Geoffrey Moy Foster

Geoff was born in Kilndown, Kent, England on March 3, 1934. He grew up in the small village of Goudhurst with his older brother Derrick (1928-2007) and his parents, Hilda and Jack Foster. As a young boy, Geoff lived through the WWII in the south of England. As a teenager, he started his training as a professional engineer through an apprentice program. After his education, from 1956-58, Geoff served in the Royal Air Force in Germany. In 1958, Geoff married a local Goudhurst girl, Elizabeth (1936-2019), who was his beloved wife for 61 years. Geoff also took his first job at Bowater, UK in 1958. This would be the start of a long, successful career for Geoff in the paper industry. Before leaving England, Geoff worked for Portals, UK from 1963-1967. In search of more opportunities for their young family, Geoff and Elizabeth immigrated to Canada in 1967. They lived for a year in Quebec City where Geoff worked for Anglo-Canadian Pulp and Paper before they moved to Neenah, Wisconsin for a job opportunity with Kimberly Clark (KC) Corporation. Geoff would go on to have a distinguished career at KC for the next 31 years where he ended his career as an executive. One of his career highlights included designing the machine that took Huggies PULL UPS training pants from prototype to markets around the world. Geoff was proud of his many accomplishments during his career, but he was especially energized by leading teams and creating career opportunities for young engineers.

Geoff and Elizabeth raised their family in Appleton, WI and moved to Marco Island in 1999 when Geoff retired. Geoff has been part of the fabric of the Hideaway Beach community for the past 23 years. Geoff left his fingerprints all over Hideaway, making it a better place to live. He served on various committees, as a Board Member, and as Club President. He remained active on the Architectural Review Committee and Environmental Committee at the time of his death. He enjoyed golf, bocce, and the many social events that the community offers. He was fortunate enough to have many wonderful friends at Hideaway.

Geoff is survived by his two children, Stephen Foster (Adriana) of Coral Gables, FL and Clare Smith (Charles) of Wilmette, IL. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Dr. Devin (27) and Dr. Meredith (Mimi) (25) Smith and Brent (19) Foster. Geoff’s grandchildren have grown up celebrating holidays and family traditions on Marco Island. Geoff shared a special relationship with his grandchildren as adults. They loved him intensely and viewed him as a mentor and friend, as well as a beloved grandfather.

Geoff enjoyed 88 active, vibrant years where he was able to live his life to the fullest with no health issues. While the last few weeks of his life were challenging, Geoff handled his sudden illness with courage, grace, and dignity. Geoff was frequently described as true gentleman. His positive attitude and kindness towards others made him well respected and a friend and mentor to many. Geoff was so loved and will be missed immensely.

Geoff’s family would like to sincerely thank Carole Zimmerman for adding so much joy to the final phase of his life. They are so appreciative of how lovingly Carole took care of Geoff.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Geoff at Hideaway Beach. All who knew Geoff are welcome to come and celebrate his long, happy life with us.

In memory of Geoff, the family asks that any desired donations are made to Avow Hospice (https://avowcares.org/) at 1095 Whippoorwill Ln, Naples, Fl 34105.

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