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Peter H. Foster
January 5, 1938 - November 20, 2004
Pete Foster graduated from high school
in the Town of Bethlehem, NY, where his class will celebrate
its 50th Reunion this September. Pete was President of Student
Council, and Captain of the football team. One classmate recalls
him as a "rather serious young man with a twinkle in his
blue eyes." Another writes, "I always thought Pete
was a very special leader, friend, good-humored smart guy - particularly
smart to have married Judi." After graduating from WestPoint,
Pete joined the Air Force, married Judi and moved to Albuquerque,
NM. They are the parents of two daughters, Juliet Foster; and
Christel Claunch. Christel and her husband Scott gave them granddaughters
Sydni and Camryn.
On November 20, 2004, at age 66, Pete Foster
lost his two month long battle with untreatable primary liver
cancer. Pete had built an exemplary career with DoD in USAF,
R&D, and Contracting; becoming Director of Contracts at KAFB,
and Deputy Director of DESA. Prior to that he worked at the National
Science Foundation in Washington, D.C. where he developed life
long friendships. In 1993, Pete retired from government service
with pride, becoming Director of Western Operations for Scientific
Research Corporation. He was a charter member of the Albuquerque
Chapter of the National Contract Management Association and held
a top secret SCI clearance. A flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol
in Pete's honor, observing the 200th anniversary of the USMA.
Mike Barr and Ron Pistone attended Pete
Foster's Memorial Service. They wrote: "……. Pete's
West Point experience was very apparent. The prelude was the
WestPoint Alma Mater, and the postlude was Army Blue. Pete's
"Howitzer" photo was large on the center table, accompanied
by Old Glory and his wedding picture. A 6' tall funeral spray
sent by the Class of '59 featured red, white, and blue flowers
in keeping with the color theme of the Service." Pete's
personal flags, which he flew daily, were displayed. The family
is creating a Memory Book for their granddaughters. Please contribute
to the continuation of his memory in their lives.
"Featured speakers were daughters,
Christel Claunch and Juliet Foster, as well as long time friend
Dr. Charles Watt. Patriotism and Pete's 38 years of service as
an Air Force officer and DoD civilian were highlighted - in particular,
his skills in research, development and contract management.
….He was cited for great achievements as a husband, father,
friend, as well as his belief in God and religious life. The
Wilson girls, a talented quartet of close friend's granddaughters,
sang God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, and God Bless
the USA. A flag ceremony and Taps were presented to more than
100 attendees. It was a heart-warming event that…. was a
great tribute to a great man."
At the Reception, Mike and Ron "offered
sincere condolences from the Class to Judi and her family. Also,
we told her that Pete's passing was a dreadful loss for us, but
that we wanted her to continue to keep contact with '59, (which
she and their Aerospace Engineer daughter, Juliet are doing.)
Finally, I (Ron) attached a 1959 pin; the one Tom Russell gave
me years ago, to Judi's blouse, and claimed her for the Class.
She wore this throughout the Reception. As for Pete, many said
that he is in a better place now, …..." Pete Dawkins
sent a "Well done Pete Foster. Be thou at peace" via
Dr. Watt's contribution to the service.
John Moellering reminiscences: "There are a lot of people
in this world who "fake it" and still become successful,
but Pete was the real article! He was a man among men and one
of the bravest people I have known."
John Ruth recalls Pete as "low-key and very smart. Always
there with a ready smile. Pete was supportive and taught me a
lot about running. He was quite an athlete."
Freshman roommate, Art Bair states: "The last time I saw
Pete was in the early 80's, in the Pentagon. As always, he looked
good and was a pleasure to converse with and spend some time
with."
Dick Jasper: "I was in company E-2 and Peter was in G-2.
We went to many of the same classes, including Physical Education,
and we both ran on the WestPoint Cross Country Team. I never
knew Peter to be coarse in any aspect of his behavior; rather
he was compassionate, humble, and sincere, a strong competitor
who gave his best and always provided a positive example for
others, including me. He had my respect and quiet admiration.
I will miss the on going associations we might have had, but
I'm grateful that my memories of West Point include Peter."
At Judi and Pete's cabin in the Jemez Mountains
north of Albuquerque, where Peter served on the Homeowner's Board
and expressed his great love of the outdoors, neighboring Aspen
Ridge Alpacas named their November 20, newborn "Pecos Pete"
in his honor.
Juliet and Christel observed that humor
was an integral part of their father's life and he showed humor,
determination and bravery in death. Many of their friends, and
relatives, considered him a "second father" and traveled
great distances to be with him at the end. "Our family has
not only been devoted to my father, but to each other as well."
Peter's Hospice Nurse writes: "I can
always tell a great man by the love and dedication of his family.
Your legacy of integrity and service to others will continue.
May you rest in Peace, sweet Pete".
In 1994 Pete inherited a farm in Baldwinsville,
NY, which has been in the family since a Revolutionary land grant
in 1778, and houses Civil War memorabilia from his ancestors.
Friends who wish to contribute to the replanting of the apple
orchard at the farm on June 4, 2005 may make donations in Pete's
name to Wells Fargo Bank. Contact Judi
for more information.
Family, friends and classmates
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