William Lee Foust

W. Lee Foust, Jr., 89, passed away on 2 Jul 2016 at the Timberview Care Center in Albany, Oregon while under hospice care. Lee was the first child born to William Lee Foust, Sr. and Rosalie Josephine "Alice" Bender on 3 Mar 1927 in Portland, Oregon. Lee graduated from Benson Technical High School in Portland, Oregon and entered into the military service. His training led him to serve in Japan during the WWII occupation under General MacArthur in the Army Intelligence office as a Tec 4 Draftsman, housed in the Dai Ichi Building. In 1947, Lee met Shirley (the girl next door) after returning from his military service. They were married two years later on 28 May 1949 in Portland, Oregon. Lee returned to Corvallis with his bride continuing his studies at OSU in Mechanical Engineering, Behavioral Psychology, and Biology. In 1953 he received a B.S. degree in Guidance Counseling and Biological Science. In 1954 he received his Ed.M. degree in Guidance and Psychology. After graduation, he taught in the Albany and Lake Oswego school districts. Being awarded a National Science Foundation Grant, the family moved to Columbus, Ohio for Lee to pursue his doctorate. They returned to the Northwest where Lee taught Living Biology at Cleveland High School in the Portland School District. In 1965, after several years of teaching Lee moved his family to Monmouth and became an Assistant Research Professor directing field testing activities for "Instructional Packages" funded under the "K-12 Computer Based Science Curriculum Project". The family moved back to Corvallis. In 1969, Lee completed his Educational Doctorate (Ed.D) in Curriculum and Supervision and the supporting area in Counseling-Psychology at the University of Oregon. He directed research for Westinghouse Learning Corporation and worked with the U.S. Office of Education in Washington, DC to bring these developments into the education system US-wide. To test this system, in 1975 the couple formed a private educational research and training corporation. He retired in 1982. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lee volunteered over 10 years in organizing the Antique Show and Sale. The funds raised allowed the disadvantaged boys of the Boy Scout Troop 206 to participate in leadership and skill training. Lee received the Knights of Columbus Certificate of Merit for his "faithful and exceptional services". Lee also volunteered with the Interfaith Caregivers of Corvallis helping the elderly and persons with disabilities for ten years. He enjoyed reading, spending time at the Oregon coast, gardening, and sharing time with family and friends. Lee was forever grateful for the care his wife, Shirley, provided for him in his later years. Lee is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 67 years, and their three children, Steven Lee Foust of Portland, Oregon; Narda Louise Foust Varney (husband Wesley) of Washougal, Washington; and Victor Anthony Foust of Vancouver, Washington. They have one grandchild, Zachary Wilson (wife Amanda) and two great-grandsons Alexander and Matthew of Granbury, Texas. Lee has two living brothers, Louis Foust of Portland, Oregon and Marvin Foust of Lake Oswego, Oregon; along with nieces and nephews. Inurnment with military honors will commence in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 29th. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 501 N.W. 25th St., Corvallis, Oregon followed by a reception. Due to severe allergies, the family requests that guests refrain from wearing perfumes or colognes. Deacon Francis Potts will officiate. If desired, memorial donations can be made to the Knights of Columbus or the Benton Hospice.

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William Lee Foust

March 3, 1927 - July 2, 2016