BANGOR and ELLSWORTH Philip R. Foster, 66, died May 24, 2008, at his home. He was born Jan. 19, 1942, in Fort Fairfield, the son of Roy C. and Marguerite A. (Howard) Foster. Philip was a graduate of Easton High School, Class of 1960 and Ricker College, Houlton, Class of 1964. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1964, serving until his honorable discharge in 1968. Upon discharge Philip entered law school and graduated in 1971, and was admitted to the bars that same year. Philip began his career as clerk for Judge Archibald in Houlton. In 1973 he opened his law practice in Ellsworth, and in 1977 his brother, Stephen, joined him and in 2003 his son, Matthew, joined the firm. Philip was a member of Maine and Massachusetts Bar Associations, and a member and past president of Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, Lygonia Masonic Lodge No. 40 of Ellsworth, Ellsworth Rotary Club and numerous other organizations. Surviving, in addition to his mother of Bangor, are his beloved wife, Christa (Jankowiak) Foster of Bangor; two sons, Matthew J. Foster and Michael R. Foster, both of Ellsworth; one granddaughter, Aliza Marie of Ellsworth; two sisters, Molly A. Malcolm of Owls Head and Joan G. Turner of Easton; one brother, Stephen D. Foster of Ellsworth; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Philip leaves behind an extended family in Germany; mother-in-law, Herta; brother-in-law, Klaus and family; sisters-in-law, Marlis, Ingrid and Rita, and their families, as well as friends. He was predeceased by his brother, William G. Foster. Relatives and friends are welcome to call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St., Bangor, with the Rev. Dr. Randall C. Chretien, pastor officiating, with a Masonic memorial service after the service. Interment with military honors will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, State Street, Bangor. Those wishing to remember Philip in a special way may contribute in his memory to CancerCare of Maine, care of Eastern Maine Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931. For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.
PHILIP R. FOSTER
