Robert FOSTER Obituary
Robert Livingstone Foster
1924-2012
Our father, known to so many as Dr. Bob, went home to Glory on January 8, in Lubango, Angola, Africa at the age of 87. He had increasing loss of control of his muscles over several years, but was aware to the end. In his last days, the family members in Angola (including 4 children and 5 grandchildren) took turns sitting by his bed.
He leaves his wife of 63 years, Belva Foster, who is in poor health, their 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, his sister, Rhoda Lane, 4 hospitals in rural Africa, countless churches, many missionaries called into service by God through his counsel, and many, many others who knew him as a preacher or as a doctor.
The funeral will be in Lubango this week.
Dad was born in what is now Zambia, grew up in Canada and, after medical school, served as a missionary in Zambia and Angola and as a mission leader based in the US and in England.
God gave him amazing energy-at 82 he spent six weeks camping in the Angolan bush to help build a clinic!
God gave him amazing courage and initiative-he and Mom went in their mid-40's to an Angola at war to learn a new language and start a new outreach, when they could have stayed where they were fruitful and secure.
God made him an amazing Dad-an example, a challenge, a comfort, a great teller of stories and giver of gifts and hugs.
Memorial gifts can be sent to:
Advancing the Gospel in Angola (AGA) 25 Maple St. Addison, NY, USA 14801
The Angolan Fund CMDS Canada 246B Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Y8 Canada
We are deeply grateful to God for Dad's life. Pray for us and with us as we praise his Lord. Stephen, Sharon, Sheila, Stacey, Stuart, Stirling and Shelley.
Published by The Globe and Mail on Jan. 14, 2012.