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Brian G. Foster ’81

July 2, 2021, in Portland, Oregon, from cancer.

Brian had the gift of making others feel included. At Reed, after writing his thesis, “Crayludes: Functional Characterization of the Neurodepressing Hormone in the Crayfish,” with Prof. Frank Gwilliam [biology 1957–96] advising, he fed his experimental subjects, sauteed, to his orals board.

He went on to a career in purchasing, working as purchasing manager for Photon Kinetics and as a program manager with Sun Microsystemss in Beaverton. Brian cultivated many talents, including music and dressmaking. He had a passion for couture and created many one-of-a-kind gowns, quilts, and costumes for his loved ones.

He married his husband, Daniel Bunten, the instant gay marriage was legalized in Oregon and was a caring and devoted uncle to Claire Foster ’06. In addition to Claire, he is survived by his mother, Anne G. Foster, and siblings Scott Foster III ’77 and Sue McNelly. In his memory, the Portland Fashion Institute has established the Brian Foster Endowment to support the dreams of others.

Appeared in Reed magazine: March 2022

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