Gerald Lee Foster, Lincoln artist, architect, and author, passed quietly in his sleep on June 25, in Lincoln. He was 86. Gerry was born in Marshall, Missouri, July 13, 1936, son of Albert B. Foster and Esther Mason.
In 1963, Gerry joined The Architects Collaborative (TAC), the Cambridge firm established by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. Gerry eventually became a vice president, designing medical and research facilities for hospitals and other institutions. He founded his own firm, Gerald Foster, Inc., in 1982.
An artist, Gerry was largely self-taught until 1962, when he studied with Boston painter R. H. Ives Gammell. He returned to painting in the 1980s, exhibiting at the Concord Art Association and elsewhere. Gerry also published guides to airplanes, trains, and houses, and illustrated Whale Port, winner of a Massachusetts Book Award.
Gerry married Patricia Patrick of Orlando, FL, in 1958 and had a son, Mark. In 1975, Gerry married Candace Frankman, of Hopkins, MN, and had two children, Ryan and Shelby. Gerry served in the Air Force from 1954-1958.
Gerry was never without a pen. He processed life through drawing and could draw anything. He loved his vegetable garden and nature. He was gentle, with a sense of humor, often at his own expense. He was an unquenchable reader, with a stack of books next to his bed. He could be silly, as when, grinning, he emptied the dishwasher by tossing dishes across the room to his children. He was a pleasure to talk with, as he knew something about most things, especially art and architecture, yet never imposed. Having seen hard times, he was kind. He was dearly loved by his family, who miss him sorely.
Gerry is survived by his son Mark Foster and his wife Erin Wells of Arlington, son Ryan Foster and his wife Alyssa of Newton, and daughter Shelby O’Neill and her husband William of Harvard. He was proud “Grandad” to Coraline, Chase, Levi and Finn. He is also survived by his partner, Candace Foster of Lincoln and sister, Martha Lurz of Annapolis, MD.
At his request, a celebration of his life will be held one year from now.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Mass Audubon, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 (www.massaudubon.org).
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. For Gerry’s full obituary and online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
