It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my father, Wayne Jay Beck Foster. Dad passed away unexpectedly at the age of 87 in hospital due to complications from Covid and Pneumonia. Dad was born on December 31,1936 in Fort William Ontario.
Dad started his working career at the shipyards and eventually moved into sales at Gillis and Warren and later at Acklands. He concluded his career with Bombardier after many years of service at the age of 65.
The happiest moments of his life were when he became a father to three girls. His girls were his pride and joy. He was ever present in their lives. Dad took us on summer vacations for many years to Southern Ontario to visit family. We also enjoyed many camping trips with dad to Quetico Provincial Park, The Wolf River and Pass Lake. Dad rarely missed an event or activity that his daughters were involved with. He attended Susan’s dance recitals, Janis’s baseball games and Vicki’s swim meets. He spent a lot of his time driving his girls wherever they had to go. Twice a day at 6:00 a.m. and at dinner time he would drive his daughter Vicki to her swimming practices 5-6 times per week. He would also drive long distances for swim meets in Winnipeg, Sault St. Marie and Duluth, MN. He became involved with swimming not just as a spectator but volunteered his time to become a timer at swim meets. He did this all while working and raising his three girls.
Dad had many interests. He was an avid golfer and spent much time at driving ranges and on golf courses. He took many lessons and also videos of himself so he could correct his swing. Music was another passion of dad’s. The music was always playing loudly through his amazing stereo! He loved being at live concerts and performances and watching those that he had on DVD and ones that he had downloaded. Dad took his three girls on a road trip to see The Carpenters in the early 70’s. He was thrilled and we were kind of thinking the Carpenters weren’t so cool, so we kept it kind of quiet amongst our friends (even though we loved them too). The opener was Steve Martin who of course had us all laughing. Then The Carpenters came on and put on such a great show which left us with a great memory of going to a concert with our dad. Dad loved to watch Steve Martin’s rise to fame. Dad had a good sense of humour and loved a good comedy act. Dad bought a Fender Stratocaster guitar in his 70’s and then took guitar lessons.
Dad was a jack of all trades. He excelled in carpentry, gardening and photography. He built many Adirondack chairs, shelves, bins, tables, a dog house for his grandchildren’s puppy and benches which he generously gave away. His gardens were meticulously planted every spring and produced bountiful food such as huge tomatoes, corn, potatoes, carrots which when harvested he shared with everyone. Dad took his hobbies seriously. When he took an interest in photography he decided he needed his own dark room to develop his photographs. He developed many pictures over the years. His favourite photograph was the portrait he took of his three girls. The photograph graced the wall of every home he lived in.
Dad was overjoyed at becoming a grandparent. He was always present at his grandchildren’s events. It was rare that he missed a hockey game of his grandson Turner or his granddaughter Jana or a dance recital of his granddaughter Kelly. He even attended Jana’s hockey practices. He could be seen in the stands wearing his red Queen’s hoodie with Hockey Grandpa and his name Wayne embroidered on his sleeve. He often drove to Duluth to watch his granddaughter play college hockey, he never wanted to miss out on the action.
A few years back Dad went to Toronto to visit his granddaughter Kelly. He saw the Blue Jays play and then went to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Dad was absolutely shocked at the size of the jersey’s saying they looked so small compared to how big the players were.
When his daughter Susan moved to New Brunswick, dad and his partner Jayne would take many road trips to visit Susan. He loved seeing his daughter and enjoyed the hospitality she so graciously bestowed.
He loved to visit his family often, sometimes every day of the week or no less than three times a week. Even just a few years ago in his 80’s he would drive over in the worst of snowstorms for a visit and a cup of coffee even when the city was shutting down. Not dad! He’d blow in through the door saying “I must be crazy there’s not a soul out there!”
Dad was also known to be “bit” of a gambler. He enjoyed many trips to Hinckley and Las Vegas. The Casino here in town will miss him.
Dad lost two of his daughters, Susan in 2011 and Janis in 2023. Losing them broke his heart. Just before dad could no longer drive he took Jan out and about to spend time with her and to help her with errands she wanted to do. He was always a phone call away.
Those who knew dad would describe him as quiet, kind, funny, and a good family man with a giant heart.
He is survived by his partner and best friend, Jayne Wark; and her three kids, Jeff, Rob and Jennifer. His daughter, Vicki; son-in-law, Gary; grandson, Turner; granddaughter, Kelly (Mitch); granddaughter, Jana (Jordan); his son-in-law, David Henry; and his great-grandsons, Logan and Jay. He is also survived by his brother, Mel (Nancy); his nieces, nephews and cousins. Each of them held a special place in Dad’s heart, and he in theirs.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Gwen Foster; and his daughters, Susan Flagel, and Janis Henry.
He will be deeply missed, but the warmth of his spirit will remain with us always. As per dad’s wishes there will be no service. Dad will be laid to rest with his parents at a later date.
Dad’s last words spoken to me when I was leaving the hospital were “have a good one”.
Have a good one Dad. We are already missing you. Love from your family. XO
Thank you to the nurses and doctors in emergency, in wards 2A and 2B for their care of dad. Thank you to Dr. J. Slivchak for your care and compassion provided to dad over many years. Thank you to Tyler Poletti and the team at Northwest Funeral Alternative for your compassion and guidance. Many thanks to all who called, texted, reached out on FB, sent flowers, cards, food, baking and gift baskets. Your thoughtfulness has helped us get through this difficult time.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
