Foster Dean Courtney of Lynden passed away on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at age 93 surrounded by his loving family.
Foster was born in Zillah, Washington, to Marvin and Lula (Duim) Courtney on Nov. 1, 1925. He grew up and lived on his family’s farm on the East Wiser Lake Road that his grandparents homesteaded in 1888. Foster attended Greenwood School and Lynden High School and left school during World War II as he was needed on his family’s farm.
Foster was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and he was stationed in Korea and Japan. He served 19 months, from his 25th birthday to Oct. 24, 1952. During his time in the Army he earned the rank of infantry corporal.
Foster was a very hard worker. He worked in the lumber and construction industry, working at and becoming a partner in John Louws Construction for over 20 years. In 1990 he retired from construction at the age of 65. All during this time, Foster managed and worked the family Hereford cattle farm.
Foster married his wife Ellen on Nov. 6, 1959. They raised four children: John, Jill, Julie and James. Foster and Ellen loved to travel and after retirement traveled to 43 different states and 10 countries.
Foster was an active member of Lynden VFW Post 9301 for over 54 years where he held numerous positions during his tenure. He was an Elks member for 65 years and participated in a bowling league for 25 years. He was a member of the Lynden Senior Center, where he loved to play pinochle every Friday afternoon. He loved his Allis-Chalmers tractors and Minneapolis-Moline farm machinery. Foster was a lifetime member of the Puget Sound Antique Tractor and Machinery Association and the Prairie Gold Antique Tractor Association. He restored several old tractors and a 1948 Dodge pickup truck. He enjoyed watching all types of sports, whether it was on television or live, and raised the American flag at Lynden High School football games for several decades.
Foster is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ellen Courtney; his children: John Foster (Karen) Courtney of Lynden, Jill Marie (Mike) Boykin of Everson, Julie Ellen (Randy) Waite of Anchorage and James Dean (Lisa) Courtney of Lynden; nine grandchildren: Teresa (Mike) Stacey, Johnny (Amanda) Courtney, Jordan Waite, Heather Waite, Jeffery Boykin, Paige Courtney, Foster Courtney, McKenna Brock and Peyton Brock; and four great-grandchildren: Hannah McSwain and Braxton, Addison and Beckett Stacey.
Join us for a memorial service in Gillies Funeral Home of Lynden on Friday, Jan. 4, beginning with a viewing at 12 noon and a service at 1 p.m., followed by a graveside military presentation and a Celebration of Life at the Lynden VFW Post, 7011 Hannegan Rd.
The Courtney family extends a huge thank-you to Dr. Alejandro Rey, the nurses and staff at St. Joseph Hospital and the Christian Health Care Center.
