Robert David 'Rob' Foster

Today the world lost an extraordinary young gentleman before what we all believe was his time to leave. For those of us who were fortunate enough to be acquainted with Robert Foster during his 28 years on this Earth, his inspiration and passion will be treasured forever. Robert was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of David and Jean (Corey) Foster. From the very beginning, he was intrigued by the world around him and desired to learn everything he could about his environment and the people who surrounded him. At a very young age, Rob and his family moved to Durham, Maine, a rural community where their home was surrounded by woods and a stream. It was there that he developed an insatiable passion for nature. He would explore the forest endlessly intrigued by the depth of its complexity. He would occasionally come home with new-found friends; turtles and lizards which he would curiously nurture until it was time to set them free. Robert loved his cat Sly and a day did not go by that Robert did not think of him. This was reflective of his deep love for animals. He also knew the names of just about every dinosaur that existed. Robert's spiritual education can be traced back to his parents as well as attending St. John's Catholic School in Brunswick, ME. Robert and his family moved from Maine to Owensboro, Kentucky, then to Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he graduated from Manheim Township High School. Throughout his younger years, Rob was a gifted student receiving many honors awards. He possessed a near-photographic memory and could recite on most any topic. He loved sports and was a member of many teams including rifle, football, pitcher of his baseball team, and an accomplished cross county athlete. Robert was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. At age 16, Robert was selected by American Home Life International to spend 2 weeks in Japan. His experience with the Asian culture left an indelible mark on his life and inspired an interest in anthropology. At 19 he traveled to Nunavik, a region in Northern Quebec on the edge of the Arctic Circle, with his grandfather, uncles and cousins. Rob loved to fish and this was fishing paradise. However, he was most intrigued by the magnificence of the land and the Inuit culture. After high school graduation, Robert was accepted into the pre-med program at University of Pittsburgh. He transitioned to a major in anthropology and eventually graduated from Coastal Carolina University in the field of Biology. Robert was a man deeply rooted by family. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with his grandparents, many uncles and aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Just last Summer he drove 26 hours with his Dad to spend time with family in Maine for 10 days, then 26 hours back. His younger cousin and Godson, Matthew, was very special to Rob. He viewed his family as a source of strength where you were always loved unconditionally and never judged. Rob especially adored his younger sister, Amber. She was his sounding board, the person he could share anything with and he cherished her with immeasurable love. Many of Robert's friends affectionately referred to him as "The Captain". It was said of Robert that he was noble, approachable, thoughtful, understanding and read more books than a monk read. Robert had a deep understanding and appreciation for music that transcended genre. Robert was especially fond of the band Primus. He played many musical instruments including guitar and saxophone. His was a mind of deep inquisitive, spiritual, and intellectual capacity. Rob cared so much about imparting his vast knowledge in a way that would help others. He was a steadfast friend who would always be there to help you get through a tough exam or just listen. However, Rob was a humble and gentle person who felt a bit uncomfortable being in the limelight. He prided himself on being a good person. Robert left this life with no enemies and will be remembered for his sense of humor and wit, ability to imitate most people or characters you could name, and his willingness to help and love others. Robert Foster is survived by his mom and dad, Jean and David Foster, his beloved sister Amber, and his maternal grandparents, Robert and Enid Corey, 19 aunts and uncles, and 21 cousins. He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents Jacqueline and John Foster and by his uncle, Tom Foster. He will be profoundly remembered and missed by countless members of the Foster and Corey family who he so dearly loved. Robert held a special fondness for "The Camp", a summer home owned by his maternal grandparents, located on the shores of Long Lake in Sinclair on the northern tip of Maine. He enjoyed fishing Long Lake and exploring the shores and woods that surround it. Fishing was a life-long passion of Robert's and he understood that his life was a part of a never ending life-force and natural energy. If you should be so inclined to contribute a little something to Robert's memory, we believe it would be particularly touching if he could play some part in protecting the environmental quality of Long Lake and its surroundings. The Sinclair Rod and Gun Club in Sinclair, ME is an organization dedicated to such a mission. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory can be made to Sinclair Rod and Gun Club, c/o Raymond (Butch) Thibodeau, P. O. Box 9, Sinclair, ME 04779. Arrangements were entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island Chapel, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, phone 843-614-8494.

Visitation:
Monday, February 10, 2014