Lenoar Foster Obituary

Lenoar

FOSTER Ph.D

Lenoar Foster, Ph.D, (formerly Brother Ignatius Foster of the Brothers of the Holy Rosary), a long time Reno resident, passed away unexpectedly on July 3, 2009 at his home in Pullman, WA. He had just been appointed the interim Dean of the Washington State University College of Education.

Dr. Foster was born on December 18, 1951 to Percy Morton and Elsie Foster. After graduating from high school in Pensacola, FL, he received a bachelor's degree from Xavier University in New Orleans, LA. He continued his education at the University of Nevada Reno, completing both his masters and doctorate degrees along with advanced degrees in educational administration and higher education. His resume also included advanced studies at Stanford University, where he was a William Coe Fellow in American History.

The Reno community will remember him as Brother Ignatius who taught history and government at Bishop Manogue High School for over 20 years. He was also the principal of Manogue from 1988 - 1992, as well as helping to orchestrate Manogue's yearly BASH fundraiser. In addition to teaching, his many accomplishments include: edited The Black College Review, Research, Policy, and Practice, was a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and chaired its National Task Force on Principal Preparation from 2004-2006. In 2007 he won the National Service Award from Division A (Administration, Organization and Leadership) of the American Education Research Assoc.

Prior to joining the faculty at WSU, Dr. Foster also worked with doctoral students at University of Montana , Missoula and San Diego State University. His intelligence, compassion and humor were unparalleled. Dr. Len Foster - educator, mentor, friend, counselor, brother and uncle will be dearly missed by the many people who knew and loved him.

A mass will be held for Dr. Foster at Bishop Manogue High School Chapel, 110 Bishop Manogue Dr., Reno, NV, on August 29, 2009, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Bishop Manogue High School Tuition Assistance, 110 Bishop Manogue Dr., Reno, NV 89511 or Our Lady of Snows Building Fund, 1138 Wright St., Reno, NV 89509. For further information contact Pamela Berger at 530-546-4770.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader on Aug. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Lenoar Foster

7 Entries

Michelle Wiebe

September 12, 2009

Dr. Foster was a man of integrity. While he set high standards for his students, they were never as high as the standards he set for himself. As a result, it was easier to put in the effort when he asked and the results were always worth it. I mourn the loss of a cherished mentor but feel blessed that I had the honor of studying under the guidance of such an incredible man.

M Denton

August 29, 2009

Being raised in a small Northern California town during the 1970's with no ethnic diversity, my "models" of black men were molded by sitcoms and police dramas. Meeting Brother for the first time was intense in that small BMCHS classroom. However, he conducted himself with grace, dignity and intelligence, and completely blew away my small-minded, preconceived beliefs and fortunately, changed them for the better. Even today, when our magnificent country has been entrusted to a man of grace, dignity and intelligence, I will always go back to the paradigm shift I experienced with Brother Foster. He was, and will remain, the standard of grace, dignity and intelligence regardless of race, creed or affiliation. Leonar is the standard bearer for education, for respect, and for faithful service to community and God.

John & Pam Roeber

August 25, 2009

"Brother Ignatius" as we knew you. You'll always hold a special place in our hearts. From the first time we met, to when we went on a four-wheel drive adventure and during the time you guided us through the French Quarter in New Orleans, we shared common ground and joyful times together. We'll always remember your laughter and everpresent smile that lit up the room.
As we were saddened by the news of your passing, we are glad you're with the Lord in heaven...still smiling and having a good laugh now and then!

Nancy McGee

August 24, 2009

To the Family of Brother / Lenoar - Our family has known you since 1971 - those times I will always charish - I've missed your hearty laugh and zestfulness.
Noe you know where my sister Rose is and hope that you two will vacation in heaven together. God Peace & Our Love,
The Norine, Nancy McGee & Collen Lindstrom

Marlene Casci

August 23, 2009

Brother/Lenoar, my fellow colleague and close friend, "I'm greatly saddened by your sudden death yet our many joyful memories will always make my heart smile".
Ms. Marlene Casci

Kim Corica

August 23, 2009

He was so amazing in so many ways professionally. I admired his determination when it came to educating us, not only in academics but in life. This came in the form of life lectures, which all proved to be true, usually after realizing nobody had done their homework. He had high standards and we were all expected to meet them. Who can forget Ignatious-cise? I have never been able to listen to the Pointer sisters without thinking of him. The Tina Turner concert and enless days in detention, I don't know how he kept a straight face. I truly believe he knew he was helping sculp us into better people. You will be missed our Faithful Mentor!

Lydia Thornton

August 23, 2009

Brother Ignatious was that exceptional teacher and man that one never forgets. The lessons he taught are not just history, or religion, but LIFE and self-respect and determination. I am truly saddened by this loss to the education community, as well as his friends and those who had the pleasure of being in his company.
"For all intents and purposes" he was and always will be simply the BEST

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