Foster, Dick

Rank:  Gunner

Force: Navy

Dick Foster joined the navy in October 1942 served as a gunner on the Atlantic. After his discharged, he lived on the west coast, owning a marine supply shop with his brother-in-law.  After he sold the business, he tried commercial fishing for two years.  In the winters, when the fishing was poor, he worked in logging.  The next venture was running an Auto Court in Vancouver, co-owned with his brother and father. In about 1952 when they sold that business, Dick and his father, Charlie, moved to the Peace River country where they bought six quarters of land from long-time resident Percy Clubine.  Dick had no experience in farming, except that his father had a farm implement agency until 1929 in Saskatchewan.  Seeding his land with Meron Bluegrass, he also planted about 2000 shrubs and trees on the part of the property where he wanted to build a house.  Dick’s dream was having a cattle ranch, and he began with 60 Hereford cattle transported by rail from Lloydminster.  During one of the local stampedes, Dick broke his jaw riding a wild steer.  After a quick trip to the doctor who bandaged him up, Dick continued to compete, winning top prize in a bucking event that same day!  As a member of the Alberta Farmer’s Union, he took great interest in farming life.  Dick was also an avid golfer.

Source:   Along the Wapiti p. 412 name in WWII Veterans, p. 423 photo in uniform

Lake Saskatoon Reflections pp. 167, 177 – stored grain

Grande Prairie Herald Tribune  July 19, 1955 p. 7 c. 4  Biography

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