During the Faith Winter Session, I received the sad news of the death of David Foster, a great teacher, a faithful Catholic, a tireless defender of the faith, and an enthusiastic communicator of Catholic truth to young people. Here is a short obituary that I have received:David Foster died on the 29th of December 2008, the day before his 76th birthday, after a short illness which began just before Christmas. He died fortified by the rites of Our Holy Mother Church. These he received from the hospital chaplain, Fr Mark Swires, a priest who had been a student at both the Summer School (see below) and at Campion School, where David taught for over 30 years.David Foster's Requiem Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Helen, Brentwood on Tuesday 13th January 2009 at 1pm. The celebrant will be Fr Nicholas Schofield (Roman Miscellany).
David was an English teacher, husband of Dora for 49 years and father of three sons; John, Stephen and Martin. He became a Catholic in the 1950's and for 25 years ran the 'International Summer School'. The week of the Summer School gave those who attended a varied curriculum where everything was taught within an orthodox Catholic framework and integrated our Catholic heritage. Vocations to the priesthood and several religious resulted among those who attended (at least 4 priests, 3 sisters and a brother). Dominic Sullivan, also a teacher, who has been involved in running the Summer school over recent years will continue this work. (This year the dates are July 25th-August 1st 2009, further details can be obtained from Dominic Sullivan on 0208 788 8659.)
During recent years David continued the Pro Fide Forum meetings in London after the death of John Edwards.
He supported Burnley Football club (his father's hometown) and attended cricket matches whenever possible throughout the Summer.
He is fondly remembered by many, for many reasons. For my part I knew that he would proof read articles and newsletters; once he had done this one could rely on there being no spelling or grammatical errors remaining!
Photo credit: Oxford Events
5 comments:
He even took the time to help us with our book club. May he rest in peace.
David was a great and inspirational man.
Requiem aeternam dona ei Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei.
This is a wonderful tribute to Mr. Foster, I'm very pleased to see it here. He was a lovely man, and I always enjoyed his summer schools. The lessons were always very interesting and the quizzes he wrote for the evening's entertainment were brilliant. The summer school has done a lot of good for a lot of people through the years and it will sorely miss Mr. Foster's guidance as well as his warm personality.
Its a pity David couldn't have proof read his own obituary, as he would have been able to be fortified by the "rites" as well as the "rights" of the Church:)
Still, I trust that this error has shortened his stay in purgatory and that he is now having a good laugh about it in heaven!
Dear Father Tim
We met Mr. Foster at the Faith, Family, Future conference in St. Albans in the autumn.
He sat with us for the evening meal on the Saturday night and we both noted later what a gentleman he was.
He was endowed with gentleness, warmth and that sense of inner joy - even mirth - which one meets from time to time in Catholics who have lived a life in God's friendship and service. These graces were so strong in him that we spoke to each other about them later that evening.
May he rest in peace and may his family be comnfored at this time.
God Bless him
Alan and Angeline
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