John Robert Foster

John (Jack) Robert Foster entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Sept. 10, 2024 surrounded by family at his Fortuna home.

Jack will undoubtedly be glad to reunite with his wife Billie, who he loved dearly for more than 60 years.

Jack is survived, and will be forever missed, by his daughter Suzanne Dedekam and son-in-law Timothy Dedekam, sisters Patsy Foster and Peggy Wifall, brother Sanford Foster, grandson Christopher Dedekam, grandson Jonathan Dedekam and granddaughter-in-law Ayaka Dedekam, granddaughter Michelle Butler and grandson-in-law Andrew Butler, and great-grandchildren Robert Dedekam, Bradyn and Braxton Burlison, Noah, Lucah, and Ayla Dedekam, and Adrian and Rhea Butler.

On Oct. 1, 1940, in Williston, North Dakota, Jack was born to Robert John Foster and Theo (Gillian) Foster.

Jack graduated from Williston High School in 1958.

Jack married Billie, who would be the love of his life, on June 4, 1961. They had two children, Timothy and Suzanne.

Jack and Billie moved to Redway in 1971 and worked 40 years as a radio technician for Contel (later Verizon).

Jack completed an Associate of Science Degree at Allan Hancock College in 1971 while working full time to support his family.

A devout Christian man, Jack enjoyed Sundays at the Nazarene Church in Redway where he and Pastor Jerry Searcy became good friends and went on a mission trip to Australia which Jack recalled fondly.

Jack then spent the following 40 years attending the Weott Christian Church in Redway where he was a welcome sight for all who attended. Jack helped run the sound boards and was a close friend with Pastor Bill Eudy.

Throughout his life, Jack kept two hobbies which he joyfully indulged: Classic cars and HAM Radio operation.

Jack restored a number of timeless rides during his life, including a 1932 Buick, a couple Mercurys from the 1940s, and a few T-Birds from the 1950s and 1960s.

Jack enjoyed letting loose and racing his 260z and 280z Datsuns at the Samoa track as well.

A respected HAM Radio operator, Jack built himself quite the collection of equipment and spent his free time traveling to those Humboldt County roads which see more hooves and paw prints than tires to repair folks’ equipment, and in particular the repeater component on the radio system.

More recently, Jack made himself a wonderful friend group at the Fortuna Senior Center, where he enjoyed eating lunch with Cee Cee, Bob, Jerry, and Phil and playing cards at the Fortuna Resource Center.

In his passing, Jack was what he had been throughout his life – a well respected man by his friends and a beloved pillar of his family.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

All family and friends are invited to his Celebration of Life ceremony on September 28, 2024 starting at 11:30 a.m. at his home in Fortuna. Lunch will be served following the ceremony. Please contact Suzy @ 707-496-8458 if you need the address.

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