March 3, 1931 ~ February 28, 2016
Douglas L. Foster, M.D., 84, of Essexville, our devoted, lovable, and creative father, grandfather, brother, dear friend, and physician went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at McLaren Bay Region. Dr. Foster was born in New York City on March 3, 1931. His undergraduate studies were completed at City College of New York, where he graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Dr. Foster’s true calling in life was to serve and assist others through their trials and tribulations. He graduated in 1957 from Meharry Medical College’s School of Medicine in Nashville, TN, where he served as a research assistant from 1955-1956. His internship was completed at St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond, Indiana. It was in Indiana where Dr. Foster began his private practice in general medicine. Dr. Foster furthered his skills at Menninger School of Psychiatry (1961-1964), and completed his residency at Topeka V.A. Hospital. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1966. Dr. Foster was the medical director and owner of Michigan Behavioral Health Institute and co-owner of Red Oaks Adult Foster Care. He was the former medical director of Health Source Saginaw’s Mental Health Inpatient Unit and was a former member of the Utilization Review Committee at McLaren Bay Region. His commitment to those in need earned him a distinguished reputation for excellence in psychiatric outpatient services, community mental health centers, substance abuse programs, and children and adolescent programs. Dr. Foster was a man of great compassion, knowledge, and wisdom. He influenced many, and his heart was larger than life. Helping others, mentoring, and always focusing on the positive were some of his greatest attributes. He enjoyed woodworking, electronics, traveling, and attending the opera. Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Douglas Foster II (Nadine Walmsley), David Foster, Deveda Foster, and brother, Elmer Foster. He will forever be remembered by his very special friend of 36 years, Patti Matuszewski; honorary grandchildren, Marissa Sharrow and Stephen O’Neil, and the entire Sharrow family. Dr. Foster was predeceased by his parents and sister. Dr. Foster’s family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM, and Monday, March 7, 2016 from 9:00 AM until the time of Dr. Foster's 10:00 AM Celebration of Life at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Menninger Clinic (www.menningerclinic.com). Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
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Douglas L. Foster, M.D., 84, of Essexville, our devoted, lovable, and creative father, grandfather, brother, dear friend, and physician went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at McLaren Bay Region. Dr. Foster was born in New York City on March 3, 1931. His undergraduate studies were completed at City College of New York, where he graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Dr. Foster's true calling in life was to serve and assist others through their trials and tribulations. He graduated in 1957 from Meharry Medical College's School of Medicine in Nashville, TN, where he served as a research assistant from 1955-1956. His internship was completed at St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond, Indiana. It was in Indiana where Dr. Foster began his private practice in general medicine. Dr. Foster furthered his skills at Menninger School of Psychiatry (1961-1964), and completed his residency at Topeka V.A. Hospital. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1966. Dr. Foster was the medical director and owner of Michigan Behavioral Health Institute and co-owner of Red Oaks Adult Foster Care. He was the former medical director of Health Source Saginaw's Mental Health Inpatient Unit and was a former member of the Utilization Review Committee at McLaren Bay Region. His commitment to those in need earned him a distinguished reputation for excellence in psychiatric outpatient services, community mental health centers, substance abuse programs, and children and adolescent programs. Dr. Foster was a man of great compassion, knowledge, and wisdom. He influenced many, and his heart was larger than life. Helping others, mentoring, and always focusing on the positive were some of his greatest attributes. He enjoyed woodworking, electronics, traveling, and attending the opera. Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Douglas Foster II (Nadine Walmsley), David Foster, Deveda Foster, and brother, Elmer Foster. He will forever be remembered by his very special friend of 36 years, Patti Matuszewski; honorary grandchildren, Marissa Sharrow and Stephen O'Neil, and the entire Sharrow family. Dr. Foster was predeceased by his parents and sister. Dr. Foster's family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM, and Monday, March 7, 2016 from 9:00 AM until the time of Dr. Foster's 10:00 AM Celebration of Life at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Menninger Clinic (www.menningerclinic.com). Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
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My deepest condolences, Dr Foster was a awesome boss,teacher,and friend to me.
I don’t know what I would of done without you in Those early years that I was a widow…you will be deeply missed by so many!
He has left such a legacy behind.
Sincerely,
Tina Garcia
I found out about Dr Foster about 30 minutes ago, it is so sad I just saw him two weeks ago. About a year ago I lost another one of my physicians both doctors were amazing.
Dr Foster , you have helped me in more ways then you ever knew. Rest in peace
Lillie Mrozinski
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
What a wonderful inspiring man. He will be missed.
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
This man taught me so much an was always ready to listen I truly loved him an will miss terribly rip my friend an mentor
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
I will always remember that no matter what was going on, he always had a smile for those he met along the way. He will be missed.
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
My heart is heavy for such a loss of a wonderful man, friend and mentor. Prayers to all family and friends who loved him so. Somehow I see you sitting at a desk up in Heaven still helping people with that big heart of yours. You have touched mine and many, many others. Rest in peace my friend! Judy Starrett
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
Dr foster was very kind and sweet.always told me like it was though I’m going to miss him so much he would always ask me how things were going he will be missed dearly by me. Thank you Susan anderson
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
R.i.p Dr. Foster You were a great psychiatrist for my family and I!
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DR. FOSTERS PASSING. HE WAS A KIND AND GENTLE MAN WHO CARED FOR EVERYONE.I AM GLAD WE HAD THE CHANCE TO ENJOY BOWLING WITH HIM. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP HIM IN HIS CARE. REST IN PEACE FRIEND. SUE & LARRY WILLYARD
I was blessed to work with this man for more than 20 years, he was a wonderful teacher, physician and leader. Rest Dr. Foster, you have earned it. You will be greatly missed. Garth R. N.
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
Dr Foster was a wonderful teacher. Rest in Peace.
Dr. Foster was a healing force for my family. He took the time to really get down to issues and help you understand who you were. Thank you, doc, rest in peace.
I was a patient of Dr. Foster for many years & when he moved to a different position, we parted as friends! What a wonderful man & how blessed I was to have him in my life! Thank you for allowing him to be part of my life! He gave me so much during my time as my Dr. I thank him for everything!
Thank you Dr Foster for all you kindness and knowledge through the years. It was an honor to work with you at Bay Haven. I will always remember your brilliance, humor, and love for your patients and staff. Your soul is golden. Peace be with you.
What a special Dr. & friend. He knew just the right things to say and his advice was always helpful to me and my family. I will miss him beyond words. He was the very best!
May his memory be eternal
Dr Foster helped my Daughter and Myself during our darkest times. We owe him our life. Prayers for Dictor Foster who was an inspiration for all. He helped many people in different facets of society, he will be truly missed. May God Bless This Man.
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
My Deepest Condolences To The Family And Staff Of DR.Foster
he will be missed by so many, my heart go’s out to all family and friends
Doug Foster was one of the most intelligent and colorful collegues I’ve ever had the honor of working with he will be sorely missed.
Dr. Greg Borgerson
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What a friend, thanks for all of the memories.
I have known this lovely man now 25 years, first at the Mental Health Unit at Bay Med. He would storm the unit every morning, annoint us all with wisdom, then fly out until the next day. He was a joy, a genious, and very fun!! I think he liked me, I know I admired and truly loved him. I have clients today who would tell the world they owe their life and sanity to this man. The definition of someone who lived an impactfull life. Thank you for all you gave us and the souls we serve. God Bless Dr. Foster and all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace dear friend.
I will always cherish the time I worked for Dr Foster. I am honored by having known him. I will greatly miss him. A wonderful person who cared so much for all who he touched, not just his patients but all his colleagues.
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
Looking back on all of my interactions with Dr. Foster I can see how blessed I was to know such a wonderful man who truly cared about people, saw no social, cultural or physical differences in people but treated everyone he met with true respect and compassion. How can I ever forget such a kind man who always called me ‘young lady’. May he know the peace of our Lord’s eternal rest.
We miss you Dr. Foster. You made such a major impact on the lives of so many people in the community. You are missed. You were a very kind and loving man. I enjoyed the time we worked together.
2 Timothy 4:7 New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)
7 [a]I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
Now you are in God’s loving care.
God Bless,
Bill Lorden
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Dr. Foster’s loving care was a light upon the path for our son, Andrew Lloyd. He adored Dr. Foster. Dr. Foster, may he rest in peace. He gave so much. Blessings to those who remain to treasure his memory. The Lloyd Family
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster
What a unique man. I would not be here without his help! Rest in peace:rose:
Dr Foster always had time for people. He taught me much. God rest his soul. Helen Barnard.
Dr. Foster, you finished well! It was so obvious how thoughtful, kind and caring of a man you were. Such an example to so many of hard work and care for those in need. So blessed to have known you. You will be so missed.
Dr. Foster was a dr. that really cared about his patients. He was my doctor for over 20 years. There are tijmes I don’t know what I would have done without him. i will truly will miss him. The Lord will welcome you home and say “well done good and faithful service” , Doctor Forster gave his all to his patients right up to end. Rest in Peace.
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R.I.H Dr. Foster, not ever going to be another Dr. So caring and devoted to his patients.
Your Trean Group Family purchased the Pink Tribute Spray for the family of Douglas L. Foster, M.D..
Doug,
Rest in Peace, my friend! You had the vision of having all mental health services under one roof and you inspired Kishore, Mike and me to come together to realize our dreams and that was how MPBA was born.
Your passion for psychiatry had no parallel. Thanks for everything that you did for MPBA and Bay County.
Will rermember you forever.
Mukesh Lathia
My relationship with this man began at the tender age of approximately thirteen or fourteen years, & continues into the thirties that currently I find myself living in today. You could say the most important times of a life are the adolescent years of a person, when the right and or the wrong connections are established & nurtured. In terms of the business model of a psychiatrist, a model found & applied to the lives of those brought into the industry more or less by the hands of mothers or fathers who outcast & ostracize one or more of their children with the clinical diagnosis of poverty, bad parenting skills, and the like, this man did his part because I’ve yet to have the simple kind of life align with respect to the simplicity of those connections I was forced to have sacrificed for the betterment of this man’s career. Along the way in our relationship, I found myself as one of a kind in terms of having taken the time to earn the educational credentials not at all common from the perspective of those brought in to this industry as children relatively orphaned by living parents, and it was during and after my years of learning at the university where likewise I really learned to appreciate & respect him as a wonderful business man more than anything, even if the right connections to the simple life worth having and working in after all those years decided to come up shy for me by method of the same business plan forgetting to open the right doors for the one in a million young man who won all the wars & absolutely loved shaking hands with him and looking into his eyes with the Bachelor & Masters degree I picked up in Business Adm./Management, that are of absolutely no use economically because of the years he took to keep me on this side of the show, instead of simply finding a fast way to welcome me in to the side that complements the right connections made after you win upstairs. Tomorrow I wake up in my sixties; this prime and ambition of a young man who knows what it is will have passed like the thought of what could have been had the white space of the character in the coloring book been healed with a career in the light at the end of the tunnel instead of being kept dependent on the system after graduation, and yet I remember this man for who he was to me along the way: one of the only people I look up to, appreciatively & respectfully, Corey Paul Windt.
Dr. Foster, you were truly a pioneer and a tireless advocate. You were gifted beyond measure. Your life’s work has forever made an impact on so many lives, including my own. I am so grateful to have known you. Thank you for the laughs, the inspiration, and the wisdom. Suzy Haden.
Douglas Rest in Peace. Thank your for your insight, wisdom and your beautiful daughter Deveda Foster. She will carry on your great legacy of warmth, intelligence and logic.
I hope the family to knows how much Dr. Foster meant to this community. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years when he gave testimony at involuntary mental commitment hearings. His empathy for the vulnerable population afflicted with mental illness is legendary. He remembered heartbreaking details about the folks he served, and suggested humane treatments without disparagement or judgement. His service to this community was valuable, compassionate and life changing. It was an honor to know him. My sincere condolences.
Probate Judge Karen A. Tighe (retired)
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He helped me in so many ways. He was the most caring doctor I’ve ever met and I would not be where I am today without him. I will miss and think of you every day.
I had the great pleasure of working with Dr Foster he was a great man and helped so many in this community he will be missed rest in peace Dr Foster.
One of the most caring doctors ever at the VAMC in Saginaw!
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Our condolences to the family, close friends, & office staff of Dr. Foster during this sad time. Over the years, Dr. Foster guided our family through some rough times with compassion, insight, and a little humor. He was a true gem and a great source of inspiration. We will certainly miss him!
Lit a candle in memory of Douglas L. Foster