Norman Foster

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, he graduated from Washington University of St. Louis with a Chemical Engineering Degree as well as a Masters of Business Administration. He was the beloved son and only child of Rose (Luger) and Joseph Foster. He had a spot in his heart for St. Louis. He will be buried near his parents in St. Louis.

His family was his proudest and brightest achievement. He is survived by his wife Madeline Kaspor Foster, his daughters, Lisa Foster and Jocelyn (Ira) Margolis and grandchildren Foster Ruby Yates, Amelia Jade Margolis, Magnolia Rose Margolis, and Mayer Joseph Margolis, as well as many family members and devoted friends.

Renovating a Superfund Site on the east side of Detroit, MI, Norman co-founded Petro-Chem Processing, Inc. which converted hazardous waste chemicals, paints and sludge into a fuel, which was then used to fuel cement kilns and industrial furnaces. He then founded Solvent Distillers, Inc. and RTR, Inc. using these materials to add to the fuel reuse programs. In all he held 11 patents for these companies.

He was heavily involved with his Alma Mater, Washington University at St. Louis, having served on many boards and programs including as a member of the McKelvey School of Engineering National Council; founding chair of Washington University’s Detroit Regional Cabinet, the first of 21 such volunteer leadership groups in 21 cities across the United States; and Vice Chair of the University’s Alumni Board of Governors. He also served as Vice Chair of the National Regional Campaign Committee for the Campaign for Washington University from 1998-2004; Chair of the Detroit Regional Campaign Committee, 1998-2004; and as a member of the McKelvey School Campaign Committee, 1998-2004.

In addition, he was awarded the honor of the McKelvey School of Engineering Alumni Achievement Award, as well as Washington University's Distinguished Alumni Award.

After he retired, golf became a passion with playing three times a week with his "buds" in Bloomfield, MI and Naples, FL, and showing them up by making three holes-in-1 within two years at two different courses. His personality was infectious and his humor - though corny at times - brought him loving and supportive friends.

He is missed already!

It is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Norman Foster may do so by making a contribution to Washington University School of Engineering, Rose & Joseph Foster Scholarship Fund, MSC 1082-414-2555, 1 Brookings Drive, St Louis , MO 63130, https://wustl.edu/.