Gordon Raymond Foster

Many things can be said about Gordon Raymond Foster. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Gordon was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

      Gordon was born on June 7, 1925 at Bracebridge Hospital in Bracebridge, Ontario and raised in Fort Erie, Ontario. His parents were Fred and Ellen and Ida (step-mom) Foster. When he was young, Gordon's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Gordon demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

      Gordon grew up with two siblings, his twin sister Eva and brother Fred. Gordon was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Gordon carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Gordon was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

      As a young boy, Gordon was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Gordon could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in baseball and in his spare time he liked to raise Angora rabbits. Gordon's memorable achievements included playing the trumpet and singing.

      Always considered a “good” friend, Gordon sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Gordon always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Gordon’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Gordon would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Gordon was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. Later in life, he became friends with Eva and Tom McCready.

      On June 4, 1949 Gordon married Helen Gwendolyn Bannan at the Ethal Baptist Church of St. Catherines, Ontario. Compassionate and devoted, Gordon worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Helen came first in Gordon’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Helen’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Gordon did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Gordon was truly a person of empathy.

      Gordon’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Gordon shared these values with his four children. He had three sons, Albert, Donald and Gordon, and one daughter, Heather. Gordon was also blessed with eight grandchildren, Robert, Anthony, Melanie, Samantha, Julie, Patricia, Danielle and Deanna and eight great grandchildren. Gordon related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

      Gordon experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was as a General Supervisor with General Motors of Canada for 27 years. Gordon always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Gordon took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Gordon was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Gordon continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

      Because he was organized and methodical, Gordon took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favourite pursuit was collecting coins. Gordon enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

      Gordon derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Gordon delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Recreational sports included hard ball. Gordon was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favourite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was boxing.

      Throughout his life, Gordon was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Gordon was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Gordon was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. Gordon’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Gordon’s ability to bring valued principles along with him. Throughout his later years, Gordon was an active member of the Navy League of Canada.

      Gordon’s faith was important to him. He was a member of King Street Pentecostal Church for 50 years. During that time, he was a Deacon and on the Board of Directors. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

      Though he never did anything solely for individual recognition, Gordon was given accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. If the truth were known, Gordon was always a little uncomfortable with being singled out for recognition. Some of his most prestigious awards included the Silver Jubilee Medal and a Life Member of Navy League of Canada.

      Gordon enjoyed travelling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Gordon were always enjoyable. Favourite vacations included Florida and camping.

      Gordon was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Gordon's favourites was Tara, a Siamese cat. They were best friends for 17 years.

      When Gordon’s retirement finally came in 1977, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Gordon had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Gordon knew exactly what he wanted to do. In retirement, he found new pleasure in the Navy League of Canada. Even in retirement, Gordon continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      Gordon passed away on August 24, 2015 at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, Ontario. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Gordon was laid to rest in Thornton Cemetery in Oshawa, Ontario.

      Throughout his life, Gordon was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Gordon leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Gordon Raymond Foster.

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FOSTER, Gordon Raymond

(Member of King Street Pentecostal Church, Life member of the Navy League of Canada, retired Senior Supervisor-General Motors, 27 years) passed away at Lakeridge Health Corporation-Oshawa on Monday, August 24th, 2015 at the age of 90. Beloved husband of Helen (nee Bannan). Loving father of Albert (Carol Joy), Donald (Debora), Heather (Terrance) and Gordon (Lucy). Lovingly remembered by his 8 grandchildren; Robert, Anthony, Melanie, Samantha, Julie, Patricia, Danielle and Deanna and 8 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his twin sister Eva and his brother Fred. Gordon will be resting at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West, Oshawa (905-721-1234) with visitation on Thursday, August 27th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the chapel on Friday, August 28th at 11:00 am. Interment Thornton Cemetery, Oshawa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.