EUGENE MOORE FOSTER

FOSTER, EUGENE MOORE 1921 to 2010 Eugene Moore Foster "Gene" passed away peacefully at his San Diego home on Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at the age of 89. He was born in Sioux Falls, SD on June 29, 1921, the third of four children born to George M. and Mary S. Foster. The family moved to Ottumwa, lA in 1926. Gene was active in scouting and earned his Eagle Scout rank and graduated from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH in 1939. It was on a family cruise to South America that Gene met his beloved future wife, Joan Carrington Flowers in 1941. He graduated from Stanford University in 1943 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and went immediately to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD for an intense 90-day training program after which he was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served as the Chief Engineering Officer on board "The Thomas F. Nickel", a Naval destroyer escort ship in both the Mediterranean and the Pacific theatres during World War II. Gene and Joan were married on January 1, 1946 in Findlay, OH. After he was honorably discharged as a lieutenant at the end of the war, they settled in Ottumwa, IA where they raised three children, Donald, Patricia and Mark. Mr. Foster joined the family meat packing business, John Morrell and CO, and worked there for many years. Later he co-owned and operated The Corn Picker Restaurant and The Jefferson Square Center with his brother, Bob Foster. He also was involved in a small chain of mid·western hotels run by a company called Mitchell-Foster. Gene was a Boy Scout leader, an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, a longtime member of the Chamber of Commerce and president of the Rotary Club. The Fosters relocated to San Diego, CA in 1966. He worked in real estate management and owned the Serra Mesa Shopping Center. The family was long standing members of the Pt. Loma Community Presbyterian Church. Gene and Joan were both involved members of their local community, supporting the San Diego Foundation, The Maritime Museum, The Museum of Man, and the Community Campership Council to name but a few. Sailing and cooking were two of Gene's favorite hobbies. He won an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii from Alcoa Aluminum for his first place recipe called "Plantation Pork" in the early 70's. After retiring, the Fosters split their time between homes in San Diego and Borrego Springs, CA. They traveled extensively and remained life long learners and readers, nurturing their joint passion for art, history and literature. They especially liked the Mayan Culture and ruins and visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. Mr. Foster's son, Donald, wife Patsy and his first grandchild precede him in death, as does his adored wife, Joan (2007). He is survived by his sister, Janet Foster Saville of Bethesda, MD, his daughter, Patricia Foster Sullivan of San Diego, his son, Mark McClelland Foster of Golden, CO and by six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The San Diego Hospice, Foundation Department, at 4311 3rd Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.