Kenneth L. Foss

Mr. Kenneth L. Foss, a lifelong resident and supporter of Melrose, passed away on the evening of October 8, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 77 years old. Ken was born in Melrose on July 8, 1932, son of the late Frank Foss and Nina (Fall) Foss and graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1951. He served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. During his 30-year working career, Mr. Foss was an aircraft mechanic and foreman for Allegheny Airlines and US Airways until retiring into a management position at US Air. He was a member of Wyoming Lodge AF&AM. In his spare time, Ken enjoyed gardening, playing the piano and singing. As a longtime supporter of the City of Melrose, Mr. Foss started the Concerned Citizens Group in the 1970’s and held various positions in the city government. Ken was a Ward Alderman, an Alderman-at-Large, President of the Board of Alderman, and ran for both mayor and State Representative. He served as a member and Chair of the Melrose Park Commission for many years. During his time as Park Commissioner, Ken was involved in numerous projects throughout the city including renovating the Lebanon Street Park, establishing a BMX Track at Pine Banks Park in the early 1980’s, rebuilding one of the outside fireplaces near the 3rd pond at Mount Hood, and with the help of his son, Mark, the construction of the flagpole which rises from the top of Slayton Tower at Mt. Hood. In recognition of his years of service to the Melrose community, Mr. Foss was honored in the naming of the park at Washington School, “Foss Park.� At the age of 14 while at Pine Banks Park, he met his beloved wife, the late Barbara L. (Olson) Foss with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Karen L. Martin and her husband, Bruce of Land O’ Lakes, FL, Kevin L. Foss and his wife, Chris of Melrose, Mark L. Foss of Melrose, and Katrina L. Foss and her husband, Denis Tremblay of Windham, NH. Dear brother in law of Wayne Olson and his wife Debbie of Melrose and the late Sonny Olson and his wife Cynthia of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Eric Bossardt Martin, Ryan Bossardt Martin, Lindsay Martin, Sarah Foss, Shawn Foss, Cameron Foss and Katie Foss. Funeral Service at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., MELROSE Friday October 16 at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 PM. Interment with military honors presented by the US Air Force in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.