The United Way Estevan paid tribute to one of their dedicated and popular performers during their 40th annual Telethon on Oct. 14 and 15.
Duane Foster Sr. died earlier this year at the age of 79. He had become a fixture during the telethon, particularly during the Friday night shift, as he played the blues and rock-country music, often while accompanied by family members.
His daughter Kathy Thompson, son Duane Foster Jr., and granddaughter Emily Thompson performed in the evening on Oct. 14 for this year鈥檚 telethon. Once their performance was finished, a video produced by Access Channel 7 aired, and the family members were presented with an engraved guitar strap by long-time United Way board member Larry Elash.
The video alternated between footage of Foster playing and reflections from Kathy Thompson. She recapped her father鈥檚 musical career and dedication to the United Way.
鈥淗e was very kind, and very giving, always wanted to give back and help any way he could,鈥� Thompson said. 鈥淏ack in the 1970s, he played a regular gig at the Derrick (Motor Inn).鈥�
He was a talented performers who was able to play professionally and feed his family with his musical abilities. In the later years, he played as a hobby, but he always had guitars and a stage in his garage for jam sessions.
No matter where he was, he made sure he would be available to perform during the weekend of the telethon.
鈥淪ome years he filled in through the night, playing until two, three or four in the morning,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e was probably 70-plus years old already at that point.鈥�
One year he had an accident with a gravel truck, but he was determined to recover in time for the broadcast.
Foster passed on his love of music to his family, and Thompson said he offered advice on how they could improve as musicians. He also had an incredible recall for songs.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know how he narrowed it down and picked however many (songs), but I think a lot of it (his performance) was spontaneous,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey would have a set kind of picked, and then if he was playing, he just started into another song, one that he thought 鈥� about at that time.鈥�
He had hoped to be well enough to perform at the United Way Telethon this year, and the thought of playing for the United Way motivated him to do his exercises. And so his family wanted to appear at the telethon this year because of his love for the event.
