Wigan man pays tribute to his 'hero' father after death at 89

Fred Foster, known to many as the "marmalade man", died in Wigan Infirmary aged 89.

Fred, who lived in Pemberton and was a stalwart at St Matthew’s Church in Highfield, lived a varied life throughout his years.

Here his son David pays tribute: “During his mining career dad took a break to run the family shop on the corner of Billinge Road whilst also working at Sellars Pie Bakery with his friend Eric Sellars and his brothers Roy and Arthur.

"He seems to have pioneered the home delivery system, clearly stolen by our supermarkets today!

"He returned to mining after a few years and closed the shop.

"He married his childhood sweetheart Edna after first getting to know her at St Matthew’s Infant’s school.

"Fred and Edna finally got together during their courting days visiting local dance halls and cinemas before embarking on holidays to Blackpool and Colwyn Bay where they stayed in boarding houses as was the custom at the time.

"In the early days mum and dad lived only a few doors apart and it would be fair to say that they were smitten from early days.

"They went to the same school, Highfield Infants and then juniors before dad passed the School Scholarship and went to the Wigan Grammar School.

"Mum went to St Mark’s girls school with her older sister, Irene.

"Sadly, mum passed away over five years ago and dad carried on magnificently after this enormous change in his live.

"Mum and Dad were the epitome of a loving couple. Their enthusiasm for life was infectious. They supported each other through everything. It really was the A Team in so many ways.

"I moved off to a teaching career in Derbyshire. My brother Jeff started in the Coal Board as an electrician then joined a rock band and toured Europe. No matter how outlandish our ideas, we always had the support of mum and dad.

"Fred began his mining career at Park Collieries and then moved through the ranks to become a deputy who was adept with mining explosives.

"He once stemmed a hole with a pebble or duck stone and, hiding behind a piece of wriggly tin sheet, shot himself in the back as he ignited the charge! In those times he regularly shifted 17 tonnes of coal in his stint before riding his pushbike nine miles home again.

"He regularly answered most of the questions on Mastermind and University Challenge. He was a man of great intellect who loved local history, languages and children.

"Mum and dad raised us by example, and it would be fair to say that they made us what we are today.

"Retiring from Parkside and mum retiring as manageress of Rathbones shop in Pemberton they pressed on.

"They set about jam making with a vengeance. Dad and I reckoned up only recently how many jars they made.

"We lost count when we reached 10,000! Robertsons had to lay people off as dad sought sugar here and fruit there, ready for the next boiling. They were amazing!

"Only recently, as I left dad at the Wigan Infirmary, staying a bit later than I should have, he called me back. David, can you knock me off a dozen jars of marmalade before you go to bed tonight? I’ve sold all the last jars before I came in!’

"It was done! All profits were ploughed into Highfield Church and the school to pay for building works. Fred still attended the school every week, listening to and encouraging children to read. The family home was always a place of real happiness especially when the grandchildren came along.

"He made all manner of toys and totally involved himself with them all. David, Louise, Beth, Helen, Rob and Jack were all superstars in Edna and Fred’s eyes, the same as all children.

"He was lucky to be involved in the life of Theo, his first great grandson and they both delighted in each other’s company.

"Dad formed a Bereavement Club at Highfield, though it never had a name, and up to 24 lovely local people gather each week to have an afternoon together and share his famous Lemon Drizzle Cake!

"He was so many things; a friend to so many, an inspiration to his children and family, a fabulous husband, an amazing granddad and great granddad, a motivator of people to get the best out of themselves, a raconteur and just good company.

"In short this man was loved by so many. I sat with him in Wrightington Hospital after his knee replacement.

"Observing a glass case across the ward he said’ I’ve had all those 3 joints on the top row and two from the bottom row, do you think I should get a prize?’ The prize was ours!

"So many years with these two wonderful parents, and latterly with only the great man himself.

"He was everything anyone could want and more. We have lost a hero and more. Looking forward to the Celebration Service in the Autumn when we all get our lives going again.

"All who knew him will unfortunately have a large piece missing.

"Rest in Peace Fred."

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