Richard Foster

On December 29, 2016, the world lost a truly remarkable soul, Richard "Dick" Foster, at the age of 80 due to his battle with dementia. This man radiated with happiness, you could always find him smiling, laughing, and enjoying the many beautiful things in his life. Dick was born on October 28, 1936 to Ethel and William Waide Foster in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the 10th of 12 children. Dick moved to Burbank, California in his 20’s. After graduating college at Cal State LA, he became a secondary school teacher. Dick spent his first six years teaching at Centennial High School in Compton, California. During this time, his best friend’s daughter set him up on a date with her grade school teacher. It was love at first sight, and the two were married on July 1, 1967. This was the start of Richard Foster’s and Patricia Louise Coughlin-Foster’s 49 year marriage.

The couple moved from Burbank to Simi Valley where Dick became one of Royal High School’s founding teachers in 1968. He loved talking to people and could chat with anyone about anything. He taught various history classes there until his retirement in 1999. One of the most exciting things to happen to him while at Royal was being selected to represent the school at the opening of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He also loved to watch cooking shows on TV to learn new recipes to cook for his wife, and making new friends at a local coffee shop.

Richard "Dick" is survived by his wife Patricia “Patt” Foster; three daughters: Sharon (Tom Baker), Melissa (Scott Heidt), and Suzanne (Brad Taylor); grandchildren: Kayla, Ryan, Victoria, Alex, Allyson, Thomas, and Madeline; great-grandchildren: Cameron and a baby boy due in May. Dick is also survived by his sister Margie Foster and brother Robert “Bob” Foster, along with many nephews and nieces.

We will continue to love and adore him even though he is no longer here with us. As is said, “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. . . unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.”

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's Association at 1528 Chapala Street, Suite 204 Santa Barbara, CA 93101-8820.