Glen Foster was born on August 17, 1927 to Thomas and Cora Foster in Cashmere, Washington. He passed away peacefully on July 4, 2022 at Auburn, Washington. Glen was the sole survivor of a large family - rich in experience, troubles, joy, and accomplishments.

Glen's growing years were happy assisting with family businesses, including a small roadside hotel, a family farm, helping his father construct temporary buildings for church services, providing tractor services to nearby farms, and conducting religious events. He also endured keeping track of his older brother Gene fighting in World War II. He grew up cheerfully with his parents and siblings, whom he loved very much.

Glen married Selma Fauth, settling in Tacoma, Washington. He worked at the Brown and Haley candy company. He was drafted into the US Army. During the Korean War, Glen served as one of the very first participants in Operation Whitecoat - a biodefense medical research program carried out by the United States Army.

After being honorably discharged, Glen pursued advanced education. He attended Western Washington University, then transferred to Fresno State University, moving his young family to California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, and finalized his education with a Master's degree – specializing in Industrial Arts. After obtaining certification, he began teaching in Ventura, California. An opportunity opened at Galt High School, and Glen moved his young family to Galt, California. He taught Industrial Arts, focusing on the Wood Shop.

A natural athlete pushed by older brothers, Glen enjoyed boxing where he won matches against a number of local champions. He spent some time honing swimming and diving skills. He especially excelled at basketball, playing varsity for both Puyallup and Enumclaw High School. In later years, Glen continued to play in recreational games, often the highest scorer with most assists – thanks to an outstanding outside shot and tremendous ball handling ability. Often a standout at local celebrity games, he thrilled crowds while supporting worthy charity causes. Glen played basketball into his mid-50s, continuing to amaze his sons and sons-in-law in recreational games.

While in Tacoma, Glen and Selma had two children: Nancy Ruth and Barry Alan. After moving to Fresno, Clifford (Cliff) Jay, Lucinda (Cindy) Rae, and John Thomas were born. Valerie (Val) Jean was born. Finally in Lodi, Terrill (Terry) Wayne was born. Glen cherished his children to the day of his death.

Glen accepted a teaching assignment at Lincoln High School in Tacoma. Expanding to his teaching skills in all areas of Industrial Arts, Dad assumed the responsibility of pioneering and developing an integrated industrial arts program – turning Lincoln High School's Industrial Arts Program into one of the best in the nation. He was acknowledged for his efforts by Who's Who in American Teachers. Glen touched many students in the Tacoma area. Even to current day, his children continue to run into former students – who express appreciation for his guidance. Glen retired from full-time teaching at age 55, continuing to serve as a substitute into his 70s.

Glen was deeply religious, a member of the Church of God (7th Day). He helped his father, Thomas Foster, pioneer and build the Tacoma Church of God (7th Day). The pair would build large temporary buildings to hold local evangelistic services in various Washington towns. The church in Tacoma met for decades on J Street in Tacoma, sustaining a lively congregation for a good number of years. Glen often served as Worship Leader, leveraging his many musical talents and love of hymns. After retiring, he could often be found organizing musical events and leading music at church services and camp meetings. Glen was skilled at guitar, clarinet, and harmonica.

Accomplished in various construction specialties, Glen spent his summers building cabinets, dressers, house additions, decks, sheds, fences and roofing. He even built all the wooden structures at a local putt-putt golf course in his garage – to the joy and education of his young children.

Glen purchased a home in Parkland that sat on a five-acre plot.  Even though he was busy teaching both industrial arts and drivers' education at Lincoln High School, Glen, Selma and his growing family set about to turn the plot of land into a gentleman's farm. Raising cattle, horses, chickens, and ducks and sometimes even a goose, they had close to an acre worked into productive gardens. The family enjoyed fresh foods, fun and the joys and pains of growing at the "The Five-Acre Place". Glen shared the abundance with friends and family, who were welcomed in his bustling, open home.

As his children grew, left the home, starting their own families, Glen was always available to help build a shed, fence, mend from injuries and offer fatherly advice. Active into his late 80s, Glen continued to mentor children and grandchildren alike – up to his death at age 94.

Glen is the last of an entire generation of Fosters – a fact mourned by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces spread across the United States. He suffered the pain of living through the loss of parents - Thomas and Cora Foster. All his deeply loved brothers and sisters passed prior to Glen, bringing great sorrow with each passing over the decades.

Glen is survived by his seven children; Nancy Jellison, Barry Foster, Clifford (Cliff) Foster, Lucinda (Cindy) Dean, John Foster, and Valerie (Val) Foster of the Tacoma area, and Terrill (Terry) Foster of Savannah, Georgia; four daughters-in-law, Sue Foster, Karen Foster, Kim Foster, Tina Barnes-Foster; three sons-in-law, Clinton (Clint) Jellison, Tom Dean and David (Dave) Kaplan; twenty-one grandchildren (and thirteen grandchildren-in-law); Stacy Jellison and Ann Martinez, Justin and KaNing Jellison, Nathan (Nate) (and Heidi) Foster, Zachary (Zac) Foster (and Holly Webster), Kristen (Krissy) (and CJ) Crown, Brandon Salazar (and Lauren Careccia), Shanna Salazar (and Ryan Slaughter), Brandon Foster, Tyler (and Haylee Bash) Foster, Sarah Dean, Jason Dean, Josh Foster, Kyle Foster, Kayleigh (and Justin) Gower, Nicole (and Matt) Hermsen, Jessie Bodin, Isaiah (and Brie) Foster, Taylor (and Lindsay) Foster, Katherine (and Ed) Torruella, Jeremy Foster, and Cody Barnes. Glen is survived by eleven great-grandchildren, John Jellison, Lucas Jellison, Owen Jellison, Gabriel Foster, Luke A. Foster, Kylar Hermsen, Holden Hermsen, Noah Shuman, Luke V. Foster, Edwin Torruella III, and Gabriella Torruella.

Memorial and graveside services are planned on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. in Chambers Creek Chapel at New Tacoma Cemetery, 9212 Chambers Creek Rd W, Tacoma, WA 98467.

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