Paul Henry Foster

January 16, 1932 — October 20, 2017

Paul Henry Foster died peacefully on October 20, 2017 surrounded by his family, at the age of 85. He was born January 16, 1932, in Bennington, Vermont and was a multi generation Vermonter with family ties in the Bennington area. His parents were Lewis and Katherine Foster. Raised on a farm, Paul always appreciated hard work and a love of the land. As a teenager Paul raised over 800 chickens and delivered eggs for 50 cents a dozen. With these earnings he purchased his first motorized tractor and used it to plow the family farm during the day and plowed local farms for extra money in the evening. The additional income from plowing was used to purchase an engagement ring for his high school sweetheart, Dorothy (Sawyer). Paul and Dorothy were married on November 3, 1952 at Saint Francis de Sales Church and enjoyed 65 years of marriage and farming while raising their three children in North Pownal.

Paul purchased his farm in North Pownal in 1957 and continued to build his farm. He received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in recognition of his exceptional progress in agriculture and contribution in the community. He also received the Outstanding Conservation Award from the Bennington County Natural Resources Conservation District. He was also awarded the Dairyman of the Year, Bennington County, from the Vermont Farm Show. His innovation and modernization as well as Paul's dedication to farming and land conservation propelled his farm into a productive venue. Paul's sensible thinking gave inventive concepts for cultivating his farm while balancing best practices for the land. Paul retired from the dairy business to raise beef and hay for resale and continued until the herd reached over a 100. He retired from farming at the age of 84, and continued consulting on farm issues until his passing.

Paul is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his daughter, Darlene Church (companion, Mike Luczynski), from Williamstown, Ma, son Michael and his wife Sandy from White Creek, NY daughter-in-law, Cheryl Foster of Bennington . Grandchildren include: Bruce and Brian Foster of Bennington, Seth Foster of White Creek, NY; Arianne LeBlanc, and Nathan Church of North Pownal. He is survived by his sister Marge Carter of Florida and was pre-deceased by his brothers Robert and Gordon and sister Lois. In addition to his 5 grandchildren, he had 9 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Paul was predeceased by his oldest son, Paul Albert Foster.
Funeral Notice Detail

Calling hours and funeral services will be held at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home in Bennington. Calling hours are Tuesday, October 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and funeral services will be Wednesday, October 25 at 1:00 pm.

Burial will take place in the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery.

If desired, donations in Paul's honor may be made to the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center c/o Mahar & Son Funeral, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Paul Henry Foster, please visit our flower store.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

First Visitation

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

E. P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home

628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201

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Service Information

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

E. P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home

628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201

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Interment Location

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Park Lawn Cemetery

South Street, Bennington, VT 05201

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Paul Henry Foster

January 16, 1932 — October 20, 2017

Service Schedule

Past Services

First Visitation

Service Information

Interment Location

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