FOSTER R. SIMS

Foster R. Sims died Nov. 18, 2003, at the Vineyard Hills Health Center in Templeton, Calif. He was born Dec. 16, 1907, to V. Mina Roush Sims and Fred Sims. He was the fifth of six children: George Simms, Franci Sims, Edith Kellough, Fannie Toby and Daisy Sims. All preceded him in death.

Mr. Sims was raised on a farm near Friend, Neb. He graduated from Friend High School, Nebraska Wesleyan University and Creighton University Dental College at Omaha, Neb.

Mr. Sims served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard Medical Corps stations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Alaska. He retired from dentistry in Palmer where he practiced for more than 35 years.

He loved to hunt and fish, and he loved Alaska. He was one of its true pioneers, having become a resident there long before statehood.

He was a member of the Palmer American legion Post 15, the Matanuska Valley Chapter No. 14 Order of the Eastern Star, Pioneers of Alaska Igloo No. 31, Palmer Moose Lodge No. 793, Palmer Elks Lodge No. 1842, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2509 and Disabled American Veterans in Anchorage. He held local, state and national offices in many of these organizations.

In appreciation of the financial help he received while attending Creighton University Mr. Sims has made it possible for Creighton University to perpetually endow the Foster Sims Scholarship Fund for dental students.

His wife Izola preceded him in death in 1983.

Survivors include his wife Kathy Schwam Sims; stepson John Schwam of Carefree, Ariz.; nieces Marlea Spreeman of Friend, Neb. and Janice Svehla of Lincoln, Neb.; nephews Max Kellough of Friend and Rex Kellough of La Habra, Calif.

Interment will be at Andrew Cemetery in Friend.