WGN's Bob Foster: 1926 - 2008

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Posted by chicagomedia.org on September 19, 2008 at 07:27:20:

In Reply to: Bob Foster dead posted by Seth K. on September 14, 2008 at 19:22:25:

Bob Foster 1926 ~ 2008

For decades, newsman was fixture on WGN

'Friendly and likable competitor' was Washington bureau chief from 1963 to 1982

Bob Foster covered the nation's capital for WGN News for almost two decades before joining U.S. Rep. Philip Crane's office as press secretary.

Mr. Foster, 82 died of complications from pneumonia Thursday, Sept. 11, in Georgetown University Hospital, his daughter Nancy said. He lived in Alexandria, Va.

Mr. Foster's first job at WGN-AM radio was as a copy boy in the 1940s, his daughter said. He covered the state legislature through the 1950s, among other assignments.

He also was the announcer for Blackhawks games at Chicago Stadium from 1955 through the early 1960s, his daughter said.

In 1963, he moved to Washington to start a bureau for WGN News, and he remained bureau chief until 1982.

"He was a competitor, but he was a friendly and likable competitor," former WGN-TV cameraman Felix Kubik said. "A lot of people opened doors for him."

Knowledgeable about Chicago politics and familiar with the Illinois delegation in Washington, Mr. Foster was a solid reporter who both oversaw WGN's coverage of the capital and gave reports on-air, former Tribune reporter Jim Strong said.

"He didn't have one of those big bass voices or anything like that," Strong said. "It was in an era when [television reporters] were pretty good reporters too."

Crane had known Foster since joining Congress in 1969 and tapped him to be his press secretary when an opening came up in 1982.

"He had experience as a journalist, and I needed experience," Crane said. "He did an excellent job; very personable."

Mr. Foster grew up in Chicago's Edison Park neighborhood and graduated from St. George High School. While serving in the Army from 1944 to 1946, he was posted in Germany and played goalie on his unit's hockey team.

Mr. Foster is also survived by his wife, Mary; and two sons, Sean and Patrick.

Visitation will be held Sunday in Alexandria. Mass will be said Monday in Alexandria.

(trib)

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: Bob Foster 1926 ~ 2008 : For decades, newsman was fixture on WGN : 'Friendly and likable competitor' was Washington bureau chief from 1963 to 1982 : : : Bob Foster covered the nation's capital for WGN News for almost two decades before joining U.S. Rep. Philip Crane's office as press secretary. : Mr. Foster, 82 died of complications from pneumonia Thursday, Sept. 11, in Georgetown University Hospital, his daughter Nancy said. He lived in Alexandria, Va. : Mr. Foster's first job at WGN-AM radio was as a copy boy in the 1940s, his daughter said. He covered the state legislature through the 1950s, among other assignments. : He also was the announcer for Blackhawks games at Chicago Stadium from 1955 through the early 1960s, his daughter said. : In 1963, he moved to Washington to start a bureau for WGN News, and he remained bureau chief until 1982. : "He was a competitor, but he was a friendly and likable competitor," former WGN-TV cameraman Felix Kubik said. "A lot of people opened doors for him." : Knowledgeable about Chicago politics and familiar with the Illinois delegation in Washington, Mr. Foster was a solid reporter who both oversaw WGN's coverage of the capital and gave reports on-air, former Tribune reporter Jim Strong said. : "He didn't have one of those big bass voices or anything like that," Strong said. "It was in an era when [television reporters] were pretty good reporters too." : Crane had known Foster since joining Congress in 1969 and tapped him to be his press secretary when an opening came up in 1982. : "He had experience as a journalist, and I needed experience," Crane said. "He did an excellent job; very personable." : Mr. Foster grew up in Chicago's Edison Park neighborhood and graduated from St. George High School. While serving in the Army from 1944 to 1946, he was posted in Germany and played goalie on his unit's hockey team. : Mr. Foster is also survived by his wife, Mary; and two sons, Sean and Patrick. : Visitation will be held Sunday in Alexandria. Mass will be said Monday in Alexandria. : : (trib)

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