David Foster

David A. Foster, a beloved husband, father, and esteemed professor, passed away on April 9, 2026, in Tualatin, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born in 1964, in Daytona Beach, Florida, David dedicated his life to championing the importance of effective leadership and developing creativity.

David’s academic journey was nothing short of remarkable. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational and Applied Social Psychology from George Washington University in 1999, following a Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science from the University of South Alabama in 1988 and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida State University in 1986. His passion for psychology was evident not only in his studies but in his profession as well.

David served as a full professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Western Oregon University from 1999, where he quickly became a vital member of the Behavioral Sciences Division. His enduring legacy includes the development of the Organizational Leadership Master’s Degree Program and the creation of undergraduate courses centered around teamwork, leadership, and creativity. He also spearheaded the interdisciplinary Organizational Leadership Minor and created and directed the Creativity Lab, passionately engaging undergraduate research assistants in projects critical to group development and innovation. David also spent many years working with the Willamette Promise program which allows students to receive high school and college credit simultaneously.

Beyond academia, David was a Cardiorespiratory Therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital prior to his tenure in education. His diverse experiences enriched his teaching and had a profound impact on countless students and colleagues.

David was as serious about teaching as he was about being a dad to his precious daughter, Kaleigh. His sense of humor was famously ‘dad-worthy,’ often punctuating serious discussions with a pun or two, making the world a brighter place for those around him. He found immense joy in the simpler things - being husband to Lynnette, video games and playtime with Kaleigh, always cherishing the moments spent together.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Lynnette, his cherished daughter, Kaleigh, father James, brother Jeff and his wife Tami, mother-in-law Diane, father-in-law Tom, nephew Ryan and niece Mackenzie. His mother, Margaret, predeceased David.

In loving memory of David, who made those around him laugh, learn, and feel valued, we request that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to the Amyloidosis Research Consortium https://donate.arci.org/campaign/762129/donate .

David Foster will be remembered not only for his academic contributions and leadership but also for his warm heart and the laughter he spread – a true testament to his life's work in fostering both knowledge and joy in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.