Obituary of William Foster

William Richard (Bill) Foster January 9th, 1957 - June 5th, 2010 Peacefully, with his family at his side, Bill passed away on Saturday, June 5th, 2010 at the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg. Bill fought a determined and courageous 2 year battle with ALS, in the end, succumbing to the effects of this dreaded disease. Bill was pre-deceased by his Father, Ken Foster in 1997 and Step-Father Joe Ruzic in 2004. He leaves to mourn, his Mother, Patricia Ruzic, Brothers, Gary Foster (Gisele), Bruce Foster (Darlene), Joseph Ruzic, Sister, Darcy Foster, Step-Mother, Irene Foster, Step-Brother, Bob McQuat (Shirley), Step-Sister Janice Mellin (John) and numerous Aunts, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. Bill was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Killarney, Crystal City and Brandon before returning to Winnipeg as a young man. Bill worked as a Journeyman Tinsmith in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning industry. He was a gifted, reliable craftsman. He particularly enjoyed working on large commercial projects and teaching apprentices and those new to the craft. Although Winnipeg was his home base, Bill was a true wanderer, often taking jobs that would lead him to new places. He especially enjoyed working in the North West Territories and returned many times while employed with JSL Mechanical of Yellowknife up to the time of his illness. Bill also spent many years employed by East Side Ventilation in the Winnipeg area. Due to his many talents, Bill was constantly called upon by family and friends to assist with building and repair projects. He never refused a request. He was the brunt of many jokes due to his insistence of drawing out detailed plans of every project regardless of its simplicity. Bill was a wonderful, gentle, caring person. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and especially by his family. A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will take place at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street on Thursday, June 10 at 11:30 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, may make a donation in Bill's memory to the ALS Society of Manitoba or to the Brummitt-Feasby ALS House in Winnipeg Manitoba, or join us for the Winnipeg Walk for ALS on Saturday June 12th at 10:00 a.m. at Assiniboine Park. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044