Murl Varin (Vairn) Foster, 65

Murl Varin (Vairn) Foster passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, after a diagnosis and brief struggle with lung cancer. He was 65 years old.

Murl was born to Luverne and Jackie Foster (Kavanagh) in Winner, S.D., on Sept. 9, 1947. He grew up riding horses on his parents beautiful farm and attended school in Winner. He then enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a truck driver and spent some of his service time in Okinawa, Japan. In 1997 he left South Dakota and moved to the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area where he lived with his only child and her family for the past 16 years.

Murl was a loving and generous father to his daughter, Elli Goldman Hilbert and son-in-law James M. Hilbert of Hayden. Murl was also a beloved and doting grandfather to six wonderful grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is survived by a loving sister, Shirley Dicus of Sioux City, Iowa; loving brother, Jim Foster of Winner; and his beloved mother, Jackie of Winner; as well as several very special nieces and nephews.

Following a crippling motorcycle accident in 1979, Murl lived a courageous and active life. He enjoyed bicycling around Hayden and frequented Super 1 Foods regularly for lunch (fried chicken and Jo-Jo’s) and shopping. He enjoyed spending time with his family and tossing balls for the family dog. He loved country music and the rodeo. Murl was a friend to all of his neighbors and often made new friends during his walks around the neighborhood.

Murl will be remembered fondly and missed greatly by his family and all those who knew him. We are especially grateful to the VA Hospital for their years of attentive care from the Home Based Primary Care Team and to the thoughtful and warm care given by the VA Hospice team.