Donald Wesley Foster Obituary (2024)

Don Foster passed from this life to his eternal reward on the morning of May 16, 2024. Little Donnie was born to Donald and Hannah (Johnson) Foster on April 1, 1954, in Seattle, WA. Raised by an Assemblies of God minister, Don spent his childhood years in Mineral, Packwood, Montesano, and Goldendale before the family settled in Zillah, WA. He loved to share stories of his time on the cattle ranch there, of eerie nights spent smudging with friends, and of late-night mischief while working at Stadleman's. Voted "Most Likely to Succeed," Don graduated from Zillah High School in 1972 and began pursuing the field of computer programming. The unexpected loss of his brother Dave later that year greatly impacted him, as well as many in the Zillah community. God used this event as the catalyst to a sweet time of spiritual revival, and many close bonds were created that continued throughout Don's life. His initial plans were put aside as he felt called to become a pastor, attending Northwest College and eventually becoming an ordained minister in 1980. He spent the early days of his ministry as a beloved youth pastor at Village Assembly in Zillah. In 1983 Don wooed his darling, Yvonne Marie Zyph, and the two were married later that year. Their firstborn JacLyn was soon followed by Janaye, Joelle, and finally David. All were immediately taken with their proud daddy, and he with them. Don was good at many things, but he was truly great at being a dad. He had a special connection with each of his kids, and they all loved his dry wit and appreciation for the absurd. He was always steady and supportive, and even into adulthood he was just a phone call away anytime they needed a roadside rescue or help with a home improvement project. They consider themselves very blessed. Don and Yvonne felt called to start a new church in 1985, now known as Terrace Heights Assembly. In 1992, Don put countless hours into the construction of a new building. This space housed a warm, welcoming church that pointed many to Jesus. Don served as lead pastor for this congregation for 37 years. He so loved having his father, Rev. Donald Foster, Sr. work alongside him as associate pastor for the last 30 years. Other ministry highlights for Don included serving as the director of an extreme weather shelter and hosting tiny homes on the church property to provide transitional housing for women in need. Don's ministry was marked by his humble approach to caring for everyone he met. He would often drop anything to help, whether that meant bringing his guitar to a hospital room or a gas can to someone that was stranded. Don assumed the best of everyone, never had an unkind word to say, and was incapable of holding a grudge. He truly delighted in getting to know anyone he met. Another way Don found to connect with people was through music. He had a pleasant singing voice that carried along well with his skilled guitar playing, and he could hold his own with a list of other instruments including trumpet, banjo, harmonica, and mandolin. He always spoke fondly of his college bands Harvest and the Hallelujah Band, and back in Zillah, the Village Kids. Don mentored many aspiring guitarists, including his brother Danny and son David. He often led worship on Sunday mornings accompanied by other talented musicians, including his sister Dianne on the piano and son David on the guitar. Don grew up spending time in the mountains and enjoyed taking his own family to his favorite spots. He loved adventures of any kind. He would reminisce about backpacking through Hawaii and a whirlwind trip to the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska. Kayak trips, white water rafting and moonlight river floats energized him. The water was always calling to him and his ever-growing fleet of second hand watercraft. In addition to annual beach trips, there were many notable family road trips over the years to places like Yellowstone, the national parks of Utah, the Grand Canyon and Mexico. Other standout trips included England, Belize, and two special East Coast trips. Don faced brain cancer with complete faith in God and totally free of fear. Throughout his journey, his pleasant, content spirit never changed. We rejoice that he is now whole and free in the presence of his Savior after living a life spent pleasing Him. Don is preceded in death by his brother David and his mother Hannah. Those left behind to cherish Don's memory are his beloved wife of 40 years, Yvonne, his children JacLyn, Janaye, Joelle, and David Foster, his father Donald Foster, Sr., his siblings Dianne (Dan) Fergus and Danny (Janet) Foster, along with many nieces and nephews and countless friends. A Graveside Service will be held at Zillah Cemetery on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 1:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Stone Church on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Don to the Terrace Heights Assembly Benevolence fund or Sunrise Outreach Center in c/o Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936) who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Graveside Service Zillah Cemetery Friday, May 24, 2024 1:00 PM 100 First Avenue Zillah, WA 98953 Celebration of Life Stone Church Saturday, June 8, 2024 1:00 PM 3303 Englewood Avenue Yakima, WA 98902