May 25, 2022

​Dale Alan Foster
​March 12, 1944 – May 12, 2022

A horse walks into a bar, and the bartender says, “hey buddy, why the long face?”
Dale’s favorite joke would normally bring giggles and maybe some eye rolls, but our long faces come from the great loss of Dale Alan Foster, 78, on May 12, 2022. Dale died peacefully, surrounded by family, at the hospital in Spokane, Wash.
He was born March 12, 1944, in Grants Pass, Ore., to Elaine (Holland) Foster and Alan Hunt, and was later adopted by his stepfather, George Foster. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He shared more than 20 years of partnership with his wife, Dot (Hareland Swanson) Foster. They had an enduring love for each other rooted in faith, devotion and chocolate. Together they nurtured a big, wild blended family with 12 children: Nichole (Glen) Wyant, Bryan Foster, Aaron Foster, Hannah Foster, Michelle (Tyler) Bryant, Kevin Foster, Jennifer Foster, Cheri Hersh (Ted Piche’), Paul (Tondra) Swanson, Lori Swanson (Jim Harrington), Shelly (Rodney) Harding and Mark (Bonnie) Swanson.
They have more grandchildren and great-grandchildren than could be practically noted here, and it’s okay if you don’t remember everyone’s names; Dale often didn’t. Many times, he’d go through at least a couple of names to land on the right one, sometimes even calling out one of the dogs’ names.
Dale served honorably in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic from 1962 to 1966 and was an avid supporter of service members. He frequented war memorials and museums wherever he went, and cried at every single one. He was never afraid to show emotion. He was an ordinary man who lived extraordinarily in the way he loved and cared for those around him.
Dale gave space for his children to flourish, make mistakes, even the big ones, embrace joy, be afraid, be excited, be loud, be quiet, be themselves, and he was always ready to welcome them home when ready. He practiced compassion and loved unconditionally. He didn’t try to fit people into a mold, and he didn’t believe that one thing made up all of a person. He believed in community and communion. He treated everyone with kindness and gratitude.
In his final days at the hospital, he even thanked the doctor for his hospitality. He loved the ocean, playing Rummy, all the dogs, going for a drive, movies, traveling and spending time with loved ones. Dale had a strong conviction and enjoyed a good breakfast.
We will be celebrating Dale at Hope Lutheran Church in Anaconda, Mont., at 1 p.m. on June 24, 2022. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Hope Lutheran Church or Save-A-Vet (www.save-a-vet.org). If you would like to share pictures or stories, please email his daughter Michelle at michelle.mk.bryant@gmail.com. ​

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