Obituary of Ken Foster

November 20, 1950 – Peace River, Alberta

April 29, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Kenneth (Ken) Foster, beloved husband of Milka (nee Talitti), passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2024, at the age of 73 in Calgary, AB.

Ken was born on November 20, 1950, in Peace River, AB. At the age of sixteen, he left school to join the U.S. Army where he completed two tours of duty in the Vietnam War, for which he was awarded The Purple Heart Medal. Following the passing of his father Kenneth in 1971, Ken returned to Canada. After a chance meeting while working in Indonesia for ARCO, Ken married his beloved Milka in 1998, in Sorong, West Papua (formally Irian Jaya). Ken worked for various Oil and Gas companies during his lifetime, most recently of which he served as a worldwide assessor for Schlumberger before retirement.

In his free time, Ken enjoyed reading Western novels, watching movies, taking in hockey and soccer games, horseback riding and taking care of his farm. He had a passion for travelling and was fortunate enough to do so for both work and pleasure. Ken was also very passionate about mentoring his colleagues, teaching, and helping people in general.

Besides his loving wife Milka, Ken is survived by his two sons, Renn of Sundre, AB, and Cee Jay of Wainwright, AB; five daughters, Kendall Foster of Ponoka, AB, Claudia Foster (Edwin Velasquez) of Bogota, Colombia, Tatiana Foster (Daniel Alejandro) of Bogota, Colombia, Karina Foster (Juan Diego Ortegon) of Saskatoon, SK, and Stephania Foster (Andres Galvis) of California, U.S.A. He will also be deeply missed by his five grandchildren, Tacee Foster, Laramie Ekkel, Lau-Ree Foster Ekkel, Isabella Foster Velasquez, Lucio Galvis Foster; as well as his two great-grandchildren, Kash Foster, and Emiliano Ortegon.

Ken is also survived by his brothers, Patrick Foster (Loreen) of Westlock, AB, Kevin Foster (Judy) of Imbler, Oregon, USA, Michael Foster (Diane) of Victoria, BC; his sisters, Maysel Foster of Kelowna, BC, and Kathryn Hunt (Douglas Hunt) of Calgary, AB; and two sisters-in-law, Evelyn (David Foster) and Louise (Frank Foster).

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth Pearl Foster and Lois Evelyn Thompson, his siblings, David Foster, Frank Foster, Henry Foster, and Shirley Foster; as well as his brother-in-law Dave Knooihuizen. Ken will also be missed by his pets Chewy, and Aspen, as well as his predeceased pet Lupita.

The family would like to thank the Rockyview and Peter Lougheed Hospitals, George Boyack Carewest, and Agape Hospice for their care and compassion.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

Ken will be most remembered for his passion for life, his love for his family, and his dedication to his work.

Rest in peace, Ken. You will be deeply missed by all.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Kenneth’s family here.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB) on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Foster's service streamed live at https://ucalgary.zoom.us/j/7407402166.

In living memory of Kenneth Foster, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.