Obituaries

ARTHUR WEBSTER GRAY FOSTER 1927 – 2012 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Art Foster on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at the age of 84. Art will be lovingly remembered by his dearest companion Gay, his wife of 55 years and his children Christine Boult (Brian) and John Foster (Lori). He will also be sadly missed by his grandchildren Kyle, Joanna, Jonathon and Ashley, and great-grandson Mason. Born April 12, 1927 in Winnipeg, Art was predeceased by his parents Helen and Andy Foster who emigrated from Scotland along with his two favourite aunts – Nan and Babs Gray. Art attended Gordon Bell High School and then graduated with his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from University of Manitoba where he also enjoyed the fellowship of Sigma Lambda Phi Fraternity. Following graduation he started his career path with Great West Life and remained there for 34 years until his retirement at age 55. He was long standing member of St. James Anglican Church and a dedicated Board Member for the St. Norbert Treatment Foundation and Behaviour Centre. Dad was a life-long learner and excelled at anything he decided to undertake. He was a wonderful athlete – playing basketball for the University of Manitoba Bisons, faculty soccer, badminton, curling for many years at the Winter Club and playing his favourite game – tennis – right up until his stroke in 1999. Dad was the Manitoba Provincial singles champ for six years and won many doubles titles with his partner and best friend, Dr. Ken McRae. He won three Canadian National titles in senior singles and doubles in 1988 and that same year was awarded the Order of Sports Excellence. In 2006, Dad was the first inductee into the Manitoba Tennis Hall of Fame. Dad was a beautifully gifted pianist and composer. Our home was always filled with the songs he loved to play on his cherished piano. He was an enthusiastic duplicate bridge player, a great chess player and loved any challenge to solve a mathematical puzzle. He cherished his time spent at the family cottage in Whytewold and the many wonderful vacations taken by him and Mom. The last 10 years of Dad’s life have been difficult with his move to a personal care home where he was lovingly attended to daily by Mom. His passion for life was cut short and yet he did so much in the years he was able to share with us. His gentleness, his sense of humour and the small jokes he loved to play are cherished memories for all of us. He was a true gentleman who exemplified sportsmanship in every sense of the word. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff at Calvary Personal Care Home for their exemplary kindness and the wonderful care that Dad received. Respecting Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held. If friends so desire donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3 to honour his memory and the memory of his faithful companions Tiffy and Tutt. His constant good example, Always taught us right from wrong; Markers for our pathway that will last a lifetime long. We are our Father’s garden, We are his legacy. Thank you Dad we love youPublish Date: Mar 24, 2012ARTHUR WEBSTER GRAY FOSTER 1927 – 2012 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Art Foster on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at the age of 84. Art will be lovingly remembered by his dearest companion Gay, his wife of 55 years and his children Christine Boult (Brian) and John Foster (Lori). He will also be sadly missed by his grandchildren Kyle, Joanna, Jonathon and Ashley, and great grandson Mason. Born April 12, 1927 in Winnipeg, Art was predeceased by his parents Helen and Andy Foster who emigrated from Scotland along with his two favourite aunts – Nan and Babs Gray. Art attended Gordon Bell High School and then graduated with his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from University of Manitoba where he also enjoyed the fellowship of Sigma Lambda Phi Fraternity. Following graduation he started his career path with Great West Life and remained there for 34 years until his retirement at age 55. He was long standing member of St. James Anglican Church and a dedicated Board Member for the St. Norbert Treatment Foundation and Behaviour Centre. Dad was a life-long learner and excelled at anything he decided to undertake. He was a wonderful athlete – playing basketball for the University of Manitoba Bisons, faculty soccer, badminton, curling for many years at the Winter Club and playing his favourite game – tennis – right up until his stroke in 1999. Dad was the Manitoba Provincial singles champ for six years and won many doubles titles with his partner and best friend, Dr. Ken McCrae. He won three Canadian National titles in senior singles and doubles in 1988 and that same year was awarded the Order of Sports Excellence. In 2006, Dad was the first inductee into the Manitoba Tennis Hall of Fame. Dad was a beautifully gifted pianist and composer. Our home was always filled with the songs he loved to play on his cherished piano. He was an enthusiastic duplicate bridge player, a great chess player and loved any challenge to solve a mathematical puzzle. He cherished his time spent at the family cottage in Whytewold and the many wonderful vacations taken by him and Mom. The last 10 years of Dad’s life have been difficult with his move to a personal care home where he was lovingly attended to daily by Mom. His passion for life was cut short and yet he did so much in the years he was able to share with us. His gentleness, his sense of humour and the small jokes he loved to play are cherished memories for all of us. He was a true gentleman who exemplified sportsmanship in every sense of the word. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff at Calvary Personal Care Home for their exemplary kindness and the wonderful care that Dad received. Respecting Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held. In his memory and the memory of his faithful companions Tiffy and Tutt, donations may be made to The Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3. His constant good example, Always taught us right from wrong; Markers for our pathway that will last a lifetime long. We are our Father’s garden, We are his legacy. Thank you Dad we love youPublish Date: Mar 20, 2012   As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on March 20, 2012