William Franklin Foster

Bill passed away on June 16, 2021 at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson.  He was 72.

 He was born on September 9, 1948 in Albuquerque, NM to Robert and Gladys (Schafer) Foster and was raised in Blanchard, OK.  Bill moved to Modesto when he was 18 and attended Modesto Junior College where he received his AA degree.  He worked for the Modesto Irrigation District for 35 years before retiring in 2010.  He enjoyed retirement, allowing him more time for his hobbies and not having to plan his day around a clock.  

Bill enjoyed old steam and gas engines.  You could always find him in his shop tinkering with his collection.  He also enjoyed rebuilding motors - everything from lawn mowers to tractors.  

To know Bill, you knew he loved animals.  He would never turn a stray away.  Whenever he went for walks in the orchards, he would always have a dog or a couple of cats following him.  

Before he retired, Bill enjoyed weekend camping trips with his dog, cooking on his camp stove and looking up at the night sky.  

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Joni (DeLash) Foster and his parents, Robert and Gladys (Schafer) Foster.  

He is survived by his son, James Foster of Modesto, daughter Stacey Roth (David) of Harrisburg, PA, sister Joy (Foster) Bertrando of Santa Barbara, CA, brother David Foster of Pueblo, CO, cherished friend and sister-in-law Carol (DeLash) McKenzie of Modesto, and brother-in-law David DeLash (Elaine) of Patterson, CA.  Following Bill's wishes, there will not be any services.Any donations in Bill's name can be made to:Community HospiceC/O Alexander Cohen Hospice House4368 Spyres Way Modesto, CA 95350

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