Dick was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, California, to Kenneth and Illa Foster. He grew up in Fullerton, attending Ford Elementary, Wilshire Junior High School, and graduating valedictorian from Fullerton Union High School in 1953. Shortly after graduation, Dick married Cynthia Johnson, also a long time Fullerton resident. They would have celebrated 72 years of marriage in September of this year.
Dick and Cynthia relocated to Palo Alto, California where Dick entered Stanford University and Cynthia attended San Jose State College. Dick graduated, with distinction, from Stanford in 1957 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Shortly after, Dick began his career at Interstate Electronics, a successful company in the defense industry in Anaheim, California, simultaneously earning a Master of Business Administration degree from UCLA, and retiring as President in 1991.
Dick is survived by his wife Cynthia Johnson Foster, Sally Foster Kambak (sister), Pamela Rae Shurilla (niece), Martita Foster (daughter in law), Tessa Zedner (granddaughter), Tanya Bohorquez (granddaughter), Dylan Kozlowski (grandson), Christopher Foster (grandson) and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Susan Foster, and his son Kenny Foster. There will be no service.
Those who wish to make a donation in Dick’s memory may give to the Fullerton Public Library Foundation or the Fullerton Arboretum. The Fosters have both served in leadership capacities on the boards of both organizations.
