Richard "Dick" Foster

Richard (Dick) Foster passed away on June 21,2024, at Banner University Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.  He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on July 24, 1936, to parents Edna and Lloyd Foster and grew up in Rochester and Blooming Prairie, Minnesota.  He was a graduate of Rochester High School and Rochester Junior College and attended both Drake University and Winona State College.

Dick began his family and his IBM career in Rochester, but soon moved to Boulder, Colorado.  He and his wife raised their children on the ski slopes of Colorado, and all became excellent skiers.  Skiing was a family tradition that spanned generations.

Dick spent 30 years at IBM, working in many different areas including finance, human resources, and corporate litigation.  His favorite job was college recruiting, helping IBM identify and hire outstanding students. He was transferred to the IBM Tucson manufacturing plant where he finished his career.  After retirement he continued to work on a contract basis with IBM Global Services in Mergers and Acquisitions.

As retired senior citizens, Dick and his wife Jane moved to Show Low, AZ, in the beautiful White Mountains.  They spent their time skiing, hiking, golfing and making lifelong friends.  They hiked the Grand Canyon together.  Dick was an active volunteer with the Show Low Police Department as a member of the Senior Patrol.   For many years, they were “snow birds”  spending summers in Show Low and winters in Sun City. The last and final move was to Royal Oaks, an active senior living community in Sun City. 

In addition to skiing, Dick enjoyed golf and played a mean game of pickleball, consistently beating his kids and grandkids.  He was a member of the Over 80 Pickleball Club in Sun City, AZ.  He was also an avid University of Arizona Basketball fan.

The thing he enjoyed most, however, was family time with his kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  His example as a loving parent shaped the next generation of Fosters, and he was very proud of them.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jane Dycus Foster. Three children with his first wife, Sue Pudwell Foster:  Rick Foster (Christine), Julie Kammer (Tom), Jill Foster.  Grandchildren Hannah Shainholtz, Reina Summers (Kole), John Kammer (Casey), Robert Kammer, Shayla Mench (Kalani) and Owen Foster.  Great grandchildren Kora, Ivy and Konrad Summers. His sister Nancy Piper and many nieces and nephews.

Dick was an animal lover who considered his beloved rescue dogs and cats as part of his family.  In his memory, contributions can be made to: Humane Society of the White Mountains, PO Box 909, Lakeside, Arizona 85929