Robert (Bob) H. Foster, 71, of Guelph, Ontario passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 1, 1951, in Brantford, Ontario, he is predeceased by his parents, Norm Foster (Laura) and Betty Foster, and sister Peggy MacNeil (John). Survived by his wife, Nancy Foster, daughters Lindsay Walker (Ian), Robin Foster, Michelle Bendig (Shaun), Kimberly Stahlbaum (Henry), and Jennifer Auger (Alex Van derWyst), and by grandchildren, Owen and Nathan Walker, Evelyn Foster, Colton Bendig, Ben and Amelia Stahlbaum, and Magdalen and Eli Van derWyst, as well as step-siblings Laurie Elkerton (Peter Hatzinger), Margaret Bird (Martin) and John Elkerton (Angela Boudreau).
Shortly after graduating from the Architecture program at Mohawk College, Bob joined the City of Guelph’s building department as a building inspector. He later went on to work in the Township of Centre Wellington as their Chief Building Official. During his time there he designed the town hall in Elora, an accomplishment of which he was most proud. He was also an active member of the Guelph Homebuilders Association and had a hand in creating some memorable floats for the local Santa Claus Parade. Following his retirement, he continued to pursue his passion for home building, as a proud member of the Heritage Guelph Committee.
Outside of work, Bob stayed active playing baseball, volleyball, and in his later years, golf. He loved camping and maintained a seasonal site for decades in Elora, where he enjoyed taking his lunch breaks and spending summer weekends playing cribbage and jamming around the fire. A self-taught musician, Bob was rarely seen without a guitar close at hand, ready to entertain himself or an audience. Reveling in the holidays, Bob delighted in putting on spectacular fireworks shows, and setting up elaborate lawn displays for his family and neighbours to enjoy. His enthusiasm and antics will be remembered by many.
Bob's family will host a visitation at 11:00am, with funeral service at 12:00pm, and a celebration of life the afternoon of Friday, May 19, 2023. The service will be at Gilbert MacIntyre & Sons, Hart Chapel in Guelph. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice Wellington, or the Guelph Humane Society in Bob’s name.