Kenneth R. Foster

SARANAC LAKE, NY – Kenneth R. Foster, a man of immense presence and lifelong service, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at Adirondack Medical Center surrounded by family.  He was 90 years old.

Born on March 18, 1935, in Claremont, New Hampshire, to Ralph and Carmine Foster, Ken’s character was forged as a farm boy. At the age of 17, he entered the U.S. Air Force, serving with honor during the Korean War. It was while home on leave in Lake Placid that Ken’s father introduced him to the love of his life, Nancy, at Holt’s Variety Store where she worked. The two shared a devoted courtship through letters, writing back and forth across the ocean for the duration of his service. Upon his honorable discharge and return to Lake Placid, the two were married, beginning a lifelong partnership that spanned 61 years and 9 months before Nancy’s passing.

Ken was a man of extraordinary work ethic. In his early years, he worked for Ray Oil and often balanced several jobs at once to provide for his family. His commitment to his community led to a distinguished career in public safety and service. He served as an Officer with the Lake Placid Police Department and was a volunteer firefighter with the Lake Placid Fire Department for many years, later serving as Chief. During this time, he was also a race team member for the Lake Placid Panthers, acting as a mentor to many young people. For many years, he also drove a school bus for the Lake Placid Central School District, ensuring the safety of the town’s children.

Together, Ken and Nancy worked side-by-side managing the Adirondack Loj for many years, welcoming countless hikers to the High Peaks. In the mid-1980s, they moved to Keene Valley. Ken continued his life of service there, joining the volunteer fire department and eventually serving as Chief. He also spent many years as a Deputy Sheriff with the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and later served as the manager of National Propane in Lake Placid.

Even in his retirement years, Ken remained a fixture of the community, driving the trolley bus for the Town of North Elba, where his friendly nature and local knowledge were cherished by residents and visitors alike.

Beyond his professional life, Ken was a true craftsman who loved woodworking and working with his hands. Known for being sweet, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable, he was a powerful presence with a smile that would light up any room. There is so much more that could be said about a life so well-lived; he was truly a local legend.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Carmine Foster; his beloved wife, Nancy Foster; his sister, Shirley Foster; and his great-granddaughter, Madison Grace Stocks.

He is survived by his children: Mark Foster and his wife Martha, Cheryl Foster and her husband Michael, and Jay Foster and his wife Mary; and his sister, Janice Stuttle. He was the proud and loving grandfather to Jennifer Chittick, Marcie Jorgensen, Mark Andrew Foster, Kevin Foster, Claire Foster, Terri Foster, Amber Lonsbury, Ruby Foster, and Sam Stocks. He also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews whom he adored.

Ken’s life was a testament to the power of community, craftsmanship, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Funeral arrangements are in Care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held on January 31st at the St. Eustace Episcopal Church in Lake Placid at 11:30 a.m. Friends and family are invited to attend a reception following the service at the American Legion at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at a later date. The family will provide notification once those arrangements have been finalized.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Ken may make a donation in his name to the: Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 603 Lake Placid, NY 12946