UNITY – It is with great sadness that our beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, uncle, and cousin, Richard B. Foster “Pa”, 72, of Unity, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Thayer Hospital in Waterville.

Richard was born on April 1, 1952, in Skowhegan, the son of Edwin and Irene (Lindsey) Foster. He was raised in Moscow, Maine, at the family-owned Foster’s Camps. He graduated from Upper Kennebec Valley High School in Bingham, Maine, in June 1971. Later, he attended Northern Maine Vocational Technical College in Presque Isle, Maine, and graduated in June 1973. Richard then began a career in design drafting.

Growing up, he developed a very strong work ethic. He was a hard worker, whether it was cutting wood for teams of horses, surveying, working in the fire tower in Canaan, driving a truck, radar sighting, working on a farm, or in an office designing a house or hydro project. He was employed at Kelienschmidt Associates in Pittsfield, Acheron in Newport, Jim’s Coleslaw in Unity, Larry Ward’s Farm in Unity, and Depot Bottles’ Redemption in Unity. He and Madeline met in September 1976 and have been together ever since.

Richard was predeceased by his parents; his grandparents, Edgar and Vera (Collins) Lindsey; his grandparents, George and Evelina Foster; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norman and Alice (Bechard) Gervais; and his sister-in-law, Rita Gervais.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Madeline (Maddy) Gervais Foster of Unity; his children, Michael R. Chiott of Newport, Rose-Marie (Anthony) Bick of Saint Albans, and Samantha Foster Wells (Michael Wells) of Fairfield; his grandchildren, BreAnna, Brandy, Ricky (Dani), Chadwick, Zenobia, Jace, and Heirdontias; and his great-grandchildren, Cooper, Sarah, and Little Ricky III. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Roger (RoxAnne) Gervais of Randolph; and five younger siblings, Michael (Sal) Foster, Scott Foster, Lee (Paula) Foster, Wanda Faith Foster, and Pamela (Randy) Locke; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His best friends were Jeff McAllister and Earl Littlefield.

He held many offices in the Grange in Bingham, Solon, and Troy. In Solon, he was a Cub Scout leader and a Boy Scout leader. He was the president of the Unity Pond Kanaukulus Club, a member of the Chess Club in Waterville, and attended Colby College for soccer coach training, eventually becoming a coach. As his grandchildren say, “If Pa can’t fix it, it can’t be done.” He was a jack of all trades.

His passion was spending time with family. He loved teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and anything to do with nature or the outdoors. Holidays with his grandchildren were always a special time. He tended to be the biggest kid in the group.

Richard lived life to the fullest. There was always an open door, a cup of coffee, a meal on the table, a sleeping bag, or someone to talk to; he was always there.

A celebration of life for Richard (Pa) will be held at New Hope Church on Route 201 in Solon, Maine, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Immediately following, there will be a small luncheon. The family would like to thank Waldo County Communication, Unity Ambulance, the emergency room staff at Maine General Thayer, Dr. Sam, BriAnna, Julius, and many more staff members who were so supportive of the family during this difficult time.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Pine Tree Camps Attn: Lori Chesley 114 Pine Tree Camps Road, Rome, ME 04963. please include “In Memory of Richard “Pa” Foster” on the Memo Line of all checks.