Robert C. Foster

Robert C. Foster, 86, of Hopkinton, formerly of Holliston and Bear River, Nova Scotia, distinguished Royal Navy veteran, loving husband and father, died peacefully Thursday, March 15, 2012, in Hopkinton, surrounded by his caring family and his beloved and devoted wife, Clytie. Bob was born in Canning Town, East End of London, G.B., and was the only son of Robert C. Foster and Alice D. Foster. He lived through the bombing of London in the early stages of World War II, and eventually entered the Royal Navy Submarine Service at the age of 17. During his tour of duty with the Royal Navy, he served honorably on many submarines, participated in the Battle of the Atlantic, and finished the war boarding the captured German submarine, U-190, off of the coast of Newfoundland. While stationed in Digby, Nova Scotia, he met his future bride and lifelong partner, Clytie. Bob was also an avid British sports car driver and live steam engine enthusiast. He raced in England after the war in single seater Bugattis and MGs, still owned a number of sports cars, and was a longtime member of the Washakum Live Steam Engine Club. Bob was also known for his keen interest in history, politics, and a lifelong pursuit of classical music and the arts. He and Clytie spent many a weekend night, either at Symphony Hall or Tanglewood, enjoying the wonderful sounds of the Boston Symphony. Bob and Clytie also shared a love for travel and roaming the beaches and remote islands of Nova Scotia together. Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Clytie A. (Banks), of Rossway, Nova Scotia; his five children, Robert Foster and his wife, Cindy, of Holliston, Clare Lynch of St. Petersburg, Fla., David Foster of Plymouth, Alice Resker and her husband, Robert Resker, of Grafton, and Victoria Hart and her husband, James Hart, of Hopkinton; and finally, 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Bob spent his final years happily traveling back and forth from Nova Scotia to Hopkinton and to Florida. Bob and Clytie shared a life filled with adventure, family and friends. His warm smile and humorous philosophy of life will always be remembered, and greatly missed by those fortunate enough to have known him. Up spirits!! Visitation 7-9 Friday March 23rd from Jayne’s Funeral Home, 7 Birch St., Digby (245-2525). A private family service will take place with Interment in Rossway Baptist Cemetery, Digby Co. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob, may be made to a charity of choice.