FALMOUTH – Merriman Collins Foster, to many known simply as “Mare,” passed away on Tuesday, July 31, at Sedgewood Commons after a five-year struggle with Alzheimers disease. Surrounded by his loving family members, he departed in peace just shy of his 78th birthday. He will be greatly missed, long admired, and forever held in our hearts.

He was born Aug. 2, 1929, to James and Madeline Foster of Livermore Falls, and was the eldest of four boys. He was a talented multi-sport athlete and brought praise and recognition to his community. He went on to earn a degree in education at the University of Maine at Farmington followed by a master’s degree in education at the University of Maine at Orono. As an educator, he served multiple Maine communities. These included East Sebago, South Portland, as principal of Browns School, the former Boys Training Center, as director of education, and culminated his career at Lincoln Middle School in Portland.

Mare found his greatest joy as an outdoorsman and became quite the avid hunter and fisherman. He brought home many a brook trout from his beloved Red Water Brook in Livermore Falls and Foley Pond just south of the Allagash.

He and Frances Buck Foster of Elliot raised and inspired a family of five children in the town of Scarborough. After his retirement, he worked as first mate on the charter boat fishing vessels known as the “Indian II” and the “Odyssey” docked at Dimillos wharf in Portland.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Frances Foster of Scarborough; his five children, James Foster, M.D., of Portland, Lori Sturgeon, R.N. of Buxton, Lee Foster of Yarmouth, William Foster of Durango, Colo., and Duncan Foster of Stoughton, Wis.; his two brothers, Larry Foster of Lisbon Falls and Robert Foster of Jackman; and 10 grandchildren who are proud to call him “Papa.”