Reverend Canon Robert Wood Foster
Died: February 16, 2013 | Place: Residence
Obituary
FOSTER, Robert Wood (March 2nd, 1927 – February 16th, 2013)…
The Reverend Canon Robert Wood Foster died peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 16, 2013 in his 86th year. Beloved and loving husband of Betty Jean Foster (née Townshend) for 53 years. Dear son of the late Herbert and Jean Foster and brother of the late Marion Gray. Loving father of Brenda Jean, Barbara Jane (David) and Brian Robert (Jennifer). Special Grandpa to Jaeden, Kieran, Jorya, Tristan, Samantha, Kiahna and Gavin. Affectionately remembered by sisters-in-law: Betty Townshend, Mary Friesen, Barbara Ullerick (Gordon), Peggy Utting, and Nancy Lougheed, by brother-in-law Bob Townshend (Pat) and by many nieces and nephews. Bob served as Rector of parishes in Winona, Jordan, Milton, Hamilton and The Church of The Redeemer in London. Upon his retirement, he was a dedicated chaplain at the London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in London. In his youth, Bob was an active Rover Scout, a time which gave him many delightful memories. He was also a member of the London East Rotary Club for many years. ‘Canon Bob’ will be remembered as a devout, passionate priest; ‘Grandpa’ will be treasured as a proud, caring family man. In lieu of flowers, remembrances of Bob may be made to ‘The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund’ of which Bob was a part for many years or to ‘Huron University College’, London. Visitation with the family will take place at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, Ontario on Wed. Feb. 20, 2013 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A Celebration of Robert’s Life will be held at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 280 St. James St., London, Ontario on Thurs. Feb. 21, 2013 at 1 p.m. Online condolences, photographs and memories may be shared at www.amgfh.com
“Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.” Luke 2:29
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To Betty Jean Foster and Family. We are saddened to hear of Bob’s death. I always loved seeing him at Bayfield He will be sadly missed. I loved his wit and his way of speaking. He always made you think. from your friends Kathy and Bill, Katie, and Nick Robert and Patricia and Eleanor Carson
I was very sad to read of the passing of Rev. Bob. I belong to St. Paul’s Cathedral and I was a volunteer at Victoria Hospital for 28yrs. I was the buyer and ran our gift shops. As knowing Rev. Bob from St. Paul’s and our stockroom was down near his office at the Hospital he would check to see if the lights were on and would come in for a visit and to see what new items we had bought at the gift show. We actually looked forward to his visits. We also had a lot of conversations regarding the Church. I will miss his warm smile and the chats.
Our condolences to Betty, Brenda, Barbara, and Brian. We have fond memories of Bob and his family when he was Rector at Grace Church, Hamilton during the 1970’s. Our hearts and thoughts are with you. Jack & Helen
My condolences to Betty and family. I first met Bob at Big Bay Point in 1974 and, as a typically callow teen, found him to be open, direct and interesting to talk to.
Dear Mrs.Foster and family, my sincere condolences. I have very fond memories of Reverend Foster. He was our minister at Grace Anglican Church in Milton. He performed my marriage in 1973. He was a very wise and well respected man. Although I am no longer married I was looking at my wedding pictures just last night and there he was with us after signing the marriage certificate.I was reminded how much I liked him and how much I know he will be missed. I was over to my parents today and my Mum showed me his obituary in the paper. I am so sorry for your loss.
The thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Canon Bob was a great mentor to me personally as he was to many people and I will always be grateful for his many words of advice. He will be sadly missed by our entire family.
With fond memories and special thanks for the many kindnesses that were given by Bob to my late Aunt Mildred Leahy.
Our prayers are with you.
Blessings
and love,
Gary and Mary Margaret Koreen
I have been blessed for many years to be part of the extended Foster family. We shared some very special celebrations together and Bob and Betty always treated me warmly. I love listening to Brian tell stories about his Dad-he does it with so much love and respect. Not the kind that comes just from being a father, but the kind that is earned by a man who was everything a Dad should be. And, I know that he was proud of the man that Brian has grown up to be.
Barry and I so wish that we could be with you during this time but know that our love and thoughts are with you all, today and everyday.
My deepest sympathy to Betty and family at this difficult time. From Marj Dobson, Clinton, Ontario (Gaiser Kneale Insurance)
To Betty Jean Foster & Family:
Rev Foster was a very caring and interesting man to see and speak to. When I came to cut your lawn in Bayfield he usually would come out and we’d have a nice talk. He was very comforting to me when I lost my husband Leon, he just knew what to say to make me smile. I will miss him dearly. Please know that you are in my heart and I am thinking of you.
Terry Collings
My condolences to Betty and Family. Rev. Foster was the minister at St. John’s in Winona when I was a girl. I sang in the Choir and attended the youth group. He made the youth group fun and religion interesting to the teens.Betty made nice treats for us too. I had the pleasure of baby sitting the children as toddlers when I was 13/14yrs. Old. He was certainly missed by the parish , myself included when transferred.
We will remember Canon Bob from his days in Hamilton at our Church. Blessings to his wife and family from an old friend.
I fondly remember Bob’s friendship, support, and mentoring while I was posted in Bayfield. Thank you Bob for your dedication and service to our Lord. Enjoy your eternal reward!
I was saddened to learn the news of Rev. Foster’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Bob through Jenn and Brian and was honoured to witness Rev. Foster as he presided over their wedding and the baptism of Samantha and Gavin. I know Samantha and Gavin will miss their grandfather very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.
It was always a joyful time for us at St. James “Middleton” when our wonderful Canon Foster was taking the services. He gave such an uplifting experience to our worship.
We will miss him, but cherish the memories, always!
The thoughts and prayers from everyone at PSDS & Wiarton are with you all. Love
I had the honour of knowing Bob through our association at London Health Sciences Centre. He worked on the planning team as we brought in a Chaplain to the Cancer Centre, and helped plan several spiritual care workshops. I always enjoyed chatting with Bob, and I really appreciated the perspective he brought to our discussions. He had a wonderful sense of humour.
Peace be with you. Gale
Dear Brenda,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad. I remember him well from Grace Anglican Church in Milton. I also remember playing with you and my sister, Cindy, when we were kids.