Andrew Walter Foster

All people die, but not all people know how to live. Andrew Walter Foster lived a full, loving, remarkable life right up until he passed away at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center on January 8, 2024, surrounded by his family and his beloved husband, Roman Martinez. Andrew passed away after a series of open-heart surgeries to repair a congenital birth defect.

Andrew was a triple-threat performer – a singer, actor and dancer; a 25-year flight attendant for Alaska Airlines; an accomplished cook and host of gatherings; and the “glue” which held together, and looked after, his family and friends.

Andrew was born August 19, 1966 in Emanuel Hospital in Portland. By the time he was 15 his heart defects had been diagnosed. Around that time the Centennial High School student began demonstrating his musical and theater talents. “His talent shone through,” writes his high school drama teacher Janet Mouser. “(He) was amazing for his age.”

Janet’s son Kirk was Andrew’s classmate, and close friend. “It was a tight knit group,” says Kirk. “We lived and breathed theater and music. Andy was incredibly talented.”

That talent landed Andrew a full scholarship to the University of Utah, where he graduated with a fine arts degree in 1990. In college summers and ensuing years he worked in New York and Los Angeles with talents such as Kristen Chenoweth, Regis Philbin and June Allison. He also entertained on Holland America cruise ships.

In the last week of his life Andrew told his husband and family that, as he reached the end of his last contract with the cruise line, “he stood at the bow of the ship as it pulled into port,” recounts husband Roman. “He thought, ‘I’ve seen the world over the last two years and had experiences I loved. If I died tomorrow I would die a very happy person.’”

Instead, he had 30 years of great happiness ahead with Roman Martinez.

The two met shortly after Andrew moved back to Portland, when Roman had come from Eastern Washington to interview for a job with Alaska Airlines. It was a case of seeing each other “across a crowded room,” Roman says. “I couldn’t stop staring; his smile just drew me in.” Roman was hired by Alaska, and soon Andrew was, too. They moved in together and “the craziness began,” says Roman. The two gregarious partners worked hundreds of flights together, and vacationed all over the world, including 43 cruises, making friends everywhere they went. They hosted legendary parties, sometimes turning their garage into a well-lit karaoke nightclub. Andrew cooked for all family holidays, which were frequent.

In 2006, Kirk Mouser had returned to Portland and founded Stumptown Stages; he and producer Corey Brunish mounted a production of Grease, and Andrew was cast as Teen Angel. So Andrew, who always had stage fright, reluctantly left theater retirement and wowed audiences once again with his voice. A few years later Corey, who is now a successful Broadway producer, cast Andrew in the lead role of Bobby in the musical, Company. “He was so talented…as a singer and an actor,” says Corey, “But the thing that made Andrew extraordinary was his inevitably upbeat persona…I will always remember his enthusiasm and sincerity.”

In their 30 years together, Andrew and Roman became their friends’ role models for a happy marriage. “The two of them were like a shining light,” says Stephanie Moothart, who worked with them at Alaska Airlines. Both were exuberant and intrepid. And devoted to each other.

Andrew’s heart problems caught up with him five years ago, and he and his doctors took up the fight. There were surgeries and test after test. Finally, in early January, Andrew was told he needed a heart transplant or he would not survive. He lived just a few days more.

Roman slept in Andrew’s hospital room for weeks. One night, as Roman slept nearby, Andrew posted a message to him on Facebook. “You mean the world to me,” he wrote. “Always let your light burn.”

Roman believes Andrew knew his end was at hand. “He was different that last week,” he says. Andrew told friends he was at peace. He asked his surgeon that if he died, his heart be preserved for study. He worried about who would do his family’s taxes, who would make holiday meals. He wrote personal notes to all 8 nieces and nephews. “Right to the end”, says Roman, “he was so giving.”

Andrew died too young, at 57. He had more songs to sing. But while he was here Andrew filled our hearts with his music and his care and his love. They will nurture us forever.

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Andrew Foster is survived by his husband Roman Martinez, his mother Karen Foster, his sisters June (Peter) Michalski, Christine Foster, Mary Foster, and brother Dan Foster. He was predeceased by his father, John Foster. Roman Martinez and the Foster family would like to thank Andrew’s medical professionals for their expertise and compassion.

A memorial service will be held 5 PM Saturday, January 27, at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 SE 139th Ave, Portland.