Visionary and Industry Legend Fred Foster Passes Away at 61

The lights are a little dimmer tonight, Industry visionary and leader, Fred Foster passes away at 61.  I’ll pass on commentary tonight and let the Press Release speak for itself.  But if you are on a gig tonight, leave a light on for Fred.

Fred Foster, ETC co-founder and CEO has passed away at the age of 61. Foster was a visionary, an innovator, and a role model. The ETC culture of family, support, and encouragement is attributed to Foster and his vision of a creating a people-focused environment. It’s difficult to put into words what it has been like to work for and with such an inspiring leader.

One of Foster’s greatest qualities was his ability to bring people together and rally them around a goal or a vision. Whether it was a new product technology, a tradeshow booth design, or an employee meeting space, he was always creating, always making, and always giving. His ideas were big, and his heart bigger.

Foster is credited with countless industry contributions ranging from product innovations to student mentor-ship programs. He has been recognized repeatedly for his philanthropy from a number of organizations.

Foster announced his cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2015 and went through extensive treatment to prolong his life. Those who knew him best would confirm he was a nature lover and enjoyed activities such as pond yachting and downhill skiing. Foster died peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones. Both of his children, daughter Kate Foster and son James Foster, as well as his wife, Susan Foster, are employed at ETC.

You can read more about Foster and his life of giving at etcconnect.com/Fred-Foster

Fred Foster and the History of ETC Consoles at USITT

The history lessons just don’t stop when you are on a roll!  During USITT in Kansas City, Fred Foster, CEO of Electronic Theatre Controls happen to be wondering around the 50 years of Lighting Display by the USITT Lighting Commission.  Mr. Foster was kind enough to take some time out and walk us through a little bit of ETC’s console history.

These are the times that I really love what I am doing here.  How often do you get a chance to hear about how something was developed or the history of a company directly from the source?  Rather then hogging this memory to myself, I cranked out the Flip and got him on camera to share with you. I have to do it… Thank you again to the USITT Lighting Commission. A most EXCELLENT job!

UPDATE:

Thanks everyone for letting me know about the video not playing.  I just fixed it so enjoy Mr. Foster’s history lesson!