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Frederick Arthur Forster
Frederick Arthur Forster
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Frederick Forster Obituary
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Gerry or Carole Max
February 13, 2020
Fred was a swell guy. I wanted to purchase his picture entitled "The Blunderbus," but at the last moment he decided he would keep it. He was an accomplished artist, with a keen sense of humor; he always put me at ease with his friendly ways. About some of Fred's other interests, I was unaware, but he seemed to pursue courageously all he set out to do. My wife Carole and I will miss knowing he is in the world. Gerry Max, author Horizon Chasers
siobhan denham
December 15, 2019
We are so sorry to hear this news. He was 'some man for one man' as they say. It was a privilege and fun to have known him. I hope his passing was peaceful and that your memories of him will sustain you in the these difficult times.
Ni bheidh a leithead ann aris (we shall never see his like again).
Dónal and Siobhán Denham (Former Irish Consul General San Francisco)
Pierre VINCENT
December 15, 2019
Mon cher FRED, mon ami, mon frère, je suis si TRISTE!
From France I'd like to tell you how much I miss you already! I remember the way you welcome me when I first arrived in San Francisco! It was in 1978 and since our paths have often crossed on and around the grounds of Rugby and not far from the beer we shared! By chance and thanks to David BENTLEY that used to leave in Newcastel, I visited your beautiful house, met your wife, enjoyed your farm and met you Donkeys! Was fun to discover the "love affair" beetween you and your Donkeys, thru music!
Fred, I'll keep preciously your book as a marvellous gift from a wonderful, lovely and original person!
MERCI FRED, avec ma belle amitié!!! Et repose en paix! To ami Pierre
Barry and Susan Ross
December 12, 2019
Friend for 45 years - part 3: In January 1999, I was with Fred and Victoria at Waikiki in Hawaii, when I had a heart attack. I was stabilised in a local hospital and decided to come back to Sydney for my by-pass operation, but I wasn't allowed to fly for 10 days. Fred was with me all the way and helped me overcome my apprehension and worry. A little more than two years later in April 2002, I had another medical problem. Fred arrived soon after and he and I, along with Sue and Victoria, enjoyed a fun-filled recovery week on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef. Over the last few years I did not see Fred too much but we kept in regular contact with emails and phone calls. I will miss him greatly and so will Sue and my sons, Nathan and David. Both my sons have enjoyed Fred's kindness and company. Nathan has enjoyed a stay at Hillsborough and also dinner with Fred in London, while David saw just how Fred can charm a group, after a Wallaby-Ireland rugby Test in Dublin.
My first meeting with Fred was on Christmas Day 1974, when I was stranded in San Francisco with 30 Australian teenagers after our promised accommodation was not forthcoming. I had only found out about this problem two days before while in Vancouver Canada. But after a phone call to an unknown member of the San Francisco rugby club my problem was solved. Right from our first meeting Fred put himself out to help someone he had never met, during a very busy and family period. Over the years I have seen him show his kindhearted nature many times. Strong and intelligent, Fred was always on hand to help in any way he could.
Our world was certainly a better place with Fred on the planet. He will be missed in so many places. I will never forget you mate and if I am lucky enough to join you, perhaps we can again watch together, the game they play in heaven.
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Barry and Susan Ross
December 12, 2019
Friend for 45 years - Part 1: Fred Forster has been a valued and close friend of mine for 45 years. We have enjoyed some memorable experiences together. Since the very first one in 1987 in New Zealand and Australia, we have met up at eight Rugby World Cups in many corners of the world. My wife Sue and I shared his 50th birthday party in 1991 in Dublin. It wasn't really his 50th but he explained that he had never had a 50th birthday celebration and what better time and place to do this but in Ireland during a World Cup. People from all over the world enjoyed an amazing night. On the day of the 1991 World Cup semi final when Australia beat the All Blacks, Fred and I were standing in the media area when the Irish Prime Minister and his entourage arrived. Fred quickly walked up to the Prime Minister and introduced himself as the Minister of Fun for the San Francisco rugby club. Sue and I also enjoyed the celebration he organised at a beachside restaurant at Manly in Sydney, to celebrate New Year's Eve 2000, while our week on the Italian Amalfi coast in August 2004, with he and Victoria, will never be forgotten. With Fred, many hilarious and often unbelievable things continually happened. While in Italy, the four of us lined up with hundred of other tourists to hire a rowboat to take us into the Blue Grotto on the Isle of Capri. Because of the number of people doing this, it was supposed to be a brief visit inside and then quickly out. But when we were inside, Fred offered the boatman some dollars if he allowed he and I to jump in for a quick swim. After a few seconds of hesitation the boatman agreed. In early August 2000, Fred and I flew from Sydney to Wellington New Zealand to watch the Wallabies play the All Blacks. The Wallabies won 24-23 after a late penalty goal, which the local fans hotly disputed. Back in our nearby guesthouse a hour or so after the game, the New Zealand fans were not too happy.
Peter and Joan Malouf
December 12, 2019
My wife Joan and I would like to extend to you and your family our deepest sympathy.
Fred was an incredible person, as well as being extremely successful. He was also very compassionate and thoughtful.
Joan and I had some contact with Fred over the years - not as much as we would have liked - but each time was most memorable and a happy experience for us.
He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered forever.
Look after yourself and our thoughts are with you and your family.
Fondest Regards,
Peter and Joan Malouf
Joe Forster
December 12, 2019
Joe - part 1: Fred was sooo cheap how cheap was he?. Well he
Would go economy class to Ireland and wait a day or two to save $200.
He would take his own beer and food on the plane.
His shoes and clothes, it was like he made fun of expensive fashion by flying it its face. I guess he never bought an expensive suit.
He repaired as much as possible himself; he would not hire a handy man to fix the house, or car.
When we went sailing on the lagoon in Foster City, we had the cheapest boat on the water, but we did it!
When we had a speed boat to go water skiing, he bought a crappy second hand boat called pe pe ka ka. But we went water skiing.
When we went snow skiing we had leather lace up books and skis that had push down spring clamps. We had socks for mittens, but we went snow skiing.
Stuff was to be used and banged around. Like furniture. If it was too nice, he banged it around.
Siobhán Denham
December 12, 2019
We are so sorry to hear this news. He was 'some man for one man' as they say. It was a privilege and fun to have known him. I hope his passing was peaceful and that your memories of him will sustain you in the these difficult times.
Much love,
Siobhán
R Bae
December 12, 2019
Fred was a great friend and a mentor to me, I can honestly say I learned more from him than I did at university. You will be missed, Fred, everyday.
Jennifer Lea Wischmeyer
December 11, 2019
What an amazing man "Fabulous Fred" was! As a childhood and lifelong friend of Fred's daughter Victoria, I was lucky enough to know Fred for more than 40 years. He really was larger than life -- Fred had a tremendous personality: witty, clever, and a great raconteur. His stories were always so fun to listen to, and Fred had an amazing memory and could easily draw up memories of his childhood and younger years, and could always hold an audience when telling his stories. Fred was a huge presence in so many lives, and he certainly will always have a special place in my heart. May loving memories comfort his family at this incredibly difficult time.
Elizabeth McNamer
December 10, 2019
November 1 (part 3) -
I moved on to San Francisco and then to Aspen. You married Bonnie and left Montreal for California.
It was in Aspen on January 21 1961 that I met Bill who promised to take care of me for the rest of my life. And so, he did, and loved me until his last breath. But it meant having to live in Montana far from my family. Bill was a wonderful husband and father. My five lovely children were my consolation and I integrated into the Billings community and learnt to love them. You and Bonnie were raising your family in San Francisco. After 25 years Bonnie and you separated. But you were so fortunate to find and marry Victoria in 1994.
In 2006 you found my long-lost son. Timothy became the joy of my life. You were as thrilled to find him as was I. And I think he loves you like a father.
Bill died on May 16, 2011, three days after our fiftieth anniversary. I married our friend, Dr. Guy Glenn on December 12, 2015and we had three wonderful years together before he developed dementia. Such a dear kind generous man. He is now living in a nursing home where I see him every day.
Now you are 85 and I am almost 83. The days are growing few. As my dear Father Nigro says
I hear the footsteps of Jesus getting closer. I am not afraid to die. I truly believe that I will be reunited with those I have loved. If I get there first I will welcome you. And if you are first I know you will be waiting with open arms.
Thank you for all you have been to me, dear brother.
My fondest love,
Mary
Elizabeth McNamer
December 10, 2019
November 1 (part 2) - And on September 5, 1949 when our mother died there was such sadness as we went back to our schools right after the funeral. You sent me a missal with a little message in memory of her It is a pity she had to leave us Mary. It was the only message I received from anyone. You tried to take her place. When the catering business was failing and I had to give the money Mammy had left for my education to try to keep it going. You insisted that I be given five pounds to buy a dress? I bought a red taffeta at a shop in Tipperary which I could wear to parties.
Do you remember having to leave our home in Cappa and move to London. You showed me Old Compton Street where there had been a murder in every house. A woman who must have been a prostitute yelled at me to get off her beat.
All security was taken from me. But the nuns at Lowestoft decided to keep me there without fees. Every so often you managed to send me money and you came to visit me at Lowestoft and stayed with Miss Dunbar and her niece Catherine. All the girls at school fell in love with you of course!
When I left school, I went on to Digby Stuart College and you were at the Polytechnic. I always knew I could rely on you. You were my rock of strength.
Then there was Palmersgreen where you created a home for all of us. But since you did not want to serve in the British army you left England for Canada. I was devastated. Home was gone again. But I was qualified to teach and found a flat for Michael and myself. Vivian was in a tuberculous hospital on the Isle of Man. Frank was in Germany with Maidie and two children where Pop joined him. I said good bye to Pop at a bus stop in Oxford street and knew I would never see him again. He died on March 7 1967.
Then you rescued me when I was pregnant and took me to Montreal. A new country, new friends and new life started for me! My baby was given away and you were heartbroken.
Elizabeth McNamer
December 10, 2019
November 1 2019 (part 1) -
Dearest Freddy,
Today you are 85 years old. And I will soon be 83.
Do you remember the day Michael was born? You and I were playing with a cardboard Father Christmas in the hall way when Doctor Hickey came downstairs carrying a big black bag. He told us that we had a new brother. You told me that the doctor had brought him in his big bag. You were 4 and I was 2. Do you remember going to Dublin when Aunt Maggie died and seeing her dead body? You banged into some gongs that were hanging outside her door and they made a loud noise. Those gongs ended up in our upstairs hallway where you used to make music on them. Do you remember sleeping at Gabby's house when our mother was away catering? You and Michael had one bed and Gabby and I the other. We used to say the rosary and the litany of saints that went on forever. I was afraid that Gabby would die during the night and used to count the seconds until our mother would be home again. I think that that was why I became a good mathematician. Do you remember Auntie May visiting from Dublin? I think you were her favorite. Do you remember the day when you made some queen cakes and you would not give any to Michael and me because we would not do as you said? I think we eventually gave in as we could not resist the queen cakes. Do you remember sitting by the fire with Daddy in the evenings and I would appear at the nursery door with Michael's asleep and I'm lonesome. I was afraid that he would send me straight back to bed (as Mammy would have done) but he would take me in his arms and have some hot cocoa waiting for me. Do you remember the time Uncle Christy came home from America and how exciting it was? He had a camera and you took a photo of me standing by the roses. I think it is the only one of two picture we have of me as a child.
Frederick Forster
December 10, 2019
Don't be sad for too long.
Father Hugh Francis and Seamus Patrick
December 10, 2019
Dear Elizabeth, You are courageous and faith-filled which is so admirable. We shall offer Mass for Fred, Rest in Peace, as we all live out our days.
From, We Behan brothers -- Father Hugh Francis and Seamus Patrick
Lily B. Williams
December 10, 2019
Your father was a giant - a gifted story teller, always cheerful, indefatigable, with a killer wit and intelligence. He was much loved and will be sorely missed. He never suffered fools, you never had an uncomfortable silence around him, he was a man of great knowledge and insight on life, had an answer for everything, had questions to challenge the most active / inactive minds, was a tower of strength to those who need it, was fearless and that laugh (i loved it). As you well know Dan, Fred was many things to many people and i'm just one of those who's path he crossed and a bond between us stuck and i was so lucky to have had him in my life and again, like you all, i am broken hearted by the loss of this great figure of a man!
Brtuce McNamer
December 8, 2019
My crazy Uncle Fred - part 2
And...he....is one of the smartest men you'll ever meet. And shrewd. With a remarkable memory and a gift for business and deal-making. And he is the pater familias of paters familias. Family, family, family. He is the rock. There is nothing Fred won't do to protect and care for his family....ALL of his extended and extensive family. From an early age, it was Fred who provided, who kept ties intact, who stepped in to solve the problem. He has been very successful in business. So sometimes it is financial support. But other times he is the man who steps in when there is tragedy or a crisis (and sometimes the introduction of new family members!), to pull things together, gather facts, get the right people around, organize what needs to happen next, get to a solution. He is among the most reliable and generous people I know. And the gruffest about it.
He is....a force of nature. So when you meet him, be prepared. You are in for a treat!
I love you Uncle Fred. And you are missed. And I expect they are singing Irish songs in heaven
Love
Bruce
Bruce McNamer
December 8, 2019
My crazy Uncle Fred part 1
He is....well, he is.....unique! He is full-on Irish, with the accent to prove it. He is a showman, the life of any party. He basically insists on that. He plays the piano, he sings songs (Irish songs, romantic melodies, dirty rugby songs). He recites poetry and speeches. And not just at parties. He'll accost almost anyone, anywhere, with an outlandish request or observation - "Is your dog baptized?" "Is this your first wife?" "Do you want to race?". As to the last, I know there are films of Freddy racing a race horse, and also racing Noah, our Kenyan marathon-running friend. He loves rugby and is still playing into his eighties (I went to his wedding which took place at a rugby half time)! He wears funny ties and socks, and an occasional white tie and tails. And drives a white Rolls Royce, sometimes as the chauffeur. He is an amateur painter. He loves beer, likes McDonalds, and sings in the shower (these last three Uncle Freddy criteria for a good husband). He likes nothing better than walking into a room, or a parade (yep!), or better yet a bar and making something hilarious happen. When we were young he was our favorite uncle by sheer dint of his craziness.
Pearse McCorley
December 8, 2019
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your Dad who I thought was indestructible.
Noel Heavey
December 8, 2019
News of Fred's passing has saddened me considerably.
I'm the man who organized the race one Rosetown night about 6 years ago between himself and Ciara the sprinter which Fred won.
Some time after this he challenged Martin Donnelly's racehorse with Martin on board on the Curragh plains. Fred lost this one, but only by a short head. I was there to console him. He took us back to his home where Victoria cooked us breakfast.
There he passed onto me his booklet explaining the Economic Crash. It was concise, clear and bang on.
One day we were drinking in Athgarvan. Me a pint, Fred a glass(1/2 pint) when we finished he made me think by telling me We'd consumed the same number of sips. Ever after this I consumed alchohol in 1/2 pint measures.
He used send me bulletins of his health and on matters rugby. Always clear and unsparing of himself.
His after dinner speeches were a joy to behold.
My world is much impoverished by his passing. God have mercy on his sweet soul. I'll never forget him as long as I live.
Noel Heavey
Pat and Jean hadnett
December 4, 2019
Fred was truly a legend. It was a great joy for us to be at the famous Rugby game at Stanford to be part of the wedding party. Especially Standing on the side line having few beers with Freds brothers Pat and Frank RIP. They are all together Now .
Bridget McNamer
December 3, 2019
'll never forget the first time I met Uncle Fred. He came to visit us in Billings when I was 6 or 7. I was young and impressionable, and the impression he left was indelible. This was a man who was larger than life. He brought an energy into our home the likes of which I'd never encountered. He was hilarious. He played the piano with panache. He played the trumpet. He talked a lot about bananas. He taught us all the short shake (Saves wear and tear on the hand), which I still use to this day, and I'm proud to say that my hands are strong. He gave me a new vision of what being a grown up' might look like, and that it was possible to be playful and kind and humorous while also having an important job like engineer.
A treasured possession of mine is the Niceness Certificate I got from Fred when I was in my 40s. I hung it proudly on my office wall. I treasured that more than my college or grad school diploma. I'd rather be a certified Nice Person than have an MA from god knows where. Fred had a way of reminding all what's really important.
I'll miss him terribly.
With love,
Bridget (McNamer)
David Yancey
December 3, 2019
Such a shock. Fred was bigger than life and one of a kind. I first met Fred on the SF Rugby Club tour to New Zealand in 1977. He was our choir master. He knew every rugby song and bawdy poem you have ever heard and more. Many of use have seen in action over these many years. It seemed he would live forever.
He was a true Renaissance Man. One of the few I have known. Genius intellect, brilliant engineer and business man, humorist, top athlete in his time, musician and artist. Her was a born leader and performer. He founded the San Francisco Rugby Club and contributed in so many ways to the rugby community. He was a man you always wanted on your side.
Sadly, there will never be another like Fred.
There will be much said by many about this great man. It is with sincere awe and affection that I will attend his services.
Peter Brewster
December 3, 2019
As Fred so wisely said, "If you ain't got fun - you ain't got nothing", these are the words that will resonate for the remainder of my life! Fred, I am sending you my most sincere and deepest gratitude - Rest In Peace.
I literally grew up in the home of Fred, Bonnie, Steve, Victoria, Joe, and Danny, and I can assure you we heeded Fred's wise words by having a TON OF FUN. Fred and the entire Forster family embraced me, and welcomed me in their lives just like a family member. My fondest memory is literally my entire childhood, and that is what I loved so much - the Forster family welcomed everyone into their home without hesitation.
Fred is one of the most generous, accepting, warm, and loving human beings this world has ever known. Fred expressed his love in so many ways, and to so many people. Fred has passed on - he has not passed away.
There is no doubt in my mind that Fred will continue to pass over each of us - and Fred would likely ask us to not focus on our sense of loss; rather, to lift your head up high and focus your energy toward a profound sense of love, hope and FUN!
God Bless you Fred, and God Bless the entire Forster family. I LOVE YOU ALL! Thank you for always extending your welcoming arms, showing me kindness and love, and for sharing with me an abundance of FUN!
Kevin Perry
December 2, 2019
My sincere condolences... as a friend of Steven's, I've spent a few nights in the castle and always loved trying to find the hidden images in Fred's paintings. I'm sure he's smiling down upon us now from above on the great pitch in the sky.
Sincerely,
Kevin Trent Perry
Lily (LBW) XO
December 2, 2019
Fred, you were a man of great wit and wisdom, and a man we all believed would and could live forever. You brought us on some great journeys with your stories and tales of life, and left us with some wonderful memories that will last an eternity. Thank you Fred, for being uniquely you!
To live in hearts, we leave behind is not to die.
Bruce Anderson
December 1, 2019
Fred - I miss you already, you leave behind great memories of honesty and friendship. A true friend who cared and listened. I will miss your regular visits to Reno - my Duke of Reno. Till we meet again.
Janette Walsh
December 1, 2019
Such sad news. Frederick was a lovely man. Will be very missed by everyone here in Ireland. Janette& Caroline Walsh, Newbridge Co Kildare Ireland x
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