Richmond, Virginia
FOSTER, Dr. Merritt W. Jr., of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2009 after a brief illness. Born on July 6, 1920, he was the son of Merritt W. Foster Sr. and Nancy Oliver Foster. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by a brother, H. Oliver Foster. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Nolde Foster, their son, Merritt W. Foster III, both of Richmond; his brother, Judge Dixon L. Foster of Irvington, Virginia; first cousins, Dr. George J. Oliver of Williamsburg, Virginia and Katherine Langhorne Oliver of Washington, D.C.; and many devoted nieces and nephews. Dr. Foster was born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was a graduate of the College of William and Mary and the Medical College of Virginia (MCV). After an internship at the University of Wisconsin General Hospital, a psychiatric residency at MCV, he trained at Boston Psychopathic Hospital. He maintained a private psychiatric and forensic practice in Richmond for over 50 years, served as a teacher and a consultant at MCV, served on the staff at St. Mary's Hospital and many other area hospitals. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was recalled during the Korean War. Dr. Foster served as a member and chairman of the State Mental Health and Retardation Board and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, in addition to many other local and national professional organizations. He was also the author and contributor of many publications. He spent much of his life in Irvington and was an avid hunter, sailor, fisherman, and golfer. Known for his unique sense of humor, he was a friend to all. He was a former member of the Princess Ann Country Club. He was an active member of the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, Country Club of Virginia, the Commonwealth Club, Fifty-Five Golf Association, and the Captain's. A lifelong Episcopalian, he was a member of St. Stephen's Church for over 50 years. Memorial services will be held at St. Stephens Church on Monday, October 19 at 11 a.m. following a private burial service. Funeral arrangements by Bliley's - Central Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Virginia Home, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, or a charity of your choice.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Mrs. Foster and family, My deepest condolences on the passing of Dr.Foster. I was a patient from 2006. He helped me thru a difficult time and my life has been so positively affected by his care and concern. He could always make me laugh and smile with his wit and humor. Dr.Foster was a wonderful man and i will not forget his kindness, care and concern for me and my family.
David Walls & family
Blacksburg Virginia
David Walls
February 01, 2010 | Blacksburg, VA
Mrs. Foster and Merritt,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I worked with him in Psychiatry at Richmond Memorial for 21 years. He felt like family to all of us. It was a privilege to know and share in conversation with him. I will always remember my friend, teacher and counselor with the very best memories.
Lois Hornbarger
October 22, 2009 | Mechanicsville, VA
Merritt and Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. He was such an amazing man with the the greatest sense of humor and a twinkle in his eyes! We will all miss him dearly. My heart goes out to you both.
Carol Woodward
October 22, 2009 | Richmond, VA
My Friend, Merritt.. and Mrs. Foster, Too... I am sorry to hear the sad news of your Daddy's (and your Husband's passing). I will always remember how sweet he was to me when he took you, Merritt and I "out on the town" and out on the boat. They were really special occasions for me and I will cherish the memories forever.
Thank you for inviting me into your lives so that I got to meet and know your Daddy... He was a "one of a kind" and guess what? He left behind another "one of a kind"...
Della Semmelrock
October 21, 2009 | Richmond, VA
Mrs. Foster,
I was so saddened to hear about Dr. Foster. Of my many memories of 16 years at Richmond Memorial, he is at the top of the list. I hold dearest the memory of the night that you both sheltered my family in the ice storm that closed all bridges after a 3-11 shift. May God bless you during the coming days and may all the sadness you feel be replaced by the knowledge of all the wonderful things Dr. Foster did for all of us.
Karen Marlowe
October 19, 2009 | Richmond, VA
Merritt, My thoughts are with you and know how it is to lose a parent. I hope you find consolation in these words as much as I do.
"May God grant you the serenity
to accept the things you cannot change; courage to change the things you can; and wisdom to know the difference."
Joanne Parham Chester, VA
October 19, 2009
Dear Mrs. Foster and family:
I worked with Merritt for several years when he was chairman of the credentials committee at Richmond Memorial Hospital and at Memorial Regional Medical Center. I admired his intellectual honesty, his sense of humor and his sense of fairness. Merritt always came down on the right side of any issue. It was a joy to work with him.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
I. Norman Sporn, M.D.
I.Norman Sporn
October 19, 2009 | Richmond, VA
Merritt, We were sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Hang on to the memories. It really helps. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kirby & Lois Miller
October 19, 2009 | Sandston, VA
Mrs. Foster and Merritt,
Dr Foster was loved and respected by so many and I feel blessed to have met him and to have been able to have worked with him at St Mary's. He always made me smile and he was always so good to his patients. I will never forget how thoughtful he was to my Mom when my Dad died 8 years ago. God Bless You,
Denise McDowell
October 19, 2009 | Richmond, VA
