Perry Foster

In Loving Memory of Alvin "Perry" Foster

Alvin "Perry" Foster passed away peacefully with his children by his side on October 16, 2025, at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, at the age of 95.

Perry was born on April 14, 1930, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, to William Henry Foster (b. Brooklin, Ontario) and Lina Mable Foster (née Porter) (b. Baldur, Manitoba).

A product of the 1930s, Perry grew up during the Great Depression - a time that shaped his resilience, ingenuity, and deep appreciation for hard work. When his two older brothers went off to serve Canada during World War II, young Perry proudly took over his brothers' paper route in Moose Jaw and helped run the family farm at Buttress. Those early years instilled in him a lifelong respect for the land, a love of machinery, and a sense of responsibility that guided him throughout his life.

Perry studied Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, later earning an MBA from Western University in London, Ontario. While in London, his good childhood friend Jim Kearney introduced him to his sister Eileen Ruth Kearney, a nurse whose warmth, intelligence, and laughter matched his lively spirit. They were married on July 26, 1959, in Moose Jaw, beginning a partnership that lasted until Eileen's death in 1992.

Together, they raised four children Christine Margaret Foster of Medicine Hat, Craig William Foster, Thomas William Foster and his wife Robin Ann Foster (children: Sean, Sarah, Samantha, and Sophia) and Lina Joan Foster, all of Saskatoon

Perry's professional life reflected his boundless energy and curiosity. In 1962, he founded Crowfoot Construction, running it successfully until its merger with Weldon's Concrete Products Ltd. in 1965. He served as Owner and Manager until 1974, then sold his interests. In 1976, he purchased Industrial Machine & Mfg. Inc., serving as President until retirement, at which time the company was purchased by his sons Craig and Tom. Perry often said, "If you're interested in your work, you never work a day in your life," and he lived that belief every day.

A proud Freemason, Perry lived by the words, "We meet upon the level and we part upon the square." Integrity, fairness, and fellowship were cornerstones of his life. His commitment to community was recognized with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan), honouring his contributions to the province.

Perry was known as quick-minded, curious, and full of energy. His interests were vast - politics, news, history, photography, hunting, fishing, symphony, jazz, bread making, cooking experiments, kitchen gadgets, growing tomatoes, and exploring topics of deep interest. He embraced modern technology with enthusiasm, even if the results were sometimes more entertaining than successful.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Perry found joy in the outdoors, always accompanied by a loyal dog. He treasured both the camaraderie of his hunting buddies and the peace found in Saskatchewan's wild spaces.

Summers were spent on the water - Waskesiu, La Ronge, Redberry, and Lake Diefenbaker, where he became the founding Commodore of the Lake Diefenbaker Yacht Club. This August the club celebrated its 50th anniversary. He treasured his second home in Elbow and later, his snowbird get away to golf in Sun City Arizona, RVing in Canada and the US and finally McPhee Lake, a place for family, laughter, and reflection under starry nights.

Even in his final year, when he lost his vision, Perry faced each day with the same determination that defined his life. With the support of his children, he found ways to adapt, continuing to engage with humour, gratitude and resilience.

Perry was a gifted storyteller, known for his sharp memory, humor, and generosity of spirit. Friends, classmates, colleagues, and hunting companions, each one valued and remembered.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Eilleen Warkentin, the staff at Trinity Manor, Bayshore Home Health (Sandra and Justin), and the caregivers at Royal University Hospital for their kindness and compassion.

A Memorial Reception will be held on Friday, October 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Edwards Family Centre (333 4th Ave. N., Saskatoon) with parking availiable across the street at Saskatoon Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saskatoon branches of the Mennonite Central Committee, The Salvation Army, CNIB, or a charity of your choice.

Perry will be remembered for his integrity, curiosity, warmth, and zest for life. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy of laughter, friendship, and stories that will be cherished for generations.

As the Masons say, "We meet upon the level and we part upon the square."

Lovingly remembered by family and friends.