Gary M. Foster

Yarmouth -Gary M. Foster, 65, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Born in Bangor, Gary was the loving son of the late Rolland and Pauline "Polly" (Lavoie) Foster. He graduated from Falmouth High School in 1971 where he excelled as a student and was voted "Best Looking" by his classmates. Gary Foster was married to Terri Cameron on June 1, 1979, beginning their life together which would touch many others. Gary was known for his love and devotion to his wife, Terri, and his entire family. Gary and Terri set the bar when it came to relationships. Their relationship and commitment to one another was unassuming, open, honest, and set the standard for those who knew them. Together, they raised 2 children and 2 adoring grandchildren. Affectionately known as "Bampie" to his grandchildren, Gary truly valued the time he spent with Whitman and Eloise, even if he was playing dress-up or having his toenails painted. Selfless devotion characterized his relationships, often performing random acts of kindness from his heart. He possessed the kindest, gentlest spirit and truly made the world a better place. Gary owned and operated Falmouth Hardware for several years before selling his business in 1996. Gary's close family members recall that 'at some point in their lives' they were put to work at the hardware store dusting paint cans, vacuuming, and helping with the laborious task of inventory, with the counting of screws often being relegated to the youngest family members. Gary's work ethic was never more tested than it was after he sold the hardware store. In his pursuit to provide a better life for his family, Gary attained his Associate's Degree from SMCC while working full-time and raising 2 children. Following graduation, he worked as a help desk manager at Fairchild before he began employment with L.L. Bean as a Material Handler. Of all the work he did throughout his life, Gary enjoyed his employment with L.L. Bean the most. The community of L.L. Bean, consisting of like-minded outdoorsman and individuals of singular character, was a place that he loved to be a part of. He loved his co-workers and their various backgrounds, skills, and personalities. He cherished the friendships of his colleagues, enriching the lives of everyone who came to know him. Gary was an avid hunter, fisherman, skier, and all around outdoorsman. As a younger man, he was grateful to spend time with his father on countless fishing trips, sometimes on the Matane River in Quebec. As a father himself, he offered the same shared experiences to his son, Tim, and his grandson, Whitman, never failing to find time to experience the outdoors with them. He found value in the time he spent with his loved ones, both in the wild and at home. Gary was known for his bellowing belly laughs, practical jokes, lack of navigational skills and his inability to keep a secret. He was a lover of music and the feelings it could muster in those who experienced it. Gary's family will forever remember him for his genuine, humble and kind personality, his ability to speak and act from his heart, and for always putting others above himself. Gary is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 38 years, Terri Foster of Yarmouth; daughter, Meghan Happe and husband Greg of Durham; son, Tim Foster of Portland; adoring grandchildren, Whitman and Eloise; sisters, Elaine Boothby of Falmouth, Jane Kressbach (Andy) of Brunswick, Ann Edwards(Russ) of Falmouth, Carol Foster(Peter) of Falmouth; brothers, Jim Foster (Heidi) of Saco and Tom Foster (Mia) of CA; mother-in-law, Anna Cameron of Falmouth; brother-in-law, JP Cameron( Luanne) of Naples; sisters-in-law, Ellen Knight(Eric) of Cape Elizabeth and Denise Bell of Falmouth; Nieces, Allie Salvo (Dan), Sydney Bell; Nephews, Eric Knight( Kate-lynn), John Cameron(Natasha), Cameron Bell, and Gradeigh Cameron. He is predeceased by his parents, Rolly and Pauline, and his nephew Oliver Foster Boothby. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Gary's life on Tuesday, May 30 from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 31 at 11AM at Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main St, Yarmouth. Burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, Gary's family request that you tell your family that you love them, be kind to one another, and enjoy a big belly laugh during your day.