Edward Bernard Foster was born on September 25, 1947, to Shirley Gwyn and Helen Bates in Winston-Salem, N.C. Co-workers knew him as Ed, but family and friends called him Bernard. He later moved to Ohio, where he attended Buchtel High School during his Senior year and then graduated.

Upon graduation, Bernard was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in Vietnam and earned a Purple Heart. Bernard married Pam Foster, they have had a beautiful relationship for almost 50 years and had two daughters. He had a career as a computer programmer for many years and took pride in solving problems, retiring from Goodyear.

Fast pitch softball became Bernard’s passion, when his daughter, Stacey, began playing and later daughter Tracey as well. Wanting to be a good coach for his daughter, Bernard read softball rule books and many other books on girls’ fast pitch softball. This ultimately led him to serve the community as a volunteer coach for Buchtel High School and West Akron Baseball League W.A.B.L. girls fast pitch softball. His involvement in W.A.B.L. included a term as President. His hobbies included reading technical manuals and figuring out how to do things in the home and repairing cars. He loved all sports, even playing co-ed softball himself.
Bernard believed in treating others how you want to be treated — with dignity and respect. This belief is evident by the host of loving friends and family left behind.

Bernard passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022, with Pam by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carolyn Foster and daughter, Tracey Foster.

Survivors include his wife, Pam Foster; daughter, Stacey Clark; granddaughter, JoyLinn Clark and a host of other relatives and friends.