Foster, Rodney James

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Date of Service: April 26, 2020

RODNEY JAMES FOSTER, beloved husband of Edna Foster of Lethbridge, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at the age of 79 years.

Besides his loving wife, Rodney is survived by his children, Shannon (James) Lumley of Kelowna, BC, Gorden "Bob" Foster of Langley, BC and Christine (Doug) Foster of Coquitlam, BC, his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as Edna's children, Scott (Melanie Byam) Borthwick and Shari (Garett) Chatters, and her three grandchildren, all of Lethbridge. He is also survived by his brother, David (Irene) Foster of Penticton, BC, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Horace & Lily, his sister, Marion Smith, and his brother, Paul Brown.

Rodney was born on May 24, 1940 in Reading, Berkshire, England. He immigrated to Canada with his mother and two siblings in 1947, sailing on the Aquitania and landing in Halifax, NS. The family then traveled across Canada by train, settling in Vancouver, BC.

Rodney lived in various provinces throughout Canada, eventually moving to Alberta and living in Lethbridge in 1976 where he was employed by Lethbridge Regional Hospital, The Government of Alberta, The Salvation Army Thrift Store andâ€”most recentlyâ€”his retirement part-time job at London Drugs. Rodney attained life membership with AUPE in 1995 following many years of involvement while employed with the Alberta government.

During his retirement, Rodney was a very active member and volunteer with Nordbridge Seniors' Centre and was eligible for his life membership this year. He also volunteered for many years with The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign.

Due to the gathering restrictions in place because of COVID-19, a formal gathering will be held at a later date.

A phone call from you Edna brought sadness to my heart. It pales to the sadness you must be feeling. My deepest condolences to you and all of Rodney's family and friends. I met Rodney at Nordbridge and we became friends over liver and onions and lots of union conversations. Those conversations were of politics, issues and posaible solutions. Once Rodney claimed you as a friend he gave you his full support. Thank you Rodney for the counsel, the friendship, the conversations and the memories which I will cherish always. Maria

Maria Fitzpatrick, May 24, 2020

So sorry for your loss. He was a great man and a mentor to me when it came to AUPE. We rode together on the bus up to Edmonton each Convention and when we last spoke in March, we were discussing Convention again. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Karl Marten, May 18, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Your husband, and father was a very giving friendly personality who truly enjoyed being with his family and friends. I knew him through our association at Nordbridge Senior Center and appreciated his friendliness.

Patricia E. Waddle, May 13, 2020

We were so sorry to hear of Rodney's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Edna and family. He will be missed.

Liz & Ken, May 10, 2020

Edna I was sorry to learn of Rodney's passing today. I had spoken to someone in Lethbrige just 2 weeks ago and had inquired about you two. I then thought the next time I get to Lethbridge, I must visit you both. If possible, I would like to attend a ceremony so please advise me of the information. Rodney was always a positive person and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed by many.

Linda Vander Velde (nee Nugent), May 9, 2020

So sorry for your loss. I was lucky to call him my friend. Rodney had an amazing sense of humor, sense of family, and sense of being a honorable person. I'm so going to miss him. All the best to you and your family. Of a world of shiny rocks, Rodney was a very valuable gem.

Joseph Veres, May 9, 2020

Many happy memories of visits with rodney and edna. Lots of breakfasts and card games

Marjorie wallace, May 7, 2020

I'm one of the gang that plays "chicken scratch" with Rodney on Monday mornings at Norbridge & also Wednesday's Euchre. He was always the "main man" who keep track of the money with lottery tickets & 50/50. We will miss the many laughs & camaraderie we grew to love. Rodney brought so many people into Norbridge to join in the fun. I noticed so many people would stop by to say hi to Rodney while we played chicken. He worked very hard organizing the euchre tournaments in May to get the donations he received all bagged up ready to go. His Friday entertainment list was done one year in advance already. Norbridge will find a big void with all the things he volunteered for. It won't ever be the same without you Rodney!! Our condolences to you Edna & your families!!

Claudia Hull, May 7, 2020

Edna I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you.

Stella Whitt, May 7, 2020

Rodney always added a bit of sparkle to our union events, with his sense of humour and always a story to tell and a great laugh to share . He was also very sincere and had a great heart, extending himself by reaching out to others in their times of struggle to offer his support. Most of us only got to meet Rodney a few times a year - but he always was the fellow in the room to include others in the conversations and he contributed to some great discussions. He will be missed by his Local 001 friends and family. My deepest sympathies to Edna and all of Rodney's family. You should all know he spoke often of how proud he was of his wife and family, of grandchildren's accomplishments, and he was happy to share stories of family's milestones with our group. May your happy memories provide you comfort in the days to come.

Kathleen Buss, May 7, 2020

I have just heard of your loss and wish to give you my condolenses. He was a great friend and a great euchre player. He will be sadly missed.

Donna Takeda, May 6, 2020

So sorry for your loss Christine and family. Thoughts and prayers for you all.

Jane Stark, May 6, 2020

Sorry to hear of Rodney's passing. He was an amazing friend, and was always so positive. He will definitely be missed. Edna, if there's anything I can do, please let me know. Theresa - Sandy Toes Foot Care

Theresa Wiberg, May 6, 2020

Bob, Gorden, Chris, Doug and grandchildren, I'm so sorry for the loss of your father, and grandfather, may God be with you all. Gone but not forgotten. Love you all

Margaret clesson, May 6, 2020

Foster, Rodney James

Date of Service: April 26, 2020

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