Dean Mervin Foster

Dean Mervin Foster
May 5, 1943 - December 23, 2021

Son of John Wesley Foster (1987) and Edna Viola (Barr)(1954) Siblings Charlie Foster (Jackie), Donna DeLarge (Wes), Jackie Corner (Bob). Pallbearers: Mike Babcock, Josh Black, Kevin Green, Drew Hunter, Grant Young, Lloyd Young.

Memories by nephew John Foster:

Dean was known to the people he cared about as dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was born and grew up in Lake St. Peter where he lived most of his life. My memories began at a young age. My sister and I lived next door to Foster’s Store where Dean and my grandfather lived and worked with my dad Charlie for over 30 years. I remember going to the store, sand pail in hand, to fill it with candy compliments of Dean and grandpa which brought some feisty comments from my mom. As I became a little older I started to trap and snowmobile. I can tell you I used uncle Dean’s snowmobile all the time and he just fixed it & fuelled it with a smile on his face.

Christmas, birthdays and special times as a child at mom and dad’s house were never complete without Dean on hand. As time passed, Wayne and Marlene Wilson came into Dean’s life. I do have to say that when Wayne was in high school and college, Wayne and Lloyd Young did give Dean some grey hairs from their ventures to the hotel, parties or snowmobile outings. However, after Dean vented on them all was well again. As I got older, Wayne and I both commented that he couldn’t say much as Dean was no saint in his younger years and even often went out with Wayne and Lloyd. The sun rose and set on Wayne in Dean’s eyes and the feelings of Wayne were the same as they remain today. There was also a special place in Dean’s heart for Wayne’s daughter Levi and sons Drew & Tayte. Two years ago he was as pleased as can be to become Madie’s greatgranddad.

When Dean married Jackie Byrnes he moved to Palmer Rapids and our outings were reduced to fishing and hunting trips. However we were always in contact by phone or text. I remember Dean’s delight the first time his grandson Josh Black came to the camp to deer hunt. Dean was hard on Josh at times but would say, “The young lad needs to learn.” We all knew this tough side was a front as Dean’s feelings for Josh were very evident.

After Jackie’s passing, Dean was lucky enough to reconnect with Erin Morlock who was his companion until his sudden passing. Erin brought fulfillment back into his life and as the guys at the camp always said, spoiled him. His enjoyment of the camp with Erin or the guys was unbelievable.

Our camp is a tight knit group of family and friends all of whom Dean considered family. Not many people have the joy of hunting with their son, grandsons, brother and devoted friends. It was the highlight of his year, the place he loved and the centre of happy memories. The next time I am at the camp and someone sitting at the end of the table points and says, “Seeing as you’re up can you get me that” I will smile. When Dean passed we all lost someone we loved. For me I not only lost an uncle but I lost a friend.