Dr. Foster, what a diverse and exciting life you lead. Along the way you picked up quite a collection of friends. A Friend and mentor to all; and welcoming to all as well. He never met a stranger, and greeted all with his warm smile. He was devoted to those he cared about.

We met Wally when we joined the Monocacy Canoe Club (MCC). He was always the patient teacher. He was so enthusiastic and delighted in everything and everyone. Wally brought out the best in people because he was always at his best. I'll never forget one day my doorbell rang, and there was Wally with his wide smile, come to visit us and our two-week old son, Nathan. He handed me a gift--a lovely hand-crocheted yellow sweater and hat that Betty had made. He was such a thoughtful, kind gentleman, bigger than life. Even though I haven't seen Wally since he moved to Idaho, we corresponded occasionally and at Christmas. We are sad that he is gone from this earth, but are glad that we were lucky enough to have known him. Our heart goes out to Wally's family and friends.

I probably met Dr. Foster in the mid 60's when our family started canoeing. He was one of the original men that started the Monocacy Canoe Club--he was probably the last of the originals--Granny Eader, Lawrence Swann, Al Webb, Don Schley (my dad) and maybe some others. He had a red canoe--Ole Scratchy and a hat that looked like he was on a safari. We spent many days canoeing--sometimes he canoed solo, sometimes he canoed with others. He wrote articles for the MCC newsletter--Smoke Signals--under an alias. I remember one trip on the Shenandoah when his wife was along--she fell in the water right at the start of the trip--cheap entertainment for kids. He was always nice to us kids--and knew tons of stuff. Our entire family loved his Christmas letters. He was at my wedding and at daddy's funeral--always a friend to our family. My sister and I now have our family canoes--I hope Ole Scratchy found a good home! The days on the river were some of the best--a great way to grow up and Dr. Foster was part of it.

We should all hope we live as full and good life and have the deep faith of Dr. Foster.

Anne Schley Zumbach.

Wally was one of a kind! I met him in 1962 as part of the Monocacy Canoe Club. He was legendary paddling "Ole Scratchy", wearing that crazy hat.

The Fosters were our next-door neighbors in Frederick for many years before they moved to Braddock Heights. They were, without a doubt, some of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The memories I have are much too numerous to mention, but perhaps the fondest is the fact that Dr. Foster helped me to write my college application essay, which gained me admission to the college I really wanted to attend. May Dr. Foster rest in peace, in the company of all the angels.

Wally mentored me and my children, Tracy, Hal & Scott Waxter from the early days of MCC. I will miss his Christmas letters, Valentine cards, and distinctive laugh. It would be nice if there were a gathering in Frederick so folks could tell stories and share photos of Wally over the years. Perhaps coordinated with the MCC and Rick, as was done for his longtime friend Al Webb. He won't be forgotten. ( =b

So sorry to hear of Wally's passing, but so glad he had 94 years with those he

loved so much. Rick, as you know, Wally spent a lot of time with our family,

especially with Kim and David going on canoe trips, teaching David to turn

over in a kayak at Cowans Gap in Pa. He and Betty supported us with all their

good meals, special banners for the Frederick church, and his love of opera

and music which I had the privelege to share with him. And his tutoring me

in math and helping Don with statistics as he worked on his doctorate. I'm

sure they are rejoicing together in that special place where we will all meet

one day. My condolances and love to you and the family.

My condolences to your family. I remember Wally (and Betty) quite well from growing up at the Frederick Presbyterian Church. They were good friends of my parents and very much a part of my childhood memories of the church. He was a special man.

I was so sad to hear of Wally's passing. As my brother said I remember root beer floats. I remember long chats and hot chocolate on cold winter days. Wally was such a great neighbor and I was so sad the day I heard he was moving back to Iowa. He was such a kind sole and so caring. He is such a great man.

I will always keep those childhood memories close and he will be missed.

Very sorry to hear of Wally's passing, but it makes me very happy to read all of the great memories of him, from all the people that he touched in great ways during his lifetime. I have no doubt that he enjoyed life, and I'm just glad to hear it was such a long one.

We were much saddened to see Dr. Foster's obituary in the Frederick Post this morning. He had an immense impact on the lives of my wife Beth and myself. He hired me out of Indiana to work in the Biomathematics Division at Fort Detrick in 1965. Very soon thereafter, he introduced me to whitewater canoeing, and I purchased my first of several canoes forthwith. My position at Fort Detrick led to a 30-year career as a civil servant in the Federal Government. (I've now been retired for 15 years.) I will remain forever grateful for the start he gave me in the Federal service. But I will also be forever thankful for the wonderful hospitality he and Betty showed me and my family when we first arrived in Maryland. It was a week before Thanksgiving, and they invited Beth and me and our two baby girls to their home for Thanksgiving Dinner!

I will always remeber Dr. Foster as a warm and kind man with a brilliant mind. He and my parents were great friends through the Monocacy Canoe Club. When my father became ill back in the 80's Wally always kept in touch with him and visited in the hospital. They had alot of good memories from their adventures on the river.

I am so sorry that we didn't know Wally had passed away. As I read through his obituary I see what an extraordinary man he really was during his whole lifetime. Wally was so special. Whenever I would see him at church he would walk over and grab my hand and smile and talk about something happy. He always made me feel special. A true Christian whose welcoming manner emulated Jesus. I missed him when he couldn't get to church toward the end and wish that I had gone to see him. If the Lord allows me to live as long as he I pray that I can become more like Wally who was a model for Jesus.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Gilmore family.

I did not know Walter. I know his son, Richard.

Reading about Wally's life, it seems that we have all lost a valualble contributer. My condolences to those who knew him, and a thank-you to Wally for what he has done for us.

We had the privilege of knowing Wally from 1993-2001 while we were living in Iowa City and were members of Parkview Church. We remember him as a wonderful Christian gentleman who was always very friendly and who kept extremely active (physically, spiritually, and mentally).

Wally was such a sweet man and always made my family and I feel special when we arrived at church. He always took interest in my children's activities and was especially kind to my husband, Paul. He was one of a kind to be sure. What a godly man and awesome encourager! I think about him regularly and have missed his sweet smile. Heaven has become a little brighter with Wally Foster. You will be mised, Wally!

Dear Foster family,

I delivered Meals on Wheels to Mr. Foster. He was such a lovely gentleman, always friendly and gracious. I miss him.

I had the fine opportunityof knowing Wally during his time in Iowa City and working with him when I was developing content for the History of Parkview Church's anniversary. Wally was a committed worker as we met weekly for a number of weeks at the church, searching documents and developing some text. He often shared stories of his canoeing and teased me, calling me "boss" It was a pleasure to know Wally even briefly , along with Elizabeth. His love for the Lord was something to treasure He was always smiling and ready to chat. . I have missed seeing him in recent months when his health failed. My condolences to his family ; heaven now has a special saint in Wally. Sincerely Eleanor

Dear extended Foster family,