Martin Foster Rogers was born on 31 May 1937, the month of George VI's coronation. His older brother, Colin, promptly decided he should be known as Foster - a name that stayed with him for life. 
His parents, Norman and Connie, were both scout leaders and encouraged Foster to achieve the Queen's Scout Award in 1955, completing a solo winter hike across the Yorkshire Moors. Yet despite this toughness, childhood ill-health meant his school results never reflected his true ability. Leaving school with four O-levels, he began an engineering apprenticeship and studied for an HNC at night. 

A tutor encouraged him to apply to university and at 21, Foster began studying Physics and Maths at Keele University. For someone who had failed the 11+, graduating with an honours degree was a remarkable achievement. His contribution to university life was equally significant: he organised Commemoration Balls, built stage sets, and even hosted the Chancellor, Princess Margaret. 

At Keele he met Jill Hughes. They married in 1962 and settled near Newcastle-under-Lyme, welcoming their daughter and later their son Steve. Foster began his career teaching at Stoke Technical College before moving into technical management, eventually becoming technical director at TG Greens. In 1971, the family moved to Barn Cottage in Barton-under-Needwood, which would remain their home for 53 years. 

After declining a move to America to remain close to his elderly parents, Foster joined Derby College of Higher Education in 1974. His teaching spanned literacy, business strategy and the MBA programme, shaped by his own educational struggles and wide business experience. His talent led to international work, including a 'visiting professorship' at Stockholm School of Economics and teaching engagements across Europe, the Americas, India, Russia and China. He became especially involved in senior management training for China's aviation industry, earning deep respect for his cultural understanding, humour and humanity. 

When Steve and his wife Altaire moved to Vancouver, Foster relished time with his grandchildren, Tildy and Sam. After Altaire's illness and passing, Foster organised trips to ensure support for Steve, and during COVID he helped Sam with English reading comprehension on regular zoom sessions. 

Even in his 70's, Foster continued teaching in China, but at home his energy increasing focussed on community life. He helped to establish the Barton Teddy Festival, which has raised nearly £200,000 for charities and the church, delighting hundreds of local children. He later led major church projects including the restoration of the Barton Bells, raising £165,000 in grants to help complete the work. A gifted cook, his church lunches were much appreciated, and he was a WoW stalwart, enjoying the company of very young villagers. 

An Indian Railway Director, taught by Foster, once wrote a fictional biography of him, describing a man shaped by strong principles. Two sayings captured his outlook: "He who would make his dreams come true must first wake up" and "It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission". 

 Foster twice took on the role of church treasurer for St James', the second time in 2009 when the diocese were worried about its own charitable status because St James' had failed to file accounts for several years. With help from his daughter Janet and the diocesan accounts department and a great deal of work, he managed to sort it out. In 2019 he took on the role of churchwarden only to find that the Vicar had found a new post. In 2020, with no vicar and lockdown the two wardens, Foster and David Yardley managed to upload online services every week with help from a local retired clergyman and anyone in the church, including bishops and archdeacons, whom Foster could persuade to send a sermon and a blessing prayer. Over 60 services were put together and uploaded to YouTube, while 18 DVDs were delivered around the village by bicycle each week to anyone who didn't do internet! Foster was delighted and honoured to be given an award for this effort, although he was proudest of his first prize for a scarecrow in the Barton Scarecrow Competition two years ago!

Foster's generosity was quiet but profound - from funding lifesaving travel for a family in China to giving away travel tickets for a pilgrimage. Wise, kind, humorous and practical, he leaves a lasting legacy and a deep sense a loss among his family, church and community. 

Rest in eternal peace Foster.