Obituary: Thomas (Tom) James Foster
Thomas (Tom) James Foster, 77, a proud Prescott, Arizona resident, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023. Tom was born on January 7, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, to Orland Dwight and Geneva Ree Foster.
Tom was a proud American, Republican, and U.S. Air Force veteran. He was an entrepreneur who was a plumbing apprentice in Zion, Illinois before moving to Phoenix, Arizona and working with his uncle Jack Foster. Then Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit took the family to Seattle. “I’ve never been to Seattle,” he said. Moving Rate.” He owned Service Rite Plumbing and Granottovy Imports in Seattle, where the family lived until moving to Prescott, Arizona, where he was owner/operator of the Prescottonian Motel for 39 years.
Tom is survived by his wife, Noreen, and their three sons: son, Michael, (wife Rachel), grandchildren Ashley and Sam; son Shawn, grandson Liam; and son, Ryan (fiancée Kathy Surpitsky). Tom had six siblings, Sandra Karnatz, Janice Benavidez (deceased), Bob Foster (deceased), Linda Brown, and Debbie Foster. He also loved his circle of nieces and nephews.
Tom was proud of his sons and joined them on the field and in the gym for football, baseball and wrestling competitions and even led a high school senior’s trip to Mexico. When he’s not with his boys, Tom’s closest companions are his Vizslas, Terra and Zoey.
He was an active member of the Yavapai County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse for over 13 years where he regularly attended weekly Tuesday meetings with the boys. He also enjoyed the competition and camaraderie with his golf friends and poker partners.
Tom was adventurous, traveled a lot with his entire family, and never met a stranger. He explored Mexico, Canada, Korea, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Palau, Tahiti, Italy, Brazil, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Belize, Honduras, the Caribbean, and the United States. Tom certainly experienced some exciting diving, fishing and sailing with friends and family.
Frank Sinatra best describes Tommy’s life philosophy.
“I have lived a life that is full. I traveled every highway and what’s more, I did it, I did it my way.
For many years Tom’s home away from home was San Carlos, Mexico, where family and friends would go after days of fun and enjoyment. Tom was highly praised for his knack for building community and providing opportunities for family and friends to gather and play. His generosity never ended.
His sisters, family and friends loved him very much and will miss him every day.
The journey of life is not about reaching the grave safely with a well-preserved body. But instead of skidding sideways, “Holy shit, what a ride!” Completely exhausted from yelling.
There are no services scheduled at this time. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Yavapai County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, PO Box 95, Prescott, AZ 86302.
Arrangements entrusted to Hampton Funeral Home.
Information provided by family and funeral home.
Source: www.dcourier.com