Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

ROCKLAND - Edgar C. Foster, 84, died following a period of declining health, Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at his home.
Born in Rockland, June 7, 1923 he was the son of Mervyn and Vera Bishop Foster. Educated in Rockport, Edgar was a graduate of Rockport High School. Following graduation, he attended Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, and was a member of the second graduating class.
Because it was war time, Edgar went directly into the Merchant Marines as an Engineer. He served in the European Theater during World War II, running supplies to the troops. Edgar continued in the Merchant Marines for fifteen years.
On April 23, 1950 he married Elaine E. Ruebeck in Brooklyn, New York. The couple moved to Rockland and in 1951 moved into their Maverick Street home, where they have since resided.
In 1959 Edgar began employment with the Maine State Ferry Service. Beginning as an engineer on one of the ferries, he worked his way up to Port Engineer. He held that position until retiring in 1983.
Never one to be idle, Edgar operated a small engine repair shop at his home. He also enjoyed lobstering part time. Photography was a hobby of his, as he developed his own photos in a dark room set up in his home.
At one point Edgar enjoyed SCUBA diving. His children said he took them all for lessons at the YMCA, even if they were not willing participants. He eventually became a SCUBA instructor there.
Although he had many interest, gardening was his favorite. Together with his family, he spent many hours canning the bounty he produced. His wife remembered, even in his declining health, he maintained his garden up until this year.
Edgar was a member of the Rockland Masonic Lodge and the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1.
A prankster at heart, his wife said that although he could be stubborn, he had a great sense of humor. She added that he was a loving husband and father and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Foster is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine R. Foster; his sons, Stephen Foster and his wife Wendy of Readfield, Walter Foster and his fiancée Debbie Hamblen of Castine; his daughters Barbara Lamb and her husband John of Warren, Helen Foster and her fiancé Stephen Little of Warren; seven grandchildren, Amy Wooster, Aaron Lamb and his wife Laurie, Matthew Lamb, Justin Foster, Eric Benson, Jessica Benson, Hannah Foster; three great-grandchildren, Courtney Wooster, Caitlyn Lamb, David Benson; a sister Priscilla Crowley of Aberdeen, Maryland; a special niece Brenda Crowley of Klondike, Texas; and many cousins and friends.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 27, 2007.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kno-Wal-Lin Home Health and Hospice, 170 Pleasant Street, Rockland, Maine 04841.