6th September 2012 - The Bush Telegraph Weekly

Bill Foster OAM Continued from page 3
Rod had earlier that week on Monday 23 July attended a memorial service
for Major Neil Maitland (Rtd) late of Galston, who had passed away the
previous week age 62 years. Neil’s service was conducted by his father,
Major General Gordon L Maitland AO OB RFD ED, of North Turramurra.
Bill’s parents John ‘Jack’ Foster and Daisy (nee Clarke) lived at Berowra.
Bill was born at Hurstville on 5 March 1917 and attended Berowra School,
now the Berowra District Hall opposite St Mark’s Church (cnr Berowra
Waters and Crowley Rds).
Bill had two younger brothers Joe and Ernie (both now deceased).
After leaving school Bill went to work for a boat builder at Palm Beach.
When after 3 weeks of not being paid, Bill asked for his money and the
reply was - “You should be paying me for what I am teaching you.” Bill
walked out, never to return.
Bill then applied to be a refrigeration mechanic apprenticeship and was
one of four chosen from 1,200 applicants.
When his Dad died Bill helped his Mum run the Foster’s family General
Store on the Pacific Hwy at Berowra. It was also a Post Office, a petrol
station and handled produce from the railway siding.
Bill had first met his wife-to-be Elaine Davis on Berowra station when
her family arrived from the Central Coast to live in Berowra. They were
married on 14 March 1942 and spent their honeymoon at Manly. They built
their family home in Goodwyn Rd Berowra and had 3 children Stephen,
Gregory, and Merran.
After his WW2 Naval service Bill worked as a storeman for the NSW
Railways involving imports and exports and rolling stock, retiring in 1982.
In late 1990 Bill was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was not
expected home for Christmas. The ‘old sea dog’ however overcame the
odds and lived for another 22 years to the ripe old age of 95. In September
2011, Bill & Elaine moved to Mark Donaldson VC House at the RSL
Rowland Village in Galston.
Bill and Elaine were parishioners of St Mark’s Anglican Church and icons
of the Berowra community. Besides his RSL commitments Bill was a life
member of the Berowra Cricket Club, a Justice of the Peace life member, a
St John Ambulance member, a founding member of the Berowra Bendigo
Bank (see photo, top right), and a member of M.U.I.O.O.F (Manchester
Unity Independant Order of Oddfellows) where members contributed for
common benefits of health and welfare.
4
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Many members of the
Berowra Cricket Club also
attended including former
President Nathan Tilbury,
and life members Les
Wicks and Bill Gainsford.
“Bill Foster, like Harry
Fox, were our community
leaders,” said Bill
Gainsford who with wife
Robyne had travelled
from Nelson Bay.
Many community identities
were there including our State MP for f Hornsby H b Matt M Kean, K and d Don D Wall W ll
President Asquith Men’s Bowling Club.
“Bill is my second cousin,” said Don of Mt Colah (ex Asquith). “My mother
Eileen Foster Wall was the daughter of Ada Foster (Mrs Richards) the
sister of Bill’s father John ‘Jack’ Foster.”
“I lost my Dad when I was 19 and Bill became my Dad. He was one you
could always rely on. He was an all-round good bloke,” said Jeannette
Foster (nee Dore), wife of Bill’s son Stephen, in her eulogy.
Bill’s granddaughter Kelly Foster read ‘When I am Gone’ and grandson
Kyle read ‘We are our Father’s Garden’. Both spoke of their grandfather’s
love and encouragement, always willing to listen and help in any way.
“He was a great listener and tolerant, a handyman, gave good advice, was
patient and willing to help out,” added Bill’s adult children Stephen (from
Mayers Flat), Gregory (Jindabyne), and Merran Husband (Berowra Hts).
The funeral director service was Albert & Myer of Thornleigh led by
Rebecca Williams and accompanied by her associates: Jonathan Bennett,
Greg Flemming and Luigi Russo. The organist for the service was
Margaret Clarke of Berowra.
Bill is survived by his wife Elaine, 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great
grandchildren.
Elaine and family thank you all for your friendship over the years,
your kind words, prayers and support.
When the ‘Last Post’ was played at Bill’s funeral service, the whole gathering, without being
asked, rose from their seats and stood in memory of our Bill and the service he gave to our
country and community. Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very near.
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Sunday 16 September, 10am to 4pm
Fagan Park, Arcadia Road, Galston
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For further information visit hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bsf or phone 9847 6667.
Festival proudly sponsored by:
The Bush Telegraph Weekly – Thursday 6 September 2012