John Foster

Once again It is with immense sadness that I bring you news of the recent passing of John Foster.
I am told that John had been struggling with the difficulties of health and life generally when the family suggested that he go into hospital.
Unfortunately, during this time he was diagnosed with Covid and that was the principal cause of his death.
With his son by his side, he passed away peacefully.

John, along with his brother Tony, joined Qantas as a Traffic Officer on 3 Dec 1951.
His first posting was to the Rose Bay Terminal where he joined Doug Moore & Bob Linklater.
He soon after moved into Load Control in Shell House which was followed by a 6 month stint in Japan during 1953.
John’s 27 years' service was filled with various postings within Australia and Internationally.
His responsibilities included Flight Purser on Sandringhams and freighters to Singapore.
He spent time as a Training Officer, where with Jack Shields, Roy Whitton & Pat Berg they re-wrote the Traffic Manual.
During 1965 he returned to Sydney as Shift Supervisor at Mascot, before moving into Traffic Administration.
Further postings and responsibilities followed him around until he finally moved to Darwin as Manager Northern Territory in 1975.
There he remained until early retirement caught up with him in 1978.

John joined us for 8 Traffic Reunions where he was able to catch up with many old workmates. (He missed just one)
His latter years were spent in the beautiful Southern Highlands, down Bowral way.
A Memorial Service is planned for Monday, 13 May at 11.00 am.
To be held at the Highlands Golf Club, Old Hume Highway, Mittagong.

Rest in Peace – John Foster

John Purkis

NOTE: As only have information of his death being in May 2024, the default date becomes 1/5/2024.