Jack FOSTER Obituary

To Jack's family,
I'm sorry that I had not known of Jack's passing away, however I know that he did very well to achieve 80 years of age. Mostly, I will remember Jack & Carol for their hospitality to me as I arrived in New Zealand at the age of 22. I had no idea what a manse was when I offered to rent their room downstairs. They took me into their home and allowed me to board with them until they moved. They took me into their family and took me along to visit other family members too. The love they had for each other and those around them was evident to everyone and also in the privacy of of their own home, always loving and always caring. Great roles models for me and I will always cherish those beautiful memories and conversations too. Lots of love to the whole family - Jack was one special Pastor and family man. Jack is rejoicing with the angels in heaven and one day we will meet again! Thank you, Jack for giving to the Lord.

To Jack - so sorry I did not know of your passing at the time - thank you for employing me as your office secretary at the Tokoroa Presbyterian Church in the 80's. It was a wonderful experience working with such a true gentleman who made it easy for me to slide into this role and I was so impressed by your commitment to your congregation but most importantly to the many people in the Tokoroa community who you supported in times of challenge. I would turn up in the office in the morning after getting my children off to school - you would have been in the office before me and off to complete tasks in the church or hall leaving me a chocolate bar sitting on my typewriter. Thanks again for the pleasure of working alongside you and your wonderful manner.
Joy Imelda (nee McNamara) Hamilton [email protected]

Today - on the 1st anniversary of Jack's life ending on earth but beginning in heaven - I have a deep sense of thankfulness and gratitude for the impact he had upon me and my family. Jack was such a true pastor - and uniquely so. My life and ministry would not have unfolded as it as but for Jack. He was someone who spoke timely words of life; strongly and clearly. His sense of humour is well attested. The second time I ever met Jack (and the first time was very brief) - he came up behind me and put me in a full head-lock. It was his way of welcoming me to church. :) His legacy has not waned with time. You never have to go far before encountering someone who knows of Jack and/or is living a life that has Jack's encouraging finger-prints on it. Much love to Carole and all the family. Thank you for sharing him with us all.

FROM REV TOM'S DESK (FIRST CHURCH PAPAKURA)

A couple of days ago, some of us from First Church went over to Whangamata to attend Jack Foster's funeral. Jack was here at First Church for five years leading up to my becoming the Minister here in 2002. He and I shared the leadership over most of that year until he retired from full-time ministry, moving to live in Whangamata.

His funeral was truly a celebration of Jack's life and the way he impacted so many folks over his years in the ministry. In fact, funnily enough, I first met him in a park in Tokoroa in the 1980's. The person I was visiting was also a local and knew Jack, so they stopped to have a bit of a natter. I'd heard of Jack through the church network (even though I was not a Minister in those days) as he had a reputation of being a really great guy. Working alongside him here in 2002, that first impression was certainly confirmed.

Of course, if you knew Jack, you'd also know the other side of him. He was so full of fun and games. I'd be often sitting at my desk when rolled up pieces of paper would fly through the door and hit me in the head. I also heard he once started a water-pistol fight with the staff who were here before I came, which apparently was great fun. The photo attached is a re-enactment at Jack's farewell of the original water fight.

Needless to say, some of us managed to return the blessings'. We had a mouse problem in the kitchenette. We tried ordinary traps and nothing worked, so I said I'd take a trap home, modify in a way I knew how, and then that would definitely work. I was given the berries over that from him until the very next day. Overnight, the trap had worked, so before Jack got in, I took the mouse, trap and all, and put it on his office chair. I slid the chair under his desk and waited. When he went to sit down, there was an unholy yell from his room. It was great! Someone once said, revenge is best served cold. Well that mouse was pretty cold by then.

I will miss the likes of Jack. He served his Lord faithfully all his life. He ended up with Alzheimer's for the last couple of years which seemed such a cruel thing to get, but now he is with his Lord and Saviour. I'm a little worried about the rest of those in heaven though. I only hope they can duck when rolled up pieces of paper come flying their way.

Blessings and love Jack.

My sincere condolences to Carole and family. Jack was a true gentleman and had a positive influence on so many people. He will be truly missed.

Caroline and I send our sincere sympathies on the passing of Jack. We have very fond memories of our visit to Whangamata and later in Rotorua. We thank God for all Jack's work with the Wallis family and for marrying Jayne and Glynn.

Greg, Fay, Alana and Jarred - Please know that Norilynn and I are thinking of you at this time. I remember meeting the Reverend Foster in Tanzania at your home.

Carole and family. Our thoughts are with you at this time. So many memories of the years in Tokoroa and your friendship with Mum and Dad over the years. Regards Sue & Phil Stocker

It is with sadness that Naomi and I received the message that Rev Jack died last Thursday. We remember him and our early married years with you in Tokoroa. There is so much to be grateful to God for under your leadership Jack and Carole. Your input into our lives was much appreciated. To all the Foster whanau may you all take encouragement knowing Jack was a real mover of mountains and has indeed earned a crown.

Condolences to you Carole and all the family. Kind Regards Tania (Snodgrass) Eldridge.