Dr. Benjamin William Foster, Jr., â€œBenâ€�, of Suffolk, VA, died Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at age 74. Ben was a cherished father, brother, sailor, avid golfer and beloved storyteller. He was a general dentist for 42 years who served thousands of families across Tidewater. He brought smiles to his patients with his gentle, expert hand and clever, thoughtful manner. A native of Portsmouth, Ben was a graduate of Saint Paulâ€™s High School, an Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia and he received a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Medical College of Virginia. While at University of Virginia, he was President of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and lived on the Lawn. He briefly served as a dentist in the United States Air Force before joining his first practice in Portsmouth. Ben was an invested member of the Portsmouth community throughout his adult life â€" as a Rotarian, board member of the Oasis Social Ministries and appointed head of Mayor James Holleyâ€™s Arts Council for the opening of Willett Hall. He was the son of the late Benjamin William Foster, Sr. and Helen Woodall Foster of Portsmouth, VA. Ben is survived by his daughters, Stephanie Foster Cox (Bob) and Carrie Foster Moore (Matt); his four brothers, Bart T. Foster (Shirley), Billy O. Foster (Cindy), Bruce S. Foster (Sharon) and Brian P. Foster (Doris); and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 26, at Baker-Foster Funeral Home, 5685 Lee Farm Lane, Suffolk, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oasis Social Ministry of Portsmouth at oasissocialministry.com. Condolences may be offered at BWFosterFuneralhome.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Oct. 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Foster

Sponsored by the family.

31 Entries

Drew Thompson

June 23, 2021

Dr. Foster was an excellent Dentist. He was gentle and kind to his patients. He was loved by all and I will miss his presence in my life. My prayers go out to his family and friends and to those employed by him over the years. He was my friend and I will miss him greatly.

Bruce Cadotte

March 17, 2019

A great guy, a smart guy, a mentor and great friend whom I regrettably lost touch with after college. I have learned about this late, but nevertheless my best wishes go to his family.

Jill Marcoux

November 14, 2018

My prayers are with his family. Such a good dentist.

Eleanor Daughtrey

November 5, 2018

So sorry to learn of Ben's passing. My deepest Condolences to his brother's and family.

George & Pauline Degaraff

November 2, 2018

Dear Stephanie, Carrie & the Foster Family,
How shocked and saddened we were to read of Ben's passing. We're thinking of you as you honor Ben and celebrate his life. We do fondly remember his engaging personality and his service & involvement in the community.
You are in our thoughts and prayers, sending wishes for peace and comfort during this time.

With sympathy,
George and Pauline Degaraff

Dan & Liilie Johnson

October 31, 2018

So sorry to hear of Ben's passing. My wife and I were his patients for more than 30 years.

October 30, 2018

My condolences to all. Ben was very kind to me personally, and I witnessed his kindness to others many times over the years. He will be missed by myself, and I know, countless others. Peace be with all who loved him.

Paul Humphries

October 28, 2018

So sorry to learn of Ben's death. He was a good guy. Condolences to the family.

Charles Joyner

October 26, 2018

Ben was a true Portsmouth gentleman and will be missed. Sincere condolences to his brothers, family, and many friends.

Joanna & Buddy Saunders

October 26, 2018

We are so sorry at Bens passing but know that he is no longer suffering. He has been a lifelong friend and fellow golfer and our hearts go out to the family. Please accept our sincere condolences and know how sad we are that were out of state and cannot be there to join in the celebration of his life. God bless

Margaret Anne Levitin

October 25, 2018

So very sorry to learn of Ben's passing. My deepest sympathy to the Foster family at this sad and difficult time. May the memories of Ben always be a comfort and blessing to you. Keeping you in my prayers and holding you close in my heart.

Beth Morrill

October 25, 2018

Carrie...our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. There are no words....but know that we are praying. Much love and Peace...Jeff and Beth Morrill

October 25, 2018

Ben was a wonderful friend, and we will sorely miss him. Our thoughts today are with Stephanie and Carrie.
Sincerely, Nancy and A.T. Mayo

Maria Ross

October 25, 2018

Dr. Foster was our family dentist for almost 30 years. It was always a pleasure to see him and hear his kind, gentle voice. He will truly be missed.

Bryan, Maria and Justin Ross
Portsmouth, VA

Dan and Margie Kensil

October 25, 2018

Sadly, the loss of a gentle soul and true gentleman who was always a pleasure to talk with and be with. Condolences and comfort to all who loved him.

October 25, 2018

We are saddened to hear of Ben's death. He was a great guy. Our prayers and love y'all.
God rest his soul.
Caralyn and Ray Wittersheim

Joan (Schoppe) Ramirez

October 25, 2018

My condolences to Ben's family. Dr. Foster was my dentist for many years from my teens through young adulthood. He was very kind, and always asked after my brothers and sisters. Although it has been many years since I last saw him, he will be missed. Prayers for peace to his family and friends.

Wendy Hosick

October 25, 2018

Ben will always be remembered as a kind, cerebral and dedicated man. I had the honor to accompany him on a Rotary mission trip to Honduras where I witnessed his diligence and skill in treating the poorest of the poor. Ben was a man who made our world a better place in which to live in his quiet , unassuming way.

John Gawne

October 25, 2018

I will miss your sly grin, golf course competition and great friendship, Ben. My wife and I send our deepest condolences to the Foster family.
Fair Winds my good friend.
John Dawg and Megan Gawne

October 25, 2018

From the Allen, Clark and Leonard families in Olde Towne, condolences on your loss, with many thanks for all your family has done for us over the years. Nancy and Dave Leonard

October 25, 2018

From the Allen and Leonard families in Olde Towne, condolences on your loss, with thanks for all your family has done for us over the years. Nancy and Dave Leonard

Suzanne & Gabbo Galbreath

October 25, 2018

We offer our condolences to the extended Foster Family at this time of great loss. May Peace be with you. We have fond memories of Dr. Ben. May he rest-in-Peace.

Julie Anton

October 24, 2018

We are saddened at the passing of Ben, a pillar of one of the best families in Portsmouth. Tom and I are praying for his family.

Ken Teachey

October 24, 2018

My deepest sympathy on the passing of Ben . May the memories of the good times comfort you as you mourn his loss . Prayers and God's Blessings to all who knew and loved him . May he Rest In Peace .

Bernie Kirsch

October 24, 2018

Ben was a lovely man and full of love for his family and friends.

It has been my pleasure to know him for sixty-five years as man and boy. It is with great sadness that I offer my condolence to the Foster Family, his wonderful children and his brothers.

May he be remembered for the many kindnesses that he offered to those he came to know.

May he rest in peace.

Celine Connolly/Adelhock

October 24, 2018

To all the family and friends of Ben Foster, It is with sadness I send this message to you. His lifestyle reminds me of one of the Eight Beatitudes. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. It is my understanding he was exceptionally kind to the Connolly family. For all you have done, this send off is for you! An Irish Blessing and prayers for you.
May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

DianePace Pauls

October 24, 2018

I was so sorry to hear of Bens passing. Fond memories of a weekend at UVA with him! He was also my dentist when my daughter and I returned to Tidewater. My sympathies to Bart and brothers. Ill keep him in my prayers.

Mike Smith

October 24, 2018

Sorry to hear the news about Ben. Our prayers are with him and his family. May God Bless you all.

Rose Mary K Rakowski

October 24, 2018

Please accept my sympathy on the death of Ben. He was a kind and gentle man. May he rest in peace.

Beth Connolly Sentman

October 24, 2018

Dear Family and Friends of Dr. Ben,

The community has lost a truly gentle and grand soul.

Ben was a man of generous spirit and cheerful kindness. He was very graciouss to our family over the years and we shan't forget him.

Many prayers have we offered for him during his illness and we shall continue them for the repose of his soul.

Surely he shall have the reward of his good works.

May Jesus, Mary and Joseph have received him at his coming and also grant comfort and hope to all his loved ones.

Requiem in pacet.

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