David Roland Foster
April 28, 2025
David Roland Foster, of London, Ontario, courageously went home to be with Jesus, his Saviour and Lord, whom he loved and served with all his heart, on April 28, 2025. He passed away at home surrounded by family after a short illness. David is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Catherine (Field), their son Calvin (Sarah), and their six children – Noah, Nathan, Anna, Daniel, Ezra and James; their daughter Stephanie (Laurence), and their four children – Haven, Tirian, Caeden and Corin; their son Jordan (Julianne), and their three children – Zeke, Xander and Toby.
The oldest of seven siblings, Dave was born in Zambia and spent his formative years in Africa as a missionary kid of Herbert and Eleanor (née Thomas). He returned to Canada, where he met and married Cathy. After graduating from Western University, they moved to Texas, where he completed a Master of Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. David and Cathy went on to serve in Durban, South Africa, under AEF/SIM for 30 years before returning to Canada.
David will be remembered for his deep love for all people, and his tender servant heart that blessed so many. It is not possible to name the great number of friends, neighbours, extended family and loved ones who were part of David’s life and close circle. His loss is felt deeply by so many and across many miles, but we are comforted to know he is safe in the arms of the Lord.
Burial has taken place, and a memorial service to remember David’s remarkable life and honour his cherished memory will be held at Summerside Community Church, 1447 Commissioners Rd. E, London, on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors starting at 1:00 p.m. and a luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to advance mission work in Africa. Please email davidsjourney2025@gmail.com for information on ways to give.
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I praise the Lord our King for the life well lived by our friend David! Because of his unquestionable integrity before man and faithfulness before God, I would unashamedly apply the apostle Paul's words to David: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me . . .” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). “Thank you for keeping your faith and smile to the end, brother. I'll see you up there when my assignment is over here!”
Words cannot express our sadness at losing such a gentle spiritual giant. Dave and Cathy helped shape our early walk in the Lord and poured so much into us that we could never measure aptly. Dave stood tall among us and boldly went where very few Christians would dare to venture. He was a hard act to follow. Dave was not just a friend he and Cathy were family! I hope there is a reunion in Heaven one day, our dear Dave Foster!
Really sad time for all of you. We pray for you all. The Foster clan is so amazing! Our three kids have also great memories of David’s siblings. We grieve with you.
Dear Cathy and Family, we are deeply sorry for your loss and can’t begin to imagine the pain you're feeling right now, but please know that our heart is with you. There are people in life who come alongside you not just as companions, but as divine appointments sent by God at just the right time, for just the right reasons. My dear friend David was one of those people. He was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and grace in my life and a key component in building and shaping my faith in Jesus. His faith was not just spoken, it was lived, deeply and sincerely. I will always be grateful for the way he showed up, consistently, selflessly, and full of light. It’s rare to find someone who genuinely delights in pouring into others without needing anything in return. A true servant, a true friend, and a living example of Christ’s love. While the loss is deep, my gratitude is deeper still. I thank God for every conversation, every prayer, and every moment shared. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith and quiet strength that will continue to live in me and all those he met throughout his life. Well done, faithful friend, I will carry your light always. Love Zaheer and Nathlee
David was a wonderful man of God whose life reflected Christ’s love in both word and action. He had a deep heart for people, always ready to help those in need, and he inspired us as both a mentor and a role model. He was truly a special person who will be deeply missed, but we know we will meet again in heaven.
David, I will miss you, brother. I get to know you in sharing the call of serving our Lord Jesus. I saw your heart and passion to reach the lost to get to know the Saviour. You will be missed, brother. Cathy I will be praying for you and the family to be comforted by the Holy Spirit
David was an outstanding witness for Christ. He had a sincere love for people and wanted to share his faith them. I appreciated his friendship. May God comfort Cathy and his family.
Cathy, Calvin, Stephanie and family, May God's blessings be on you in your time of sorrow. It was our privilege to know David in his formative years and throughout his long career in missions. He was an inspiration for his intense interest in people and dedication to Christ and the spread of the gospel. He will be missed.
My friend David used every opportunity to share his faith in Jesus, his Lord and Saviour, with those whom God placed in his path.
Sending our sincere condolences to dear Cathy and family. 💐 May the profound impact of David's devotion to Christ and his servant heart continue to inspire and comfort you. We will never forget his love for others and his commitment to proclaiming the Gospel. May cherished memories and the promise of eternal life bring you peace and strength. Much love from SA.
Kimye kyonse, Lesa wawama. All the time, God is good. Dear Cathy and family, each time I saw Dave, he had a big smile and a word of encouragement in English or even Kiikaonde. I will always remember the love of the LORD in him. Lesa emupeshe. God bless you. 🙏
To my dear friend Cathy and the Foster family. I would like to convey my sincere condolences on the passing of Dave. My family have such amazing memories of you and Dave and I would like to bless the Lord for those memories. We are all saddened by Dave’s passing but having said that I know there were a host of angels singing in a choir of joyfulness celebrating Dave’s arrival. His absent in the body and present with the Lord🙏. I can see the Lord saying to him with such pride welcome home my good and faithful servant. Because I don’t know a man who did the Lords work as dedicated and graciously as Dave did. I am writing this with eyes full of tears. I really wish l was there to give you a tight SA hug. Luke 3:21
Blessed by Dave and Cathy, thankful for their example of sacrificial service. Imagining the line in Heaven of people welcoming Dave…. Psalm 116:15
David had an infectious love for Jesus that was evident to all who knew him. He had a great burden for the Muslim community, where he invested himself body, mind and spirit, for the sake of the gospel. I felt convicted each time we met, as I knew I could be a better witness for our saviour, if I followed his example. David has served faithfully, and he can now rest in his saviour's arms. We continue to pray for his family, in this season of loss.
It was a privilege to have known Dave Foster...a man of faith and passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To the bereaved family and friends, we pray for God's peace and comfort to be your portion. May his work and memory continue to inspire others to continue with the Great Commission. Shalom
My dad will always be remembered and his memory will not fade from our view. He was a selfless man, who taught us humility and to put others ahead of ourselves. I will miss you so much dad. ❤️
Services for David Roland Foster
Visitation will be held at:
Summerside Community Church
1447 Commissioners Rd. E.,
London, Ontario
May 17, 2025 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Memorial Service will be held at:
Summerside Community Church
1447 Commissioners Rd. E.,
London, Ontario
May 17, 2025 2:00 pm
David Foster was the most focused person I have ever known, and I have known him for many years. His main focus was challenging anyone and everyone with the truths of the birth, life and death of Jesus, the risen Christ. Whether he was in South Africa, London, Ontario, or anywhere he went, David could swing the discussion about Jesus, in non-confronting ways, with a passion. Well done, good an faithful servant. Bob Kline
~ Bob Kline