Paul Montford Foster, 91, went from the confines of this world to the arms of his Savior Feb. 9, 2020. He set a lifelong example to his family and those who loved him of steadfast faith in God, loving care and concern and what it means to be a person of integrity. Paul was born in Belle Fourche, S.D., Jan. 7, 1929, to Walter and Mildred Foster.
He rode his horse, Beauty, to a one-room schoolhouse in Montana in his earliest school years. The family moved to Winlock, Wash., in 1936, which began his lifelong love of the town and its history. Paul graduated from Winlock High School, class of 1946. In 1952, he married JoAnn Fletcher and thus began a love story that lasted for 67 years.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and acted as a topographer, drawing maps of strategic military locations. After military service, Paul farmed and then logged on contract for Weyerhaeuser. In the 1960s, he moved the family to northern California, where he was a logging contractor for Simpson Timber Company in the redwoods. In 1968, Paul moved the family back to Winlock, Wash., where he raised sheep and Angus cattle. In the 1990s, he worked for the Lewis County PUD in public relations and was later a manager at the Cowlitz Falls Project.
Paul was knowledgeable about, and interested in, many things. He was interested in politics, nature, gardening, was an avid reader, enjoyed computers and was a student of the Bible. His faith and trust in God set an example for his family and was the basis for how he lived his life. Paul was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. He was the best husband, father and grandfather his family could have had and he leaves behind a legacy of love.
Paul is survived by his wife, JoAnn; and his four children, Sherri (Tom) Kretz, Debbie (Ron) Zucati, Melody (Sam) Zucati and Brett (Dayla) Foster. He is additionally survived by his grandchildren, Bryan Kretz, Daniel Kretz, Julia Zucati, Anthony Zucati, Lauren Zucati, Reid Zucati, Zachary Zucati, Andrew Zucati, Brittany Martin, Spencer Zucati, Jessica Collins, Alexis Gage, Matthew Foster and Seth Foster; and 36 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kirk Foster; and a great-grandson, Nathan Zucati.
At Paul’s request, there will be a private family graveside service.
