Harold Ellis Foster

Harold Ellis Foster, known to many as Papa, passed away October 15, 2015 from a severe brain injury, which was the result of an over protective momma cow butting him. Up to the day of his passing, Harold was actively involved everyday on the Ranch. Harold was born August 30, 1934 in Yreka to John and Edith Foster. He attended Bogus Elementary, Cottonwood Elementary (7th & 8th grade) and graduated Yreka High School with the class of 1952. Harold married his high school sweetheart Marianna Brown on September 11th 1954. For the first four years of their marriage, Harold was in the US Navy, serving most of his time on the USS Piedmont (AD-17). Of Harold and Marianna’s five children, John and Cheryl were born during the Navy years in Napa, while Julie, Charlotte, and Pam were born in Yreka. Harold and Marianna returned to the ranch in 1959. He is a member of the fifth generation to live and work the Bogus Creek Ranch, which traces its roots back to 1871. After some negotiations, Harold and his father formed a partnership in the ranch, “John N. Foster and Son”. In 1974, the ranch was incorporated and the name changed to “Bogus Creek Ranch Inc.”, as it remains today. Sadly, in 1998, Harold lost Marianna to cancer. After her passing, he and Sherrie Akkerman were companions for a number of years. This relationship brought many eventful times for the couple. After many years, Sherrie and Harold dissolved their relationship but continued to be close friends. Harold enjoyed attending various functions and started dating his dance partner, Marilyn Pope. He and Marilyn had a short but sweet relationship, one that was enjoyed by each other and those around them. Harold has continued the family tradition of truly supporting the local schools. When the state condemned the old school house at the confluence of Bogus Creek and Cold Creek, Harold donated land for the new school to be built. This allowed the old school house to remain standing and today it is used as Copco Chapel. Harold has served on the Bogus School board, was a 4H leader and a member of the Yreka Elks Club. He served several terms as a director of Siskiyou County Cattlemen, and was named Cattleman of the year in 2009! Harold was truly happiest when he was operating his equipment, be it an excavator, cat or backhoe. The family often teased him about having the yellow fever (Caterpillar Yellow). He was always thinking of ways to improve the cattle herd, irrigation, cattle trails and watering spots. Just completing his list of ranch and range land improvements will keep the family busy for decades. Harold was a true conservationist. He strongly believed in improving the quality of the streams on the ranch. Due to his efforts, Bogus Creek is highly rated for its fish habitat. Harold loved to gather family and friends for a party. Family reunions were very important to him. He wanted a big birthday party every year so he could visit with family and friends and dance to his favorite band, Tulsa. Harold was preceded in death by his mother, Edith Foster; his father, John N Foster; his wife, Marianna Foster; his sister, Adelaide Hagerman; and his companion, Sherrie Akkerman. Harold is survived by his five children, John Foster (Angela Dougherty), Cheryl Foster (Dennis Donnelly), Julie Kimball (Scott Kimball), Charlotte LeGallee (Dale LeGallee) and Pam Willey (Howard Willey); his two sisters Marcia Allen and Bev Foster; 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and his dear friend, Marilyn Pope. A memorial of Harold’s life will be held Friday, November 6th at the Montague Hall. The service will begin at 11:00 am, lunch will be provided. If you would like, please bring a salad or dessert to share. In lieu of flowers the family would ask that you donate to the Marianna Foster Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Siskiyou County Cattle Women, 9900 Ager Beswick Road, Montague, CA 96064, to the United Scholarship fund established for John Neville Foster or a charity of your choice.

Harold Ellis Foster

August 30, 1934 - October 15, 2015