Obituary of Thomas Ross Foster

November 28, 1929 - November 21, 2023

It is with profound sadness that the family of Tom Foster announces his passing on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the age of 93.

He was the beloved husband of Helen (nee Spodarek), loved father of Ken (Christine), Joanne (Greg) and Janet (Keith); cherished grandfather of Derrick (Kassandra), Dean (Stacey), Matthew (Rayan), Kristin, and Nicole (Nick); great-grandfather to little “Ellie”, brother to Doug (Kossene), Gary (Geri), Leslie (Denis), Lorna (Jerry) and Alan (Shelly). Tom is predeceased by his mother Maun Hallquist and father, Ross Foster.

Of all of Tom’s accomplishments, being a husband to Helen and sharing 65 years of marriage was his greatest joy and achievement.  He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and their achievements.  Tom was a loving, giving, kind and supportive patriarch who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family.

Born in Pasadena, California, his mother and father moved back to Maple Creek, Saskatchewan when Tom was six months old.  He spent his childhood there attending school and making lifetime friends and memories.  In his teens, he moved to Calgary with his mother where he attended Western Canada High School.  After graduating, Tom worked with Union Tractor for seven years before joining Shell Canada.  After a few years, Shell transferred Tom to Edmonton where he met Helen.  They married in 1958 in Fairview, Alberta.  In 1971, the family was transferred back to Calgary where they bought a home on Maple Creek Drive and lived there for fourteen years. Tom & Helen purchased a gorgeous condo backing onto Fish Creek Park where they resided for 36 years. Tom loved nothing more than sitting on the deck, enjoying the view, the birds, and the wildlife.  Tom retired from Shell in 1984 after 28 years of loyal employment. In 2021, Tom and Helen moved to The Manor Village at Fish Creek Park.  The Manor amenities and kind, compassionate staff have made their current home a happy one, with special and heartfelt thanks to the caring staff on the fourth floor.

Dad loved all sports but especially enjoyed and became an accomplished fly fisherman and enjoyed tying flies and giving them to family.  Many years were spent at the ranch on the Highwood River where many bets were won and lost catching trout.  Tom and Helen loved both their memberships at the Pinebrook Golf and Country Club and the Westwinds Curling Club where they participated in all activities and made lasting friendships.  “Deal the cards”, Tom would always say, he loved cards especially with family!  Tom, though not an accomplished skier, enjoyed many laughs and shenanigans with family and friends on the cross-country ski trails.  Helen and Tom enjoyed traveling around the world and especially spending time at their two timeshares in Fairmont and on Lake Okanagan.

Memorial tributes may be made to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, 403-210-6055, https://engage.ucalgary.ca/TRFostermemorial.

Memorial Services will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca Street S.E., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the church.  The service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@mcdougallunitedchurchcalga4407 on the day of the service. A recording of the service will be posted on McDougall United Church’s website. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Tom’s family here or messages of condolence and support can be sent through the McDougall office and will be forwarded to the family.

In living memory of Tom Foster, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.