By Casandra Turnbull
Paris Independent Managing Editor
As Canadians prepare to pause and remember those who served and sacrificed for their country, the Paris community is mourning the loss of one of its last living connections to the Second World War.
Henry Foster, a Royal Canadian Navy veteran, longtime member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 and beloved figure in the Paris community, passed away Oct. 31 at the age of 101.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable life defined by service, friendship, family and an unwavering commitment to remembering those who fought alongside him. It also represents a significant loss for the local Legion, where Foster was the last active member who served during the Second World War.
For more than six decades, Foster was a familiar face at Branch 29, where he served in numerous capacities, mentored fellow veterans and helped ensure the sacrifices of previous generations were never forgotten.
Andy Moran, a longtime Legion member and past president, remembers Foster as a dedicated supporter of the branch and a man who gave generously of his time.
“Henry was my friend and mentor,” Moran said.
Foster served as the branch’s sergeant-at-arms for more than 20 years, leading the colour party at Legion events, including the annual Remembrance Day parade. He also worked as a steward, served on the executive for many years and assisted with the annual poppy campaign.
“The Legion has lost a great storyteller and supporter,” Moran said.
Born in Montreal in February 1925, Foster enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy at just 17 years old, answering the call to serve during the Second World War.
He served as a gunner aboard Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships, vessels tasked with transporting vital supplies across the Atlantic while facing the constant threat of German submarines.
His wartime service took him across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean, where ships delivered supplies to Allied forces fighting in Italy. He remained in the Navy until the war ended in 1945.
Those experiences stayed with Foster throughout his life. Decades later, he continued sharing his memories of the war, helping younger generations understand the realities of military service and the sacrifices made by those who never returned home.
Following the war, Foster married Sybil Savage in 1947. Together they raised three daughters, Sherry, Debbie and Sheila.
His career in the textile industry took him as far as New Zealand, where he helped establish hosiery manufacturing operations, before the family eventually settled in Paris in 1963.
was here that Foster would leave a lasting impression on his community.
Over 63 years as a member of Branch 29, he became much more than a familiar face at the Legion. He was a friend, mentor, storyteller and enthusiastic advocate for bringing younger veterans into the organization.
For fellow veteran Chuck Prystupa, who officially joined the Paris Legion earlier this year, Foster’s influence extended well beyond his years of military service.
Although Prystupa had known of Foster for more than a decade through Remembrance Day ceremonies and community conversations, the two only formally connected last fall.
Their first telephone conversation was intended to be a brief introduction. Instead, it lasted more than an hour.
Prystupa recalled that once Foster realized he was speaking with another veteran, the conversation quickly turned to their shared experiences of military service.
Even at 101, Foster remained deeply invested in the Legion’s future, regularly encouraging younger veterans to become active members.
He continued attending events whenever his health allowed, including the Paris Legion’s 100th anniversary celebrations this summer.
As preparations began for this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies, Prystupa recalled a family member saying, “If he can, he will be there.”
For Prystupa, Foster’s passing represents more than the loss of a friend. It is the loss of a direct connection to a defining chapter in world history.
“To me talking about Henry and knowing he was in town served as a reminder of everyone else he served with. So now it becomes vital that we continue efforts to remember and share stories of those who are gone. It falls on us to share the stories about their service and the sacrifices they made.”
Foster also had a way of making people feel welcome, sometimes with a little gentle persuasion.
Mark Ford, Branch 29’s current sergeant-at-arms and a fellow veteran, recalled meeting Foster while mowing his lawn.
Foster was walking his dog when he noticed Ford’s veteran licence plate and stopped to ask why he wasn’t a Legion member.
When Ford admitted he had no particular reason for not joining, Foster wasted little time setting him straight.
“Henry true to form said, ‘well let’s get you signed up, and you will be marching in the colour party this year’.”
“His direction was not up for debate and a friendship was formed.”
Ford remembers a man with a wonderful sense of humour who cared deeply about his family, friends and the town he called home.
“Henry was a joy to speak with and he had a great sense of humour. He cared about his friends and family and loved Paris.”
He ended his tribute with a heartfelt message to his friend.
“Henry, I hope they have cold beer in heaven, and thank you for coming into my life.”
Foster’s contributions to the community were formally recognized in 2024 when a downtown laneway was renamed Henry Foster Lane in his honour. Located between Broadway Street West and West River Street, near the Paris library, the lane serves as a permanent reminder of his service and legacy.
In 2025, family, friends and fellow Legion members gathered at Branch 29 to celebrate another remarkable milestone — Foster’s 100th birthday.
The February celebration brought together generations of family members for photographs, cake, laughter and the sharing of cherished memories.
His granddaughter Hayley Clarke described her grandfather as an icon, admired by everyone who knew him.
“We couldn’t be happier than to have a granddad like him. He’s so well-rounded, knowledgeable, and kind.”
Clarke recalled treasured childhood memories of fishing with her grandfather, while other family members shared stories of his love for the Legion, including the time he spent teaching children how to play darts.
“It feels great, I am overwhelmed,” he said.
As Paris gathers to mark Remembrance Day this week, Foster’s absence will be deeply felt.
