Foerster, Col. Robert Yates

Col. Robert Yates Foerster

August 16, 1942 – November 24, 2024

Bob graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1965 alongside his close friends from the 24th Squadron with whom he had lived for all four years of his cadet career. In 1966, Bob graduated from undergraduate pilot training at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, TX. Bob then went onto fly a C-130 aircraft in Vietnam in support of the defense of Khe Sanh. His Air Force career was heavily linked to the Academy-he served as First Group Air Officer Commanding, 1977-1979, as Chief of Staff to the Academy Superintendent, 1979-1983, and then as Registrar and Director of Admissions until his retirement from the Air Force in 1996.

In addition to his time at the Academy, the highlights of Bob’s career included serving as the Director of Operations at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina and Wing Commander at Clark Air Base in the Philippines (then the largest airlift wing in the Pacific).

Bob was a pillar of strength for our family and his absence will forever leave a void in our hearts. Bob was an avid golfer, greatly enjoyed sailing, and had a deep connection to nature and the outdoors.

He is predeceased by his parents, Ellen Yates Foerster and Frederick Henry Foerster Jr. (USMA ’39), second wife Sheila D. Foerster, and stepson Mark Larkin.

He is survived by his wife Theresa Ann Guay Foerster, first wife Linda Bishop, brothers Schuyler Foerster (Col USAF-Ret ’71) and Frederick Henry Foerster III, children Katrina Varela, Leslie Presby, and Janet Sickle, as well numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.