and Mancel Foster (Sharon, PA); and grandson Micah Legaard.
Robert was born on May 30, 1933 in Grafton, West Virginia to Odbert J. Foster and Orah J. Foster. He attended Concordia College (MN), Minot State College (ND), Methodist School of Theology (MN), Marshall University (WV). Robert obtained a Master’s Degree in History and English. Robert became an ordained minister April 1, 1965.
He married Betty Asleson from Fortuna, ND on June 6 1956. Robert served in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Fortuna, ND during the Korean War era. Robert spent his life as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ pastoring in Lutheran, Methodist and later non-denominational churches. Robert’s passions were to teach others about Jesus and his saving grace. In addition to being a minister of the gospel Robert worked other jobs to support his family while pastoring, and going to school. Over a period of time, the couple welcomed five children into their home and set about teaching them how to serve the Lord with all their heart, and excellent work ethic. His children will fondly remember him as their dad, their teacher, and their friend who encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Anyone who knew Robert will remember him as a kind loving person, teacher, friend, and brother in Christ.
Robert loved sharing his passion of the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone he met. He enjoyed meeting new people and learning about their lives. He also loved sharing his passion for history with his children and grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at New Life Christian Church. Herman Koehorn will officiate the ceremony.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Robert’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to New Life Christian Church, 1821 Elm St, Creston, BC VOB 1G5, or CPC Society, c/o Victor Benitez 16695 Cherryhill Circle, Surrey BC Canada V4N-4M9 or Swan Valley Lodge, 818 Vancouver St., Creston, BC VOB IG4. Condolences can be sent to bfoster2003@gmail.com.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Swan Valley Lodge for their dedicated loving tender care for Robert during his stay there.