Robert Foster

Robert "Rob" Foster, 75, passed away suddenly Sunday, August 31, of aortic failure in Woods Hole, MA. He was born September 19, 1949, in Milton, MA to the late Jane C. A. and Donald B. Foster.

Rob and his former wife Kate Wilson are parents to Grace Foster of Philadelphia, PA and Lucy Foster of Woods Hole, MA.

Rob went to public schools in Woods Hole and Falmouth, MA and then to high school at the Lenox School for Boys in Lenox, MA, graduating in 1968. After Lenox, Rob studied Russian language at the University of Miami and attended Connecticut College.

Rob had diverse interests, an interesting career history, and a great set of friends and family. After studying Russian language in Miami, he moved to Sanibel Island in 1974. In 1976, he moved to Mystic and then returned to Woods Hole where he fished every chance he had to be out on the water. He enjoyed working as a marine welder for a local contractor and later as a painter and supervisor at MacDougalls' Boat Yard and at Falmouth Marine. He also worked aboard steamships for the Woods Hole Steamship Authority. Resuming his early interests in golf, he became an avid and accomplished golfer. After retiring from the boatyards, he later worked at the Falmouth Sports Center and, most recently, was working at Cape Cod Country Club while continuing his independent boat painting in the Woods Hole and Falmouth area. Rob was well known and sought for his excellent brightwork on sail and power craft.

Rob was a keen and constant reader of books on a broad range of subjects, from international relations, politics, and biographies to mysteries, thrillers, and who-done-its. Rob stayed in touch with his friends and family, near and far, all of whom will miss his wry wit and sense of humor.

Rob leaves his daughters Grace and Lucy Foster and his former wife Kate Wilson; his brother Donald Foster and wife Carole of Lakeville, MA; his niece Cate O'Connor of Montclair, NJ; and cousins Case, Sean, and Tim Caulfield of Alberta, Canada, as well as a number of cousins on the Foster side. Rob also leaves a long list of devoted friends.

Funeral services are private. A memorial gathering to celebrate Rob's life and friendships is planned for later this year and will be announced. For those interested in making a contribution in his memory, please consider the Woods Hole Public Library and the Lenox School Alumni Association.