William "Bill" Thomas Foster

William Thomas Foster—Bill or Gramps to those who knew him—passed away at the age of 92 on November 19, 2022, surrounded in love by many members of his family. Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a Korean War veteran, a proud ironworker, and a true Renaissance Man. Bill had a wicked sense of humor and could iron a shirt as well as foreman an ironworker crew, cook a full Thanksgiving meal, and replace the brakes on any vehicle. Above all, Bill was a helper, always doing things for others, and he will be greatly missed.

Bill was a native Washingtonian, born in Eatonville to mother Emily and father Creade on July 29, 1930. Bill graduated from Franklin High School in Seattle. He joined the Washington National Guard after high school, later serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. After the war, Bill attended Edison Technical School. In 1958, Bill joined the Ironworkers Local 86 Union. His ironwork over many decades included buildings from Alaska to Arizona and some of the most iconic structures in the Seattle area. Notably, Bill was foreman of the ironworkers crew which built the Kingdome from 1972 to 1976. After his retirement in the 1990s, Bill remained active with the Ironworkers Union and recently received his 65-year pin. Later, Bill worked for Senior Services of King County until 2013.

Bill was preceded in death by his siblings, as well as his first wife Dagmar in 1995, his stepson Jan Schramm in 2013, and his daughter-in-law Rebecca North in 2020.

Bill met wife Sharron (known as Sherri) through his stepson Jan and his wife Diane. Bill and Sherri married in 1998. The two shared a love of RV travel and spending time with friends and family. Bill also loved fishing and gardening. He was known for being a fantastic neighbor, doting “Gramps,” and Mr. Fix-it for the whole family.

Bill is survived by his wife Sherri; stepchildren, Tony, Lisa, and Sarah and her husband, Kurt; daughter-in-law, Diane; grandchildren, Mike and his wife Donna, Kelsey and her husband Cory, AJ, Khylee, Owen, Eliana, Jackson, and Ronan, and great-grandchildren Stella and Evan.

A memorial service for Bill will be held Friday, November 25, 2022 at 4:00 PM at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 19540 104th Ave NE, Bothell, Washington 98011.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-FH.com for the Foster family.