FOSTER, John C.

March 19, 1917 - May 30, 2007 John was born March 19, 1917, in Grayling, Michigan, where his father, Albert L. Foster was superintendent of a chemical plant. His mother, Edna Francis Cooke, was a citizen of Canada before her marriage. John grew up in Gladstone, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and while in high school he became a polished debater and drum major in the band. After attending a year of college, he began a teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse, grades K-8. He went on to obtain a BA in education and continued to teach two years at Bay City Junior High. While attending Alma College, he met and later married Muriel I. Wert of Detroit. In 1943, he was assigned to medical administration duties in Illinois and Louisiana. In March 1946, John returned to civilian life after reaching rank of Major. John decided to build a career on his army medical administration experience. He briefly worked for the Veteran's Administration in Detroit and then accepted the position of Executive Secretary of the South Dakota Medical Association, with offices at Sioux Falls. John lived in South Dakota for 18 years. During that time he became Secretary of the State Board of Medical Examiners, served a term in the South Dakota House of Representatives, was a member of the House Health and Welfare Committee, served as president of the Minnehaha County Mental Health Association, and was appointed executive director of Blue Shield of South Dakota. In 1964, John was offered a challenge of President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona. Within six years, BC/BS had achieved dramatic gains: the number of subscribers had doubled, services had improved, and employee count had increased fivefold. Additionally, he served on the Facilities of Approval Committee of the Maricopa County Comprehensive Health Planning Council, served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Blue Shield Plans representing eight western states. His expertise in health services delivery and prepayment was recognized nationally. Throughout these years he became an avid Phoenix Suns and ASU football fan sponsor. His wife, Muriel, preceded John in death. He is survived by his son Edwin, daughters Denise and Diana, eight grandchildren Jeff, Kim, Erik, Tim, Michelle, Melanie, Dirk and Kyle and ten great-grandchildren. Rest in peace Dad, you fought long and hard. We love you. Family and friends celebrated John's life on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at Desert Springs Bible Church, 16215 N. Tatum Blvd. Interment followed at Paradise Memorial Gardens, 9300 E. Shea, with wake following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the American Diabetes Association. Funeral services entrusted to Shadow Mountain Mortuary. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/3/2007.