Brother Foster retires after 47 years of service

posted on February 8, 2013

Brother Bill Foster has been a staple at Red Cloud Indian School since 1966. On Sunday, February 3, 2013 he bid farewell to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, as he continued his journey in a life of faith and service to join the St. Camillus Jesuit Community, a health care facility and Jesuit community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Brother Foster served as a maintenance worker, carpenter, and regular jack-of-all-trades throughout his tenure at Red Cloud Indian School. The school, churches, and many of the homes on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation hold remnants of both his generosity and handiwork.

Entertaining many with his one-of-a-kind personality, “Foster” as he has come to be known, has always been content to be behind the scenes. His steady hand crafted and enhanced many pieces of furniture while he nurtured the Red Cloud community.

The Sunday prior to his departure, Brother Foster was honored at Our Lady of the Sioux Church where he attended mass in recent years. A large community celebration was held on Thursday, January 31. During this gathering, Brother Foster was honored in the Lakota tradition of being gifted with and enwrapped in a star quilt.

Brother Foster decided to move into retirement when he could no longer make the daily trip down to his beloved carpentry shop. Though already missed, the excellent health care and good companionship with his fellow Jesuits at St. Camillus Jesuit Community will serve him well.

 Photo: ©Red Cloud Indian School
Br. Bill Foster with gifts of star quilt and cross and RCIS President Fr. George Winzenburg

Sister Barbara Bogenschutz of Our Lady of the Sioux church in Oglala, SD (part of the Red Cloud Indian School parish) wrote a moving poem as a tribute to Brother Foster's legacy and work over the years.

~ A Tribute to Brother Bill Foster ~