Riley 1968 Robert L “Coach” Foster

Dec. 10, 1950 - July 9, 2016

SOUTH BEND - I was born in South Bend, Indiana to Edwin Moss Foster and Florence Rose (Parker) Foster. My twin brother, Richard (Chris) Foster of Spencerville, Ohio and I were the youngest siblings including Keith (Sharon) Foster of South Bend, Delos (Marilyn) Foster of Palatine, Illinois, Carl Foster of Alberquerque, New Mexico, Fern (Robert) Totero of Tampa Bay, Florida and June (James) Cappa of Conifer , Colorado. My oldest brother, Roger Foster is deceased.

Many people have commented on how lucky I have been in life. Thanks, Jimmy Parsons and the old neighborhood. At Riley High School I was fortunate to be surrounded by good athletes, friends and coaches. Consequently, I received a football and wrestling scholarship to Indiana State University. I started thirty-one straight games in football and was Captain of the Wrestling team my Junior and Senior Years, in the Riley Hall of Fame, Indiana High School Wrestling Hall of Fame and Indiana State University Hall of Fame. Lucky, yes!

Luck follows me again when I was hired as a History teacher and Football Coach at Buchanan High School. Great administrators, fellow teachers (Frank Mucha), coaches (thank you Mike Kuntz!) and of course the kids and parents made my job a joy. If not for this illness I would still be coaching.

Refereeing wrestling for thirty years, doing the state finals over 10 times, playing ball with the “Legends” and “Baskers Bears”, and biking the roads of Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan were highlights of my grown up athletic life.

A final special thanks to three people, Tom DeBaets and Tim Carrigan, and to the “love of my life”, Mary McDermott. The best people a man could want by his side helping him fight his last and greatest battle.

Dogs! Get ready Eva, Buster, Maggie, Charlie and Max. I'm knocking at the Gates.

Lucky, YES!

Written by

Robert L. Foster

July, 2016

Robert died of myelofibrosis-a blood and bone marrow cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date; a notice will appear, once arrangements are final. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com, or our facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.

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