Saying “take care” to Professor Emeritus WILLIAM F. FOSTER (1943-2021)

We were deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of a beloved colleague and friend. Professor Emeritus William F. Foster passed away on 10 August 2021.

Born in India and raised in New Zealand, Bill Foster joined the Faculty of Law as assistant professor in 1968. With research and teaching interests in tort, property law, real-estate transactions, and education law, he was promoted to associate professor in 1971 and to full professor in 1977. He was Sir William C. Macdonald Professor from 1994 until his retirement in 2011, when he was named emeritus professor. He was deeply devoted to the Faculty of Law from his arrival.

A fixture for many years on the third floor of Old Chancellor Day Hall, Bill Foster is remembered for his collegiality, true friendship, generosity, kindness, common sense, fairness, and grace. It is true that he mentored younger colleagues, providing a sympathetic ear, wise career and life advice, and reassuring support. But I have now learned that “mentor” is a word used of him by a colleague senior to him as well. Colleagues remember his firm moral compass. Whether on matters of hiring or curricular reform, he invariably took a long view. He was often smiling, always spoke thoughtfully, and, when he disagreed, did so lightly and constructively.

Bill Foster valued and embraced administrative service to the faculty and university and he did it superbly. He held three portfolios as associate dean and served as acting dean (1979–80) and interim dean (2003).He contributed significantly to service at the university level, chairing the University Appeals Committee and the University Grievance Committee, stepping in as interim secretary-general, and serving as associate provost from 2004 until his retirement.

Bill Foster was highly active in his career beyondMcGill. With his wife, Joan, Bill Foster was a pillar oftheir church and community. They worked closely inorganizing events, fundraisers, and various activitiesto assist those in need.

The Faculty of Law extends its deepest condolences to Bill Foster’s family. We also express condolences to the many others — lawyers, academics, judges, friends, citizens — who knew and loved Bill Foster, as we did.

Joan Foster and their children have graciously suggested directing donations in Bill’s memory to the Faculty of Law. Donations can be made to William Foster’s memory at https://mcgill.ca/x/JZN

Robert Leckey

Dean and Samuel Gale Professor of Law