OBITUARY
David Wade Foster, 24 August 1942 - 3 July 2005
The late David Wade Foster OBE
Friday, July 8, 2005
With great sadness, Foster’s Food Fair Ltd announces the passing of David
Wade Foster OBE.
Mr Foster’s valiant fight with a long illness came to an end on Sunday 3
July 2005 in the Critical Care Unit of George Town Hospital.
A dedicated father, successful businessman, philanthropist, community
leader and church elder, Mr. Foster lived life to the fullest, leading the way
for others in every facet of his life.
A memorial service will be held at Pedro St James “Pedro Castle” on
Wednesday 13 July at 3:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Grand
Cayman (PO Box 802 GT, Ray Whittaker, 946-5125, David Kirkaldy 949-7990),
Cayman Islands Kidney Foundation (PO Box 915 GT, Dr. Frits Hendricks,
244-2769) and Botanic Park - Queen Elizabeth II (PO Box 203 NS, Andrew
Guthrie, 947-9462).
All three Foster’s Food Fair Stores, Priced Right and Fort Street Market,
will be closed on Wednesday 13 July. Car City and Progressive Distributors
Limited will close at 12:00 noon.
Speaking on the announcement of Mr Foster’s passing, The Chamber of
Commerce made a statement offering its condolences to the wife, family and
friends of Mr Foster, OBE.
Mr. Foster served as President of the Chamber of Commerce from 2000-2001
and was considered one of the Islands’ leading merchants and business
personalities.
Mr. Foster will be remembered for his generous nature and unwavering
support for the community in which he lived and conducted business. Mr. Foster
dedicated his life to building several successful businesses, a respectable
family and assisted many persons less fortunate than himself in our community.
In honour of Mr. Foster’s business achievements and his many humanitarian
efforts, the Chamber of Commerce will be establishing a memorial fund in his
name.
Businesses and persons willing to contribute to this fund can address
payments to the David W. Foster OBE Memorial Fund in care of the Cayman
Islands Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1000 GT.
Mr Foster founded Foster’s Food Fair with his brother Steve at the Airport
more than twenty years ago. He started the grocery empire with only 6000 sq ft
but built the business into a thriving three supermarkets with plans for a
fourth in East End.
Aside from being a successful local grocer Mr Foster was a member of
Rotary, a former president of the Chamber of Commerce and the Young Caymanian
Leaders Foundation. He was awarded an OBE in 2000.
He was recently honoured by the William Pouchie Memorial United Church in
North Side where he was presented with a plaque of appreciation.
Rev Otto Menko expressed the congregation’s gratitude to Mr Foster who he
said had contributed to the life of this fellowship over the years. Mr Foster
had given financial support to the Institute for Theological and Leadership
Development, ITLD, and actually underwent the ITLD Elders’ course himself,
becoming the Valedictory student. Mr Fleming described Mr Foster as the kind
of person who gives generously, but quietly, saying that he gave a good
example of how a Christian should give, a fulfillment of Jesus’ admonition in
Matthew chapter six; not giving to make a big show in front of others.
In 2004 Mr Foster was recognised as the WestStar TV/CITN’s Caymanian of the
Year. At the time Rod Hansen, Chairman and CEO of WestStar, said: “It is
seldom that a person shines through as brightly as David Foster does.
“He is a ‘light’ that we could all do much better by following. He is a
born leader, successful businessman and true philanthropist who has devoted
his whole life to helping others.”
Mr Foster was a well. loved member of the community who contributed in many
ways with time as well as money. He was described by many as a very humble man
and will be sorely missed especially by his family.
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