JOHN THOMAS (TOM) FOSTER

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JOHN THOMAS (TOM) FOSTER Peacefully, after a brief illness Dad passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 93. Dad is survived by his daughters Carol Baxted (Jim), Beth Bloomfield (Howard), Colleen Foster (Catherine); and son Tom who resides at St. Amant Centre; grandson Robert Bohncke (Kim) of BC; granddaughter Sherry Burgoyne (Daryl) of NB, and his great-grandchildren, Jared, Mike and Devon; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, and our amazing Mom, Elizabeth (Elsie); his brothers Al and Bud, sisters Bernadette (Hutchings) and Mary (Sister of Charity);and his second wife Dorothy (Stoez-Foster). Dad was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on February 19, 1919. During his youth he and his brothers enjoyed acting, dancing, singing and doing vaudeville acts in local theatres. In 1940, he enlisted in the Canadian Army (RCEME Corps). In 1944 he met and married our Mom Elsie, who was also in the Army. During his career, our family had the typical Army life at the time, moving every few years to various towns and cities throughout the East Coast, Ontario and Manitoba. After retiring from the Forces in 1967, he worked in clerical positions in law firms in Ontario and Winnipeg. In 1972, he and Mom settled in Winnipeg in order to be close to their daughters and eventually, with much joy, were able to move Tom from Smith's Falls Ontario, to St. Amant Centre. Throughout his retirement years, he loved to travel, not only with Mom and then Dorothy, but often with his daughters, and with his sons-in-law, whom he cherished. He volunteered for many years at Canadian Consumer's, and St. Amant Centre. He especially loved playing the role of Santa Claus for many Christmas celebrations at St. Amant. Well into his eighties Dad enjoyed golf and swimming regularly. He was an avid reader, enjoyed all types of music, and any kind of live entertainment at the Concert Hall and MTS Centre. We will always remember Dad for his great sense of humour, willingness to try almost anything that involved fun; his love of people, and ability to treat everyone with kindness and respect. He had such generosity of heart and tenacity of spirit. He relished sharing his wealth of experiences and interesting memories with his family. We are proud and honoured to have had such a great father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who was also such an amazing friend. Dad's ashes will be taken to Sydney, Nova Scotia, to be interred next to our beloved mother, Elsie. Our family wish to extend heartfelt thanks to Neil Bardal for their kind service and support; our deepest gratitude to all the compassionate and caring staff of Seven Oaks Hospital 5th floor, units 7 and 1, and the Emergency Department. Our love and appreciation also to Sr. Marie and all the Sister's of St. Benedict for their generous caring and concern for Dad during the last two years of his life while he resided at St. Benedict's Place. And certainly not to be forgotten, we want to express how very grateful we are to Dad's wonderful, amazing Physician of over 30 years, Dr. Roland Hayward. Dad was deeply loved and will be forever missed. See ya later, Sarge
Publish Date: Oct 1, 2012

JOHN THOMAS (TOM) FOSTER After a brief illness, our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather Tom, passed away at Seven Oaks Hospital on Wednesday, September 5, 2012., at the age of 93. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Sep 10, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 2012