Obituary

Bruce E. F. Foster
August 5, 1941 - July 24, 2016

Bruce  E. F. Foster

Bruce E. F. Foster
Aug 5, 1941 - Jul 24, 2016

Bruce  E. F. Foster
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Bruce Foster, 1941 - 2016. Bruce moved from England to Colorado in 1953 with his parents and sister where he greatly enjoyed the change from five years in an English boys' boarding school to an American co-ed high school. He graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School and moved to Boulder, CO, for college.

At the University of Colorado, Bruce had to decide between studying piano or engineering. During his undergraduate years, he excelled as an Air Force ROTC cadet and led its elite drill team to many wins in the western US. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and commissioning as a second lieutenant, he continued at CU/Boulder to earn a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. The choice of engineering as a profession led him to a position at The Boeing Company in Seattle, and he moved to Mercer Island, Washington, in 1965. Piano playing, though, was his life-long love and mental discipline.

Bruce's employment with Boeing was interrupted later in the1960s when the Air Force assigned him to flight training at Randolph AFB, TX. During his active duty, Bruce flew F-4 Phantoms, became an Instructor Pilot, and served in the Vietnam War, flying, including once bailing out of his burning airplane with his backseater. From military service, he rejoined The Boeing Company for the next 40+ years. His long tenure at Boeing began with engineering work and expanded into computerizing the production-change control system for the company.

In 1986, Bruce married Susanne Müller, originally from Germany. Together they enjoyed many wonderful years with friends and family both in the US and in Europe. In 1991 and 1994, Phillip and Max were born. Bruce was hesitantly worried about joining the PTA, becoming a soccer parent, leading Boy Scout outings, and cheering with band families, but he had a blast volunteering when he could.

Upon retiring from Boeing for the fourth time, in 2013, Bruce's peers joked that he had to buy his retirement cake from now on. During his so short retirement he traveled, played piano, and finally had time to meet friends often at his second office, the South-end Starbucks. He is survived by the love of his life, Susanne, and their sons Phillip and Max. Bruce truly appreciated his many friends who visited him during the past year.

The family thanks EvergreenHealth, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Evergreen Hospice Care, and Drs. Ellis, Lonergan, Moore, and staff for their compassion and kindness.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bruce's life on Friday, August 5, 4-7 PM at his residence. Memorial gifts may be made in Bruce's name to The Museum of Flight (www.museumofflight.org), Mercer Island Boy Scout Troop 457 for trip support (MI BS Troop 457, 7227 West Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040), and the Mercer Island High School Band Program for trip support (www.misbb.wordpress.com or by check Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters
P.O. Box 1471, Mercer Island, WA 98040).

 
 

Ina Bray on Aug 26, 2016

When Bruce and Susanne were present, any opera became that much more enjoyable. Always insightful comments or memorable personal stories. Susanne, I'm so sorry for your loss - mein herzliches Beileid. Yes, let's share a cup of coffee when this physical and emotional turmoil abates somewhat.... Ina Bray

Ed Kupcis on Aug 7, 2016

Ed Kupcis
Bruce was my friend. I have known him for 40 years. We were co-workers at the Boeing Company. Our families, his two boys and my two boys grew up together, being of the same age. My wife Linda and I, and Bruce and his wife Susanne shared many interests. We shall miss him dearly.
Bruce had many talents. He was a great father, having made sure both his sons became eagle scouts. He was a smart investor and a great provider. He loved his wife Susanne and his two sons Phillip and Max.
Bruce was an American patriot, serving his country as a fighter pilot in the US Air Force. He flew combat missions in the Vietnam War in the deadly airspace over Hanoi. His F-4 Phantom fighter was hit by enemy fire and he had to bail out, luckily over friendly territory in Laos. Bruce was a true patriot.
He also made his mark at the Boeing Company. He developed a computer program called "IBEX" which was designed to identify and track all the parts required to build an airliner. This is a monumental task because each airplane being delivered has millions of parts, many of them unique to each customer. Bruce developed this program, fought to have it incorporated, and today it is used as the basis for delivery of all Boeing commercial airplanes. A truly remarkable achievement.
He was the kind of man who never shirked his duty. One particular incident remains in my mind. It was July 4 1976 - the 200th birthday of the United States. We were on his boat - the Golliwog - on Puget Sound watching the 4th of July fireworks. On the way back to Alki, a nearby cruiser tipped over and spilled all its passengers into the sound. Bruce did not hesitate - he turned Golliwog around and we started picking up people out of the water until our boat was almost swamped, and delivered them to the dock at Alki. Bruce saved some lives that evening.
Bruce will be missed. His family will miss him. His friends will miss him. His co-workers will miss him. His country will miss him. I will miss him.

Dr john Lind on Aug 4, 2016

He was a kind and gentle soul.....Dr John Lind

Mark Winterholler on Aug 1, 2016

I worked with Bruce through his final attempts to retire from the Boeing Co. He was a joy to work with, always happy, gracious and kind. He made coming to work, trying to make the place better, worthwhile. He was an honorable man, in a world that at many times is dishonorable, and so stood out among the crowd. I consider myself lucky to have known Bruce and I miss him greatly.

Kathy VandeBrake on Jul 30, 2016

What a loss for you and the boys. He was a great friend and wonderful co-worker. I am so sorry. Kathy VandeBrake

Mel Zoerb on Jul 29, 2016

Mel Zoerb
I only knew Bruce for a short time at Boeing but he was certainly one of the best; always happy, light-hearted and just a great guy to have around. As I read his obituary I was shocked to learn he had been an F-4 pilot and an Instructor and had served in Vietnam -- amazing marks of a very talented pilot, yet a most modest man. I lost contact with Bruce when our respective Boeing assignments took us in different directions, and I regret not knowing that he had serious medical problems. To the family at this sad time, you should be extremely proud of all he accomplished, the way in which he lived, and the effect he had on those of us that worked with him.

William Paulin on Jul 29, 2016

I first met Bruce in 1964 when I entered Boeing and began working with him. We later roomed together until he bought his home on Mercer Island. Bruce was an usher in my wedding to Sandy. Then, when he went in the Air Force, Sandy and I rented his Mercer Island home from him while I finished my PhD. Since then I have considered bruce both one of my best friends and one of the most amazingly capable and interesting folks I knew. We shared a boat together and always had more laughs that anyone had a right to. Over the years I could see what a wonderful husband and father Bruce was. And later, he helped my son Chris as he entered the military as a fighter pilot. I, as well as Sandy, Chris and Tim, consider our selves very lucky to have known and friended Bruce. We miss you so much, Bruce.

Robyn MacIntire on Jul 29, 2016

Susanne, Phillip and Max - We will always remember Bruce's grace, kind soul, gentle smile and keen intelligence. Lots love to all three of you. - Robyn, Scott, Jack, Taylor and Charlie MacIntire

Todd Aten on Jul 28, 2016

My condolences to the family. Bruce was a gentleman, a scholar, and a friend. I will miss his wit and his laugh.

Harry kleiser on Jul 26, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He was a friend I'll certainly miss. When I first moved to the Northwest, Bruce took me under his wing, showed me around, introduced me to his family and friends. I have always appreciated that. I will miss Bruce.

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