When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits David Harold Foster who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, David was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with David knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.
His parents were Roy and Katherine Foster. David was raised in Jewl and Vernonia. Even as a youngster, David learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.
As a young boy, David was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. David was raised with seven siblings. He had four brothers Gene, Jim, Billy, Jerry and three sisters Janiece, Naomi, and Eva . David had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For David, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
David's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, David enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In his spare time he liked fishing, hunting and swimming.
In school, David was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, David was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. David’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. From high school at age 17 Dave joined the military where he continued his education until graduating.
An objective and conscientious individual, David reveled in the security of his family. One of David’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.
David was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. David would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. David was blessed with three children, two sons, Bryan & Shawn and one daughter, Kalleen. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Kayleen & David Foster, Trey, Jessica and Damen Milewski.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, David was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, David was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, David upheld his standards. His primary occupation was being in the United States military as a Master Sergeant for the Air Force. He was employed for United States Government. David was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
David was a Air Force Retiree. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. David saw action for several years in the Vietnam Conflict. Through his hard work and dedication of 20 years, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.
David approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, keeping busy on the farm, and dancing. David was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, David used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. David had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included traveling to visit his daughter Kalleen and his grandchildren.
When David’s retirement finally arrived in November 1, 1981, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Mtn.Home, Idaho AFB then to Milwaukie, Oregon. In retirement, he found new pleasure in fishing, spending time with his family and friends, dancing, and lawn work. In many ways, David loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities. Dave had a heart of gold and would do anything he could for his family. One of his favorite things to do was to watch his grandson David play football. While out people would flock to him. He was strong, funny, and a loving man who will be dearly missed.
David passed away on July 30, 2010 at Meridian Park Hospital. From a sudden event. He is survived by his children Byran, Shawn & Kalleen, his brothers Jim and Jerry, sisters, Naomi & Janiece, and his grandchildren Kayleen, David, Trey, Jessica, and Damen. Preceded in death by his brothers Gene & Billy, and his sister Eva. A visitation for family and friends were held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. David was laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.
All who knew him would agree that David was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. David Harold Foster did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.
Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.
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