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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Another lawyer drops Stop 'n Go murder suspect ... Agencies investigate string of Greenway fires ... Rogue River man gets prison for shooting at newspaper carriers ... Another lawyer drops Stop 'n Go murder suspect ... Agencies investigate string of Greenway fires ... Rogue River man gets prison for shooting at newspaper carriers ... William "Bill" Sherman Foster Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jul. 24, 2016 at 2:00 AM Posted Jul. 24, 2016 at 2:00 AM » Social News "Keep coming back, it works when you work it." Bill Foster, 94, of Phoenix, Ore. passed away Friday, July 15, 2016 at his home. He was surrounded by his family which included his cat, Sydney. Bill was born November 11, 1921 in Cristobal, Panama to Colonel William Foster and Corrine Walton Foster. At a young age, his family returned to Southern California where he and his beautiful sisters grew up and attended El Monte High School. We think he may still hold the all-time track record for the Hop-Skip-and-a-Jump. It was at El Monte High that he fell in love with Shannon McEwen, the daughter of his English teacher. In 1942, Bill and Shannon drove to Las Vegas (in her father’s car) and were married at the Hitchin’ Post. Just before Shannon’s passing, four years ago, the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Bill had many careers in his long life: roller skating stock clerk, owner and operator of Foster Trucking Company, and young assistant to Doc Strub, founder of Santa Anita Racetrack (driving the family to nearby sites of interest), and owner of William Foster Custom Interiors. In 1975, he made Shannon’s dream come true by purchasing 360 acres in Bandon, Oregon. There they developed the Shauna Ranch and raised sheep and Charolais cattle. An avid, lifelong golfer, Bill observed that the Ranch would make, “one hell of a golf course.” His observation proved true when later, the Shauna Ranch was transformed into Bandon Crossings Golf Course. In 1984, Bill and Shannon yearned to be closer to their grandchildren, so they moved to the Rogue Valley. Here Bill started a new career as a real estate agent, purchasing the Century 21 office in Ashland with his son, Craig. Of all his many accomplishments, Bill was proudest of his 50 years of sobriety. A “birthday” party was held at his home two days before his death where he recited the Serenity Prayer one last time, surrounded by other Friends of Bill W. Dad told us that FAMILY is everything and he had a large one. Three children, Craig Foster (Bernadette) of Lake Oswego, Mary Foster (Abdiaziz Guled) of Ashland, and Suzanne Foster of Medford. He also had a favorite niece, Peggy Ronanye. He had 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Toward the end of his life, Bill told many listeners, “I’ve had a good, long run. I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do and more.” We should all be so lucky. To honor the life of this wonderful man, we will gather at 1:00 p.m. July 30, 2016 at the Creekside Estates Clubhouse, 4601 South Pacific Highway, Phoenix. Bring a pie if you are able, and a good Bill story! Farewell, Papa. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jul. 24, 2016 at 2:00 AM You may leave your condolences or share memories by signing the Guest Book here » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501