Alfred Foster, 94, of Oak Harbor, died Jan. 21, 2009 in Coupeville. He was born in Weed, Calif., to Porter M. and Ida M. (Coe) Foster on July 22, 1914. He grew up with three brothers, Allen, Herb and Millard.

Al started his military career in January of 1933. He joined the Navy. In December 1953, Alfred married Luella M. Waddington in Los Angeles. They had two children, Robert L. and Patsy J.

He retired from the Navy in 1957 after 25 years and 4 months with the rank of Officer/Senior Grade – Chief Aviation Maintenance Technician W-4. He spent many years on aircraft carriers. After his retirement, Al ran the HUD Housing Authority on Whidbey Island for eight years.

Al was proud of his affiliation and life member status with the Mason and Shrine clubs. Al and Lu enjoyed fishing and camping. They traveled in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon for years, fishing with friends and visiting relatives. In the 1970s, they started traveling “south” for the winters, going to Arizona and California.

Al has been living at Regency Assisted Living Center in Oak Harbor for the past six years. He shared his good humor and stories with the new friends he made there.

Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Allen and Millard, wife Luella, and daughter Patsy Joan.

He is survived by his brother Herb Foster of Portland, Ore.; son Robert Foster and his wife Kathryn of Oak Harbor; grandsons Douglas Foster of Seattle and Rick Foster and his wife Laurie of Stanwood; and two great-grandchildren, Anna and Boden Foster, also of Stanwood.

Alfred lived happily and enjoyed all of his 94 years. We are happy that we got to share many of those years with him. We will smile as we think back on happy memories.

A graveside service will be held Monday, Jan. 26, at 1 p.m. at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Oak Harbor.

Remembrances to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor.