Obituary: Thomas (Tom) James Foster

Thomas (Tom) James Foster, 77 years old, a proud Prescott, Arizona resident, passed away on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Tom was born in Chicago, Illinois on Jan. 7, 1946 to Orland Dwight and Geneva Ree Foster.

Tom was a proud American, Republican, and U.S. Air Force Veteran. He was an entrepreneur who was a plumbing apprentice in Zion, Illinois before moving to Phoenix, Arizona and working with his uncle Jack Foster. Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit then took the family to Seattle. He said, “I’ve never been to Seattle. Let’s go.” He owned Service Rite Plumbing and Grenotovi Imports in Seattle where the family lived until moving to Prescott, Arizona where he was an owner/operator of the Prescottonian Motel for 39 years.

Tom is survived by his wife Noreen and their three sons: son, Michael, (wife Rachel), grandchildren Ashley and Sam; son Shawn, grandson Liam; and son, Ryan (fiancé Kathy Surpitski). Tom had six siblings, Sandra Karnatz, Janice Benavidez (deceased), Bob Foster (deceased), Linda Brown, and Debbie Foster. He was also loved by a troupe of nieces and nephews.

Tom was proud of his sons and joined them on the field and in the gym for football, baseball, and wrestling competitions and even chaperoned a high school senior trip to Mexico. When not with his boys, Tom’s close companions were his Vizslas, Terra and Zoey.

He was an active member of The Yavapai County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse for over 13 years where he regularly attended weekly Tuesday meetings with the boys. He also loved the competition and camaraderie with his golf buddies and poker partners.

Tom was adventurous, well-traveled with his entire family, and never met a stranger. He had explored Mexico, Canada, Korea, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Palau, Tahiti, Italy, Brazil, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Belize, Honduras, the Caribbean, and the United States of America. Tom very definitely had some exhilarating diving, fishing and boating escapades with friends and family.

Frank Sinatra best describes Tommy’s philosophy of life.

“I’ve lived a life that’s full. I traveled each and every highway And more, much more I did it, I did it my way.”

Tom’s home away from home for many years was in San Carlos, Mexico where family and friends would leave exhausted from days of laughter. Tom was much appreciated for his knack for creating community and providing opportunities for family and friends to gather and play. His generosity was never ending.

His sisters, family, and friends loved him dearly and will miss him every single day.

Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely with a well preserved body. BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS TOTALLY WORN OUT SHOUTING “Holy Shit, what a ride!”

No services are scheduled at this time. Contributions in his honor may be made to Yavapai County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, P.O. Box 95, Prescott, AZ 86302.

Arrangements entrusted to Hampton Funeral Home.

Information provided by the family and funeral home.