Harry Foster

Harry Fred Foster, 84, of Rudyard died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at Liberty Medical Center in Chester.

It was Fred’s preference for cremation with no formal services. His ashes will be buried at the Deep Creek Cemetery in Townsend at a later date. Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester.

Fred was born Jan. 27, 1930, at Asotin, Wash. His parents were Harry and Blanche (Messier) Foster. He grew up at Pony, Mont., and graduated from Harrison High school in 1947.

He enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1949 and served during the Korean Conflict. A member of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, Fred served in combat in Japan. He was an expert marksman and attained the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge in 1952.

Fred married Edith A. Miller on Feb. 5, 1955. The couple farmed and ranched in Broadwater, Meagher and Blaine counties during their working lives. They have lived in Rudyard the past eight years.

He was preceded in death by his son, John; his daughter, Karin; his parents; and four brothers.

Fred is survived by his wife of 59 years, Edith Foster of Rudyard; four grandchildren, Audree (Michael) Kilbey, Peggy Dunning, Paul Foster and Cadi Foster; two great-grandchildren, Amara and Alex; one brother, Joe Foster of Twin Bridges; one sister, Mona Benjamin of Idaho; and numerous nephews and nieces.