Earle Foster Jr.

Earle Coleman Foster Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2013, of cardiac amyloidosis.

Earle was born on August 2, 1926, in Claremore, Oklahoma to Earle Sr. and Laurine "Winnie" (Faulkner) Foster.

He graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1945.

He enlisted in the army in June 1944 and was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. After he returned home, he married his childhood sweetheart, Rhea L. DeWitt, on April 22, 1950. They were blessed with three children - eldest daughter Constance, eldest son Ronald, and youngest son Gary. Together, the family traveled throughout the United States, eventually settling in Anchorage in 1957.

Mr. Foster worked for the FAA, erecting radio communication towers throughout Alaska. He had a keen eye for business, and after his retirement, he successfully developed both Susitna Landing and Deshka Landing, which greatly improved access to recreational fishing in the Willow area.

He was also a certified gemologist and an avid miner, including gold and red emerald. He owned several mines throughout Alaska and the lower 48. His mine in Porcupine Creek in Haines, Alaska, is featured on the Discovery Channel's "Gold Rush" program, and he appeared on it several times. He always got a big kick out of a stranger recognizing him and saying hello.

He was a member of Pilgrim-Rock Lodge #522 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for more than 60 years, as well as Scottish Rite, Valley of Tulsa. He belonged to the VFW, the Gold Prospectors Association of America, the Alaska Miners Association, and the Loyal Order of Moose. Earle was also proud to be a registered tribe member of the Cherokee Nation.

Mr. Foster was preceded in death by his parents, Earle Sr. and Laurine; his brother, Edward; his son, Gary, and his wife Rhea. He is survived by his daughter, Connie Foster-Rauterkuss; son, Ron; granddaughter, Heidi Pinion and her husband Jerry Jr.; granddaughter, Liesl Fontaine and her husband Scott; grandson, Brandon; granddaughter, Brittany, and grandson Cody, as well as two great-grandchildren.

As per his request, a private service will be held later this summer.