Michael John Foster's Obituary
Michael John Foster passed away quietly on the evening of Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, at the age of 76.
Mike was born on November 25th, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah, He was the son to Evelyn Abplanalp and C. Burns Foster. He was the oldest of Evelyn’s four sons. Born with some hearing impairment, Mike never let it slow him down. From a young age he worked hard — helping care for his younger brothers, selling donuts and newspapers to support his mom, and tending to family members’ farm animals. His youngest brother swore Mike had the best donut sales pitch around. Mike even cooked at the world’s first KFC (Harman Café) in Salt Lake City, a job he loved to reminisce about. And no, he never shared the Colonel’s secret recipe.
Mike graduated from West High School, attended Utah State University, and later earned his degree in Political Science and History from the University of Utah. In 1975, he married Nelly Jansen in Salt Lake City. Together they welcomed their son, Derek, and daughter, Shanene. Mike built a career as a Technical Writer and Auditor, working for companies such as Hercules, the 2002 Winter Olympics (OSHA), and Alliant Techsystems (ATK).
Mike was a lifelong reader with a deep love for Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and History. The Lost Rhoades Mine, General Custer, and Pearl Harbor were among his favorite topics. One of his most meaningful experiences was touring Pearl Harbor with his family when his first grandchild was born in Oahu, HI. He was an avid sports fan — a loyal Aggie and Utes supporter, and a devoted follower of the L.A. Rams, Lakers, and Dodgers. He passed down his love of Sci-Fi and horror movies to his kids, along with countless hours of fishing, backpacking, and camping in the Utah mountains.
When he wasn’t working on his computer or writing, Mike could be found playing his guitar or listening to music. He was a huge fan of The Beatles, Eric Clapton, The Moody Blues, and just a general Rock-n-Roll fan, another passion he shared with his children. Above all, Mike loved spending time with his four grandchildren, who brought him more joy than anything else.
On May 3rd, 2007, at the age of 57, Mike suffered a massive stroke while on a men’s trip to Lake Powell. Due to poor weather in Salt Lake City, he was airlifted to Grand Junction, then to Denver, where he spent nearly a week in the Neuro ICU before being transported to the University of Utah Hospital. The stroke was caused by an unknown hole in his heart and left him with major deficits in his left arm and leg, along with permanent brain damage. He relearned how to eat and walk, though he never regained use of his left arm. The stroke ended his ability to work, backpack, or play guitar, and eventually made camping difficult as well.
But Mike was one tough S.O.B. In the years that followed, he faced more than his share of health challenges — multiple brain bleeds, a broken hip, a broken shoulder, broken ribs, brain swelling, stitches more times than anyone could count, and even a ruptured spleen. His tenacity often got him into trouble in the first place, but it was also what pulled him through. Each time, he fought his way back. He pushed himself in physical therapy and consistently exceeded expectations when most people would have given up.
Growing up, Mike knew little about his father or his father’s family — something he made peace with long ago. But in 2018, after his daughter took a DNA test for health information, everything changed. A first cousin reached out, revealing that Mike had cousins, aunts, uncles, and even three older brothers he never knew about. His family was originally from the Cayman Islands before coming to the United States. Since then, Mike’s family has stayed in touch with his older brothers, and in 2025, Mike was able to meet two of them over a video call. Though the connection came late in life, Mike treasured the chance to fill in this missing part of his story.
Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Jean, and his brother, Richard Atkinson. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nelly Foster; his son, Derek Foster; his daughter, Shanene Montierth (Mike); his brothers Robert J. Raines and Terry Blanke; his newly discovered older brothers Donald, Patrick, and Robert Foster; and his grandchildren, Caliah and Ashlyn Montierth, and Flynn and Oliver Foster.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date, with details to come. Friends and family will be notified when arrangements are finalized.
Mike’s family would like to thank The Lodge at Riverton Assisted Living and Ability Home Health and Hospice for the expertise and care they provided in recent years. Their support helped give Mike comfort, dignity, and strength through some of the hardest moments of his life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved him. Mike, thank you for the good times and may the music play on, wherever the mountain trails may lead you.
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?