Wesley Gibson "Gibby" Foster

Virginia Beach – Wesley Gibson “Gibby” Foster, 80, passed away May 23, 2010 to join his wife and the love of his life, Jennie L. Foster, who passed away February 14, 2010. Gibby was born on July 18, 1929 in Norfolk, VA to the late Edwin Sr. and Grace Foster.

Gibby joined the USCG in 1947 as a seaman 3rd class and changed over to a fireman 2nd class. He went to Motor Machinist Mate School. He left that school as a MMM 3rd class. Later his rate was changed to Engineman 3rd class. Gibby left the USCG in 1951 as Engineman 1st class. He joined the reserve and made Chief Engineman. Gibby applied for a commission and was made an Ensign in 1960, the oldest Ensign in the Coast Guard. After several years, he was promoted to LCDR and retired with that rank. When he left the Coast Guard, Gibby went to work at the Naval Supply Center. He started as a supply item identifier GS5, later that title changed to Equipment Specialist. Gibby was eventually promoted to boss and given the rate of GS11 from which he retired in 1984.

He was a 32 degree Mason with the Ocean View Lodge #335. Gibby also belonged to the Scottish Rite and the Shrine, where he belonged to the Drum and Bugle Corp, the Motor Corp, and the Motor Patrol where he was a Sgt. Master. He was past president of the Norfolk Naval Flying Club. In 1976 Gibby met a beautiful young lady, Jennie, and fell in love. They married April 28, 1979 and the rest was history.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Christie and Craig Black for all their love and support.

He is survived by loving daughter, Kim Fortin and husband Ken; loving son, Brian K. Foster; brother, Edwin M. Foster Jr. and wife Marion; grandchildren, Justin and Allison Fortin; beloved dog, Zander; and a host of loving family and many friends. He will be dearly missed.

A funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28, 2010 at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home with entombment to follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday May 27, 2010 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children. You may pay condolences to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.