William Foster Obituary

William Edwin ("Bill") Foster, born on August 19, 1929 in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, died peacefully surrounded by family in Chicago, Illinois, on January 7, 2016. Coach Foster is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Shirley Foster (Junkin), daughters Debbie, Julie, Mary and son-in-law Darcy Raab. He is also survived by brother-in-law Edwin Junkin (Joanna), nephews Steven Junkin and David Junkin, grandchildren Stanton Smith, Dylan Smith, Kacey Raab and Ashley Raab and great-grandchild Adabelle Smith. "Coach" Foster was preceded in death by daughter Vicki, father Howard McLaren Foster, and mother Viola Jane Beaston Foster. Coach Foster was a head men's basketball coach for over 40 years, including six Division I schools; was the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) President in 1976, has been on the Board of Trustees for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts for three decades, and has been inducted into numerous Hall of Fames. Coach Foster most recently lived in Galveston, Texas. A private family service is planned with a memorial service to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or the American Diabetes Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Foster

7 Entries

K D Kennedy

March 19, 2022

I never knew a man who felt more dedicated to winning with his team than Bill. But down deep he care so much for his players and friends. He would never admit it but he was a sensitive man who showed it by wanting his associates to succeed. God bless you and may Shirley and your extended family be blessed and happy.

Mike Barborak

August 18, 2020

Coach Foster helped me immensely in my career. I worked at his basketball camp in the Pocono. I had hoped that I could remind Mrs> Foster how kind Coach was to me. However, I do not know how to reach her. If Mrs Foster reads this maybe she will email me so that I can tell her how much I appreciated Coach. Mike Barborak 210-393-1189
[email protected] I can still remember their daughters managing the snack bar in the Poconos.

Dan Doyle

January 17, 2016

Many years ago, as a young men's basketball coach at Trinity College in Hartford, I decided to run a coaches clinic. Bill had just come off a brilliant season at Duke, and was one of the hottest lecturers in the country. I called the Duke Basketball Office and within an hour, Bill called me back and accepted my invitation to speak. His speech at the clinic was brilliant. He first talked about defense and then went on to provide some remarkable thoughts on leadership, basing his comments on leadership principals he had learned as a coach and through earning a masters degree in business administration. Most importantly, he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met in coaching. What a splendid man. What a splendid life!

Dan Doyle West Hartford Connecticut

Richard Giannini

January 12, 2016

Bill Foster was a giant of a man in the world of collegiate basketball. He was truly loved by his fellow coaches, staff members and especially the many student-ahtletes he coached over the years. Bill always gave back so much to the game he loved by his work with the American Basketball Coaches Association, the Basketball Hall of Fame and the many camps he conducted for so many years. He leaves a void that will never be filled. I love the quote from actor Ed Asner, "Death leaves a heartache that never heals; however, loves leaves a heart that no one can ever steal." Our memories and love for Bill Foster will last forever.

William Hutchinson

January 12, 2016

Just a thought from Bill's classmates at his high school Glen Nor. We all were very proud of his accomplishment in the world of basketball. While in high school he played the saxaphone and put together a swing band. They practiced in his home on Sylvan ave. in Norwood Pa.
Our condolences to the family . You have lost a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Frank Nunan

January 11, 2016

My condolences to the family and friends of Coach Bill Foster. He was great man that made a lasting impression on me as a teenager working for him at the Pocono Mountain Basketball Camp.

Clair B

January 8, 2016

So sorry to hear this news. I had the joy of working with Debbie Foster for a few years and know how much Coach Foster was loved by his family. You all have my deepest condolences. We were fortunate to have Bill Foster as our coach at UofSC and we will never forget him.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results