John "Mickey" Foster

Mickey was born in Delaware, Ohio to John Leonard and Gracie Mae Foster and was the eldest of 3 children. Mickey was preceded in death by his parents and his younger siblings, Rosalie and Stephen.

Mickey received his undergraduate degree in 1961 from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. He spent his last year of undergraduate studies at the Merrill Palmer Institute in Detroit, Michigan. He received his Masters degree in Social Work in 1963 from Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Mickey started his career with the Summit County Child Welfare Board of Akron, Ohio in 1963. Beginning in 1965 he worked for Marion County Family Services in Marion, Ohio. During that time, he headed up the Big Brother program. In 1972, after moving his family to Arizona, he began working for the Maricopa County Health Department and retired from Maricopa County in 1996.

In 1962 he married the love of his life, Marjorie. Mickey was an avid hunter, fisherman and bowler. In the 1970’s he made the Arizona record books with a trophy pronghorn. He achieved the Manitoba Master Angler Award in 2003, 2009, 2014 and 2016. He won the State bowling tournament in the Doubles event twice. He also earned honor bowling scores of 299 in 1999 and 298 in 2007. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, watching western movies/shows, reading, playing cards and games. Most of all though, he enjoyed spending time with his family. A family gathering, whether it was for a birthday, holiday or just family movie night, was his favorite thing to do.

Mickey is survived by his wife of 58 years, his 3 children, Lisa, Lori (Jeff), John (Debbie);4 grandchildren, Amy (Shane), Chase (Nicole), Cole and Lane; and 3 great grandchildren Madison, Jonathon and Preston with a 4th great grandchild due to arrive in January 2021.

Mickey was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. He will always be remembered for his smile, fun spirit, smart yet quiet wit, his calm demeanor, his love of fun competition and his love and devotion to and for his family. Mickey touched so many people in so many ways. He will be forever missed and always in our hearts.

A celebration of life has been postponed until sometime next year. Information will be shared with family and friends.