Allan Foster

Once upon a time, a storyteller in a Tilley hat and plaid shirt strolled through the green forest. He whistled a tune to himself as he stopped to examine a delicate wildflower.

A crowd of people stood by, waiting for him to enchant them, teach them, and make them laugh. His wife of 43 years, Leslie, their three kids Emily (Matt), Andrew (Catherine), and Kevin (Vanessa), five grandchildren, (Wyatt, Billie, Lia, Nate, Cassidy) and countless family, friends and fans were there. They loved him, and would walk with him anywhere.

Allan Foster was a loving and wise man with a contagious passion for the natural world. He loved learning, and was extremely proud of his two masters degrees, and his doctorate in environmental education. He lit up when anyone ever called him Dr. Foster. He was often called that while teaching his fascinated students at the University in Hong Kong.

Allan’s personality could light up a room. Wherever he went, people loved him, and enjoyed his easy-going nature and magnetic charm. Anyone who knew him, even after only meeting him once, will have a story about him, and how he made them laugh, through jokes, pranks, or witty one-liners.

He was a man of many interests, always expanding his skill set, and broadening his horizons. He was a feeder of birds, caller of owls, maker of beer, and keeper of bees. He played multiple instruments, including the bagpipes, and loved his walks, the cottage, and most especially afternoon naps. Relaxing, was something Allan excelled at. Many of you can picture him sitting back in a dock-side Muskoka chair, with a beer in one hand, and a potato chip in the other, and saying, “Wave your arms once and a while so the turkey vultures don’t get us.”

He loved his life, but he loved his family even more. He was a cherished husband, proud father, and beloved Bapa, and will be deeply missed.

His final resting place after a year with cancer, was Matthews House Hospice in Alliston. He passed away peacefully on Saturday March 21st, with Leslie holding his hand, while in the woods one of his favourite spring wildflowers, the Hepatica, poked out of the snow.

Friends and family will be received at the Ward Funeral Home, 4671 Hwy. 7 (west of Pine Valley Drive) Woodbridge, (905) 851-9100, on Tuesday March 24 from 2:00- 4:00pm, and 6:00-9:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday March 25th at 1 pm at Woodbridge United Church, 8090 Kipling Avenue, Woodbridge (905) 851-1302.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the following would be appreciated:
Andrew Foster’s ride to conquer cancer benefiting the Princess Margaret Hospital:
http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events?px=3809857&pg=personal&fr_id=1523
and,
Matthews House Hospice:
http://www.matthewshousehospice.ca