A well-known and highly regarded former Environment Minister, Mr. Sam Foster, an Ulster Unionist stalwart, died peacefully at South West Acute Hospital on August 19, 2014, aged 82 years.

The popular Fermanagh man, who had been in declining health in recent years, represented Fermanagh and South Tyrone on the Northern Ireland Assembly from 1988 until 2003 when he was forced to resign due to the advancement of Parkinson’s Disease.

Late of Derrychara, Enniskillen, he was awarded a CBE in 2002 by HM The Queen at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his political and public service.

A life time member of the UUP and one time President of Fermanagh Unionist Association, he was born in Station House, Lisnaskea on December 7, 1931, a son of Sam and Margaret Foster, who had a family of three sons; Sam’s brothers George and Billy Foster predeceased him.

The family moved to Newtownbutler and then to Beragh where Sam lived until he was 11 years old. The Fosters then lived at Lisbellaw, before moving to Springfield where his father had a forge.

Sam’s first job was as a printer in the Fermanagh Times, where he worked for 20 years. He then served as an Education Officer and progressed to the position of Senior Education Officer.

He attained a Social Work Degree at Jordanstown (1976 to 1979) and went to Liverpool to work as a Social Worker in The Wirral for about a year and a half.

He returned to Fermanagh and took up a job as a Social Worker in the county and in addition to working with children, he also worked in mental health; he retired in 1996.

A former Councillor on Fermanagh District Council, he served from 1981 to 2001. He was Chairman of FDC, 1995 to 1997.

He was elected for Fermanagh/South Tyrone to the Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue in 1996.

Mr. Foster was a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Authority 1982 to 1985, and the Northern Ireland Policing Board from 2001 to 2006. In 2003 he stood down as an MLA due to ill health. His service as Environment Minister was from 1999 to 2002.

Sam had been in attendance at the Remembrance Day Service at the War Memorial in Enniskillen, when the bomb exploded on November 8, 1987.

He joined those who helped with the rescue operation and a number of people died in his arms. In a social work capacity, he helped with counselling people after the Enniskillen Bomb.

He was a member of the Loyal Orange Order from 1949 and he was a member of the Royal Black Preceptory for 50 years.

A drummer with Derryclavin Pipe Band, he enjoyed a membership spanning 40 years.

A member of the “B” Specials, he joined when he was 18 years old and became Platoon Commander. He had also served in the UDR and rose to the rank of Major.

Over the years, Sam was very good at helping people with filling out forms and letter writing. A Parkinson’s sufferer for about 15 years, he joined Fermanagh Parkinson’s Society.

Sam married the former Dorothy Brown and they had a family of three: Mervyn, Helen and David. Home and family were very important to Sam who had seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, whom he was very fond of.

His funeral at St. Macartin’s Cathedral Church, Enniskillen, was very widely attended, reflecting the high regard felt for Sam. All sections of the community were in attendance at the service, led by the Rev. Rob Clements. The hymns were The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, and Oh Lord My God, and the Psalm was Psalm 23 The Lord’s My Shepherd. Soloist Sarah Morrow sang The Old Rugged Cross, while the choir and bell ringers also shared in the service.

Burial took place at Lisbellaw Parish Churchyard.

Sam is survived by his wife Dorothy, sons Mervyn and David and daughter Helen. He also leaves his grandchildren, great grandchildren and the wider family circle.

The funeral arrangements were by Funeral Directors, S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.