Lawrence "Kent" Kenneth Foster

Foster, Lawrence Kenneth "Kent" passed away on October 16, 2014 at the age of 81 at Hospice Woodside. Kent was born on August 12, 1933 to Warren H. and Marguerite Foster in Memphis, TN. He was a graduate of Whitehaven High School where he was captain of the basketball team and a member of the State Championship Track and Field team in which he ran the half mile, the two mile relay and the high jump. His brother Hal Foster describes their childhood as Tom Sawyer-Huck Finn, full of adventures and escapades. Kent served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1954 to 1956 and received the National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Kent earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee which he put to good use working for Hughes Aircraft on the Gemini Space Project and at Honeywell Electronics in Clearwater where he went on to earn his Master's degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Kent retired from Honeywell after 30 years of service. Kent had many interests and achievements. His passion was golf, playing many years at East Bay Country Club in Largo and Clearwater Country Club. He also played many courses the pro's played, including St. Andrews and Carnoustie in Scotland and the Doral in Miami. Being such an avid golfer, he achieved some of the most rare golf feats, shooting his age several times as well as a number of holes in one. Golfing wasn't his only forte, he was an art student at Betty Blues Studio and won 1st place and Best of Show for his clown painting and he was a published poet as well. His music interests varied and ranged from opera to country with a little bit of Blondie mixed in. After his retirement from Honeywell he went back to school and graduated from St. Petersburg College with a Paralegal Degree and worked in the State Attorney's office while also serving as president of the condo association in Forestbrook. Kent spent the last few months with family and friends along with the assistance of Visiting Angels, A.L.F. Cabot Cove and Woodside Hospice. The family extends a special thank you to those whose care, support and love was given through this difficult time. Kent and Sue would also like to extend their appreciation, love and gratitude to Kevin, Kate, Regina and Kala. Kent is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sue, who says my 34 years with Kent were with a man who loved me "unconditionally", the sweetest, kindest man I knew. Kent is also survived by his children, Denise (Ron) Easthon, Julia (Steve) Ramech and Joe Foster; stepchildren Gary Wence, Kevin (Kate) Wence, along with 15 grandchildren, his brothers Hal (Janice) Foster of Memphis, TN and Lynn Foster of Miami, FL and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his stepson Steven Wence. Kent's mental sharpness and rich sense of humor will be remembered by all his friends and family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Suncoast Hospice in memory of L.K. "Kent" Foster or by going online to: www.memorial-donations.org A celebration of Life will be held at East Bay Country Club on Sunday, November 9 at 4:00 p.m. www.eastbaycc.info