Gerald Ronald Foder

Gerald R. Foder, beloved husband of Rosemary Foder of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on December 16, 2025, at the age of 81.

Gerald is survived and will be fondly remembered by his wife and best friend of 56 years, Rosemary; his children, Teresa Ryan (Jim) and David Foder (Joanne); four grandchildren, Megan Ryan, Cameron Foder, Rori Ryan, and Sophia Foder; his sister, Diane Parascak (Bill); as well as many nieces and nephews.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of our dad’s death. Our dad was our mom’s best friend, whom he loved deeply. Our mom chose the kindest, most patient, gentle, and intelligent husband. He was an absolutely exceptional father to us.

The grandchildren also brought a great deal of joy and happiness to our dad. He was so proud of them all. He loved watching them grow and mature into young adults.

Our dad was born on July 28, 1944, at the Lethbridge Galt Hospital. He grew up in Lethbridge and Cranbrook, BC, with his parents, Mike and Ethel Foder, and his younger sister, Diane Parascak. Growing up, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. We recently learned that Grandpa Foder built their first home in Cranbrook—a small two-bedroom house.

After graduating from LCI (Lethbridge Collegiate Institute), he attended the University of Alberta, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree. He graduated from the U of A in Edmonton in May 1966. He then moved to Montreal, where he completed a Master’s degree in Chemistry at Sir George Williams University. While working on his master’s degree, he worked as a teacher’s assistant (lab instructor) at both Sir George Williams University and McGill University.

This is where our parents’ chemistry began as a couple. Our dad was a lab instructor for one of our mom’s lab classes while she was completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They met in 1968 and were married in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, in 1969. While finishing his master’s degree, he attended summer school in Kingston, Ontario, to obtain a teaching certificate at Queen’s University.

Gerald and Rosemary had two children, Teresa and David. Teresa was born in Montreal, Quebec, and David was born in Grimsby, Ontario. In 1971, our parents moved to Grimsby, Ontario, where Gerald worked as a high school chemistry teacher and Rosemary worked as a nurse. We lived in Grimsby for nine years.

In 1981, our family moved west to Fort Macleod, and in 1983, we moved to Lethbridge. This move to southern Alberta marked a pivotal period, as our dad transitioned from public service to becoming an independent businessman. He created and grew two successful businesses: Carrier Consulting and Western Licence and Registry. Carrier Consulting provided legal services for trucking companies, and Western Licence was a registry agent. He greatly enjoyed growing and developing these businesses and worked extremely hard to help them flourish for our family.

Family time and connections with nature were also very important to him. Some of our most memorable holiday trips were to St. Petersburg, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Duck Lake, Montana; Glacier Park; Waterton Park; Campbell River; Fernie; Kimberley; and Fairmont Hot Springs. Fairmont was a special place for Gerald, as he visited there as a child with his family. He later took our family there when we were young, and eventually we all returned together with the grandchildren.

Dad had many close, long-time friends whom he cherished.

He also enjoyed traveling, hiking, sailing, and motorcycling with family and friends. During retirement, Australia became a special place for our parents. It offered many outdoor activities, opportunities to make good friends, and the chance to explore new places. Snowbird travel to their Australian condo continued throughout retirement for approximately ten years.

Our dad was a cancer survivor. About 17 years ago, he was treated with surgery and radiation to his neck at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. He was courageous throughout this battle, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to spend many extra years together as a family following his treatment. Over the final year of his life, he received exceptional nursing care in his home. This allowed him to remain comfortable in his own home almost until his final days, as he wished.

He was loved by all and will be deeply missed.

FUNERAL SERVICE

Funeral services will be held at St. Augustine’s Church, 411 11 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Tuesday, December 23, at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Steve Bateman officiating. Interment will follow at Royal View Memorial Cemetery.

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