Obituary of Foster Davis Yates

At the age of 81, Foster passed away in Creston with his family at his side. 

He was born to parents Clarence (Ernie) and Lillian Yates in South Ham, Quebec. From an early age, Foster worked tirelessly alongside his father on their family farm logging pulpwood. 

In 1962, he married the love of his life, Grace Jackson. Four years later, the couple made their way west to her hometown of Creston, B.C.

For a time, Foster farmed on the Creston Valley flats under Wesley Goddard. He went on to work on the Duncan Dam, before becoming a planerman at the J.H. Huscroft Sawmill. His career at the mill spanned 30 years until retirement. He was a hard worker and enjoyed the challenges of the job. 

In 1969, a charming creekside acreage in Canyon became Foster and Grace’s home where they raised four children. It became a hobby farm with horses, mules, chickens, geese, and more. Much of their time was also spent in the garden growing vegetables. 

Every Sunday was spent together as a family. Foster’s children share fond memories of going on picnics, picking huckleberries, and visiting Gramps and Gran at their cabin in the woods up Goat River. 

Foster was happiest spending time outdoors - camping, hunting, fishing, and 4-wheeling. He also loved to travel and explore new places with his truck and trailer. In all of his ventures, he was never without a dog.

After the untimely death of his wife Grace in 1982, Foster moved to Kitchener. The Canyon homestead remained in the family and continues to harbour many special memories to this day.

In 1993, he was remarried to Darlene Goddard, who he spent the remainder of his days with. 

In 2004, he bought a sawmill on the adjacent property to his Kitchener home with his son Glenn. They worked closely together for many years with a shared knowledge of the forestry business. 

Foster is predeceased by his parents Ernie and Lily, his first wife Grace, grandchildren Michael and Brock, and his lifelong friend and brother-in-law Dale Jackson.

He is survived by his wife Darlene, children Leanna (Morris), Glenn (Cindy), Wayne and Cynthia, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To commemorate his lifelong love of dogs, those wishing to honour Foster’s life can donate to Creston Pet Adoption and Welfare Society (PAWS) at pawscreston.ca, 2805 Lower Wynndel Road, Creston, BC V0B 1G8.  

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to come. 

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