William Foster Jr.

Bill Foster, U of A Associate Dean of Students, passed away at home on March 25, 2019. Bill was born in Johnson City, NY. on August 29, 1927. After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean conflict, he attended Harper College in Binghamton, NY. for two years before arriving at the University of Arizona Campus where he completed his BA/BS and MBA degrees.

Following graduate school, Bill married LaVerne, his bride of 58 years, and joined the College of Business and Public Administration as an Assistant to the Dean and Assistant Professor of Economics. In 1967, he became a full-time administrator as an Assistant Dean of Men and was later named Associate Dean of Students, remaining in that position until his retirement in 1986. Bill’s heart was always with the students. During his years of service on campus, he was advisor to Golden Key, being made an honorary member in 1986. He was also an advisory to the University Religious Council, Alpha Phi Omega and the USMC ROTC Unit. Bill received the Tucson Trade Bureau Faculty Recognition Award in 1975. He was honored to serve as a board member of the Little Chapel of All Nations and as a member of the Tucson Foster Care Review Board. In 1981, Bill was selected by the Bobcats as a Hall of Fame member for distinguished service to the University of Arizona.

Bill was preceded in death by his son, John Patrick; his granddaughter, Margaret Stahl and his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Anda. He is survived by his wife, LaVerne; his daughter, Susan (Bud) Butterfield; his son, Bill (Spring); his grandchildren, Julia Stahl, John McGinley, Jonathan Foster, Brittney Foster and Nathan Foster; numerous nieces and nephews and special cousins, Clark (Kathie) DeLorme. Bill was dearly loved by those who knew him and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated caregivers of Casa de la Luz Hospice for their most loving and tender care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Life in Christ Community Church, 102 E. Palmdale St. Tucson, AZ 85714 or Casa de la Luz Hospice, 7740 N. Oracle Rd. Tucson, AZ 85704.