STONINGTON – Everett K. Foster Jr., lieutenant colonel, U.S. Air Force, retired, 72, died Thursday, June 10, 2010, at a Bangor hospital after a long illness. A proud 15th generation Mainer, he was born April 28, 1938, in Rumford, to Everett K. Foster Sr. and Grace (Tripp) Foster. Everett was a graduate of Foxcroft Academy, Dover-Foxcroft, and Layton School of Art, Milwaukee. He married Ann Simons of Oconomowoc, Wisc., Dec. 19, 1959, and the two celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past year. He was a talented artist who worked after graduation as a graphic designer, photographer and Maine filmmaker. He directed and produced documentaries about Maine history and ecology that received numerous awards at international film festivals. He joined the Maine Air National Guard in 1955, and served as a still photographer, filmmaker and later as a public affairs officer at the Maine National Guard Headquarters. From 1986 to 1998, he served at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as chief of environmental public affairs at the National Guard Bureau. During that time he wrote national policies, conducted training and steered public meetings concerning environmental issues at military bases throughout the U.S. In that position, he was proudest of his ability to effect change in the military’s environmental policies. Everett was actively involved in community and professional organizations throughout his life, serving on the school board in Gardiner and as president, board member or officer of local committees and public service organizations, including Gardiner Rotary Club and American Legion Post No. 102, Stonington. He loved people of all types and he enjoyed the banter of sharing ideas and debating philosophies and opinions. He leaves a host of friends and family members across the country and abroad, who will dearly miss his irreverent humor, delight in pranks, insatiable curiosity and his evident love for each member of his extended family. Everett is survived by his wife, Ann of Stonington; daughter, Elizabeth Foster of Greensboro, N.C.; son, David and his wife, Natasha Moiseyev, of Palo Alto, Calif.; son, John and his wife, Maritza, of Charleston, S.C.; grandchildren, Christopher McCourtney and his wife, Tawnya, of Norfolk, Va., Michael Foster McCourtney of Deltaville, Va., Alexandra and Maya Moiseyev-Foster of Palo Alto, Calif., and Patrick, Matthew and Melissa Foster of Charleston, S.C.; great-grandson, Aiden Hamilton McCourtney of Norfolk, Va.; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Erminie Burke and Mollie Torrence; and a brother, Frank Foster. Gifts in Everett’s memory may be made to Appalachian Mountain Club, Development Office, 5 Joy St., Boston, MA 02108; Maine Sierra Club, 44 Oak St., Suite 301, Portland, ME 04101 or a charity of one’s choice. There will be a memorial gathering at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
EVERETT K. FOSTER JR.
