23/07/2025
Friends and fellow Margaret House Old Boys, sadly none of us are getting any younger and it is with deep sadness that I share the following news of the passing of Brian Eward Strang Foster, a Margaret House old boy, who passed away on 17th July 2025 aged 82. Married first to Christine, with whom he has two daughters, Claire and Kirsty, he later divorced. His second marriage, to Sheryl Maureen, became a 45-year loving partnership, together with Sheryl’s daughters, Tracy and Adin.
Brian entered Margaret’s around 1946 and remained until he was 16. As a little imp he recalled having to re-peel the excessively thick potato skins while on kitchen rota. Another abiding memory was of being slapped by one of the women working in the home when she overheard him saying “Dear God, please make me naughty.”
Brian was known for leading the boys on excursions, occasionally taking them up to London. He had a keen sense of direction and we used to joke that his snub nose concealed a tiny compass. As a leader he was also head boy of his school.
At16 Brian joined the RAF and trained as an engineer. with postings to Borneo, Singapore and Cyprus.
Brian was also a keen sportsman, played hockey for England, and enjoyed a round of golf. He was also fond of classical music, a love of which was instilled in him by Delwyn Powell, the master at Margaret’s. Brian remained close to Mr Powell throughout his life.
Brian moved to Johannesburg around 1983, following his divorce, where he met his future wife Sheryl. The two loved travelling and wildlife, spending many happy hours watching and photographing animals in South Africa’s numerous big game parks, or diving off the Barrier Reef or the Red Sea.
In their later years the couple retired to Spain on the Mediterranean, a small town called Alcossebre. There they enjoyed watching the birds, sea, and passing ships from a lovely home with panoramic views, and enjoying their mid-morning coffee and magdalena in town.
In his last years Brian suffered from spinal stenosis which made walking difficult and painful. Despite this he seldom grumbled, even when the pain was almost too much to bear. He could be seen rumbling around the town centre in his electric wheelchair, accompanied by his wife, always hand in hand.
Many thanks to Brian's stepdaughter Adin for sharing these memories of her stepfather with us. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends. As an old boy from 63-68., I never knew you and yet you are family. Rest in Peace Brian and God Bless You and yours.
