Roger Foster

Roger was born to Doris (Davis) and Milton Foster in Lansing. Roger developed a deep passion for labor relations when he was employed by Diamond Reo Trucks. He was elected union steward and later president of UAW local 650. He taught labor relations at Lansing Community College and retired as "maintenance engineer" from the UAW international union on River Street.

Roger loved his four children. He could not have been prouder of his daughter Cindi (Larry) Pearson of Queen Creek, AZ and their melon farming operation. Cindi talked to her father nearly every day, she was without a doubt the glue that kept everyone together despite the distance. Tom "Shanks" (Donna) Foster of Yuma, AZ, was more like his "pops" than he might care to admit. He shares Roger's easygoing nature and quick wit. One of Roger's happiest times in life was when his career path crossed with his daughter Lisa Thelen (Darren Stewart) when they both worked for the UAW. He instilled a love of the outdoors in his "Little Smell" Melissa (Darin "Daryl" Meggers) of Baker, MT. He spent the last six autumns chasing mule deer, antelope, and especially rooster pheasants in the Big Sky state.

He married Myra "Rhymes" Sibley in 1979. She was the love of his life. They shared many wonderful years and adventures together. From trips to Houghton Lake, to simply working in the yard (Roger grew the best tomatoes in Ingham County) or taking a night out with friends, Myra and Roger were an inseparable team. After nearly 40 years of marriage they could still be found most summer evenings sitting hand-in-hand on the swing in their yard.

Roger was an avid hunter and fisherman. Before he lost his best fishing partner Dale McDonald, you could often find them in the boat out on Crooked Lake. It was always his friend Gary Watson's responsibility to let him know when the bluegills were on the beds. He also leaves behind hunting/fishing buddies Gene Sibley, Ken Carpenter, Randy Eding, James Taylor, and others.

Roger's outgoing, fun-loving personality was contagious. Everywhere he went, Roger would wander off and strike up a conversation if he saw a guy fishin', or a guy who looked like he might like to hunt, or just someone walking down the street. He'd say, "I've never had anyone get mad at me for talking to them".

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister-in-law Michelle Foster. He leaves behind his wife and children; two brothers Milton Junior (Joan "Squeak") Foster, and David Foster; six grandchildren Lisa Pearson-Podesta (Mark Long), Makenzie Thelen, Zachary Thelen, Beau (Chelsea) Clark, Thomas Roger (Felicia) Foster, and Blake Stewart; six great-grandchildren Madison Podesta, Chase Podesta, Penelope Clark, little Beau Clark, Jamie Foster, and Freyja Foster; two brother-in-law's Gene (Jo) Sibley, Harry "Bud" (Barb) Sibley, and numerous nieces and nephews. Every year Roger looked forward to seeing the whole Foster clan at the Foster Family Reunion. He will be dearly missed.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018 at 3:00pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing with visitation one hour prior.