Obituary of Edward Martin FOSTER

Ted (Edward) Martin Foster

74 years

June 1, 1948 - February 14, 2023

Ted will be sadly missed by his wife Laurel, daughter Jennifer (Hubert), son Ryan, stepchildren Rebecca (Nicholas), Ryan (Nayereh), grandchildren Kristen, Kennedy (Bernardo), Cole (mother Lisa), Alexandra, Guy, Caspar, Ayden, brother-in-law Ted (Karen), sisters-in-law Barb (Ross), Nancy (Charlie) and longtime friends Bill & Stephanie,  Dave & Pat and Kay.

He is predeceased by his parents Gladys and William, and best friend and cousin Wayne.

Ted loved too many dogs to mention them all. Closest to his heart were Leo, Blue, Jasmine, BL, Pavlov, Barney, Cody and finally Piper.

Ted was born and raised in Guelph. He worked for General Electric and later ABB as an Electrical Draftsman, designing power transformers for almost 35 years. Ted was especially proud of his work on the Phase Shifter he designed for Ontario Hydro to handle selling power to the United States.  Ted became active in his union, IFPTE local 164, starting out as a councilor and eventually becoming vice chairman.

Ted trained and completed versatile hunting dogs, often traveling throughout Canada and the US as a respected North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) judge.Ted's  Leo was the first Brittany Spaniel to place in a North American invitational competition.  Leo's success prompted the start of Ted’s journey as a dog breeder and establishing Winbec Kennels.

Ted loved cards, dice and board games; especially poker, cribbage, liar's dice, rummoli and chess. He had a knack for cards and enjoyed the rush of analytics and winning. He enjoyed gambling in casinos, especially in Las Vegas and online during his retirement. 

Ted was very inquisitive; he read many news sources daily, researched and documented his family history, and read extensively about Ancient Egypt. He was a fan of Wilbur Smith's novels and was a Fox News junkie. He loved to tinker and fix anything around the house and in the garage. Ted had an opinion on many things, always researched and well thought out.

Ted was a long-time member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, working with them to bring back the population of wild turkeys in Ontario. Hunting deer, moose and waterfowl was one of Ted's favorite activities. Ted learned to fish from his Dad and enjoyed it throughout his life. Ted passed his passion for fishing onto his children and grandchildren.

Ted loved the outdoors and became a hobby farmer, enjoying gardening (but not the weeding) and raising chickens, sheep and game birds when his children were young. His daughter adopted some of his chickens and lambs as pets. This city boy completely transformed into a country boy!

Ted met Laurie in 2001 and they married in 2005.  Ted's family grew immediately, and he formed great relationships with all his new in-laws.  Together Ted and Laurie shared many wonderful experiences, the arrival of 5 new grandchildren and the blessing of 22 happy years.

Ted had many interests, motorcycling, boating, his ATV, trapping, smoking ribs, making maple syrup, skeet shooting, tending to fishponds, and spending time in the woods.  As for his legacy, we will remember him for always wearing jeans, tending campfires, constructing sheds, drinking beer, reading newspapers, making turducken, criticizing the government, cheering on the Raiders, watching the birds and shopping on Amazon.

Ted loved his family deeply, he loved his dogs completely but, there was room for everyone in his big heart.

You are invited to join Ted's family to celebrate his life on Sunday March 26, 2023 from 12:00 pm- 2:00 pm at In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. 28 Main Street North, Grand Valley. Words of remembrance will begin at 1:00 pm.

He wanted a party, everyone to wear jeans, share stories and remember him enjoying life. Share some pizza and raise a beer (or other beverage) to Ted.

Wear your jeans !

If you plan to attend, please email Laurel at laurelbg@rogers.com to confirm numbers before March 18th.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.imfunerals.com 

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Foster family