In loving memory of William Joseph Foster, we are saddened to announce his sudden and unexpected passing on the morning of September 10, 2022 due to a heart attack at the age of 66.

William, born to Judy and William Foster in Bloomington, Illinois on November 29, 1955. Remarried, his mother moved her family in 1964 to Eureka, where William spent most of his life, graduating Eureka Senior High School in 1973 with a job at Herb Neely’s.

In 1975 he married Wendy Thomas and together, they raised two children, a son and a daughter, Jesse and Chelsea. However, they divorced in 1997.

A man of many trades including journeyman mechanic, machinist and carpenter.

There are so many things I can say about this man. Most knew him as Willie or Bill and he had a contagious smile and a laugh that could cheer anyone up. He loved muscle cars, music, cooking, fishing, hunting and carpentry. He had a great sense of humor, loved jokes and playing tricks. He was a friend to all. Willie was a dog lover and loves his dog Buckshot AKA Bucky.

William was preceded by his father, Wayne Nealis. He is survived by his mother, Judy Nealis; his two children, Jesse and Chelsea, their spouses Yvonne and Kirk; his brothers, Mark, Chris and Scott, among numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

A private memorial is being planned at a later date with details to follow. A heartfelt Thanks to Ayres Funeral home for providing cremation services for The Foster Family

Some of the biggest things he can be remembered by is that he had a smile and laugh that could light up the room. If anyone was sad, he could pull them out of it and light up that room.

This is not the end of the memory of William Joseph Foster. I would like him to always be remembered, and I would like to add a few lines of a song that to me is fitting.

“Phoneline to Heaven ~ Austin John Winkler”

If there was a Phoneline to heaven
I’d call you just to say Hello
‘Cause there’s just so much about you that I need to know

“Cause I love you
And yea… And I miss you
I just needed you to know

I’d give up a lifetime
for five minutes with you alone
“Cause I miss you

I just needed you to know…

You will be remembered and not forgotten.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Willie Foster’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.