FARMINGTON – Philip L. Foster, 81, passed away on Thursday, April 17, at his home, following a long illness.

He was born in Waterville on Feb. 14, 1927, the son of Herbert and Leota (Gould) Foster. He moved to Farmington as an infant. He was schooled in the Farmington school system and graduated from high school in 1945 while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

While in the Navy, he served with the occupation forces in Japan and later saw service in Shanghai, China. He also served a short period with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

In 1980, he married Betty (Rabadeau) Brown of Vassalboro and the couple settled in Farmington.

He was an avid and competent outdoorsman and a Master Maine Guide since 1946. He was widely recognized as one of Maine’s outstanding upland hunting and Atlantic salmon fishing guides. He outfitted and took clients to Quebec during the 1970s and early 80s. He was a master fly tier and taught the art to many people in Maine. He was also one of the first to operate a bona fide fly fishing school in the early 70s.

A man of many talents, Phil was very active in the barbershop style of singing and was a charter member of the Waterville Chapter of S. P. E. B. S. Q. S. A. He organized and sang baritone in the popular quartet, “The Stuffed Shirts.” During the early 80s, he organized and was director of the Farmington based “Mt. Blue Chordsmen” barbershop chorus.

For a number of years, during the 70s and 80s, he wrote a column for the Maine Sportsmen publication.

In 1983, he became very interested in waterfowl carving and, until his retirement in 1990, he carved more than 200 pieces, many of which went to clients in foreign countries. He taught the art form for several years and went on to found the Maine Woodcarvers Association. The highlight of his carving career was the taking of a prestigious 4th place ribbon in Ocean City, Md., in 1990. The carving was a full sized common loon.

Never without a challenge, Phil became heavily involved in building and flying remote controlled airplanes. He organized the Franklin County Aircraft Modelers and served as its vice president and treasurer, editor of the monthly newsletter and head flight instructor.

Even in his retirement he kept active, and over a period of three winters, he tied more than 9000 streamer flies for Kittery Trading Post.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Betty Brown Foster, of Farmington; a son, Philip E. Foster and his wife, Diane, of Stetson; three daughters, Stephanie Hill and her companion, Armand Fournier, of West Gardiner, Vicki Roy of Auburn and Sherry Vetter and her husband, Dean, of California; three stepsons, Michael Brown and his wife, Cindy and Scott Brown and his wife, Susi, all of Chesapeake, Va., and Mark Brown and his companion, Lindsay Wormwood, of Clamath Falls, Ore., and Vassalboro; grandchildren, Scott Rowles and his wife, Rosemary, Cathy Roy, Tyler Brown and his wife, Tory, Allison Brown and her fiancé, Steve Brothers, Eric Brown, and Shelby Brown; two great-grandchildren, Cameron Rowles and Cassidy Rowles; and a niece and a nephew.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother; sister; and grandson.