Philip Clifford Foster

Philip Clifford Foster was born on January 31, 1938, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Leota and Almond Foster. He passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, in Grand Rapids, just one day before his 88th birthday. He was surrounded by love and leaves behind a legacy defined by family, service, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Philip attended Godwin Heights High School. In 1972, he moved to Lake City, Michigan, where he worked alongside his father at Foster’s Market. He dedicated 32 years to the family business before retiring, earning the respect of his community through his strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to others. Philip was the devoted and loving husband of Gloria Foster, with whom he shared a life rooted in companionship, loyalty, and enduring love. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leota and Almond Foster; his stepmother, Patricia; his first wife, Regina Foster; and many aunts, uncles, and loved ones who welcomed him home.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria; his children Elizabeth (Danny) Sexton, Victoria (James) Davis, Steven Foster, and Juliana (John) Peer; and his stepdaughter Tina (Ryan) DeVires. He is also survived by his sister Peggy (David) Phillips and his brother Paul Foster. Philip was a proud and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

In his younger years, Philip raced cars and spent countless hours fixing and working on them, sparking a lifelong love of automobiles that stayed with him throughout his life. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, canoeing, hunting, snowmobiling, shooting, trapping, and traveling. He felt most at peace in the woods or in Northern Michigan. He especially enjoyed fly fishing and spent many hours tying his own flies. He became a self-taught gunsmith and expert ammunition maker, and he even built his own snowshoes. Philip was also an avid bowler and spent many cherished years in bowling leagues alongside his father. Philip was deeply involved in organizations that reflected his values and passions. He served as Former President of Ducks Unlimited, Former President of Eagles 3884, and Former President of the Lake City Conservation Club. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, a member of Shriners International, and a devoted Mason who served as Worshipful Master of the Masons at F. & A.M. Lodge 408 of Lake City. Above all, Philip loved his family and believed strongly in the bonds that carry through generations. His strength, generosity, curiosity, and quiet wisdom will live on through the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A service celebrating Philip’s life will take place at Young-Holdship Funeral Home in Lake City, Michigan, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026 with a luncheon to follow at the Lake City Eagles 3884.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Young-Holdship.com.

The family is being served by Young-Holdship Funeral Home.

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