Foster George Caines

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Foster, 68, of Halifax NS. Foster passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late George Walter and Sarah Joyce (Watts) Caines. He is survived by his wife Deborah (Ryall), daughter Lindsay, son Michael (Rae), brother Scott (Joanne) and nephew Matthew, all of HRM. His Caines & Watts cousins and his many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews in the Ryall family.

As a child, Foster developed a lifelong love of hockey while skating on Chocolate Lake. He was in several hockey leagues, first playing defense, then eventually playing goalie in his later years. Getting a goal on Foster was a big thing for the boys that played against him.

He was an avid reader who preferred the musty smell of library books to e-reading. His tastes were varied, from lighthearted humor to fantasy comedy. But the line was firmly drawn at romance novels. He shared his passion for reading with his daughter, Lindsay.

His love of cooking came from both the fact that his mother was an amazing cook, and that he married a woman who didn’t know the first thing about cooking. There’s not many in his circle of family and friends who DON’T have a “Foster” recipe. He passed on his passion for cooking to his son, Michael.

Foster met the love of his life, Debbie, in 1975. They were engaged within 6 months of meeting, and were married a year later. Foster knew a good thing when he saw it! They welcomed their first child, Lindsay, in 1980, and their second child, Michael, in 1983. Foster was a special kind of Dad who played to win when playing games with the kids, so as to teach them that you can’t win them all. But the kids turned out okay….if not a bit TOO competitive at games and sports.

Most nice summer days you could find Foster digging in his garden, tending to his vegetables, herbs and flowers. He had the greenest of thumbs.

His greatest achievement in life was being elected President of the Brother-in-Law’s club. Though some believe he was self-elected, everyone agreed that he did a great job of it. His wish is to pass the torch on to his fellow brother-in-law and dear friend Karl Nowlan.

In his early work life, he worked at IMP, and then as a Letter Carrier with Canada Post, until his retirement in 2013.

20 years ago, they bought the camp, and spent many, many weekends with family and friends sitting around the campfire, listening to great tunes, and playing board games and cards. There was nothing better than wearing the crown of glory when you won! He also loved to get out and do a bit of fishing on the lakes and rivers in the area.

They spent many summers traveling as a family, and this continued even after the kids grew up and moved out. They came together as a family once a week for dinner, and also continued to travel together. The closeness they shared was unusual in this day and age, and is a testament to the bond that Debbie and Foster created with their children.

Above all else, Foster had a passion for life, and he lived life to the fullest. He protected his family, and was a solid provider for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral Service and Reception will be on Wednesday February 19th at 10:00am - J.A. Snows Funeral Home - 339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Soul’s Harbour or Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Foster.

The family would like to thank the entire Hematology team which includes all staff on the 8th floor, Units A&B Centennial Building and the 4th Floor Day Clinic at the VG Hospital, for the care, compassion and dedication they provided. Special thanks to Cathy Kelly for being by Debbie’s side from day one and going through this journey with us. And to the many family and friends who were there whenever we needed them. We thank you all.

“No one is finally dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away.” – Sir Terry Pratchett