Brian Keith Foster kicked his oxygen habit on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. We’re pretty sure there is a Jesus and resurrection joke in there somewhere, but we’ll leave it to the reader to ponder that to avoid any pearl-clutching. Brian was born on March 8, 1957. If you’re good at math, he died way too early, and we are all pretty pissed off about that. Being a bachelor of sorts, he leaves behind a nice collection of “vintage” discount condiments and dented cans of food circa 2014. So, in his wake, we will echo his own words, “Perhaps I will celebrate what I got and not lament what I ain’t.”

A diehard music lover, concertgoer, and collector of albums from every genre, Brian had an unmatched CD collection, and selling and trading was a serious hobby. Yes. You read that right. CDs. In jewel cases. By the thousands. But more than that was making music mixes by theme. Are you feeling blue? Are you having lady love troubles or headed out for a road trip? Want some songs about circuses, cats, dogs, toothbrushes, or popcorn? You’re in luck! There’s a music mix for that! We hope you will posthumously follow him on Spotify under the handle oldbrian. He will finally have his day of glory when all are exposed to his uncanny ability to remember song names, lyrics, albums, and the feelings they impart. Brian recently defied mortality by attending two concerts in one day, explaining to his loved ones, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead or after I walk the dogs.”

More than music was the ability to play that music wherever he went. He once had a Dai'hat'su with a manual transmission and doors that were taped on. Traversing the dirt roads of Baja with his daughters in tow, listening to Frank Zappa on blast with a sound system worth more than the car itself was a usual occurrence back in the day.

A doer of epic $hit. Camping. Backpacking. Kayaking. Snorkeling. Hiking. Biking. Motorcycling. Everyone he knew (even the younger ones) was too old to keep up. He recently traveled to Argentina to do some BMW cross-country riding. He covered a lot of road in his lifetime on two or four wheels, survived many accidents, and found endless joy in detours and weird roadside attractions. He had plans to do a rim-to-rim Grand Canyon backpacking trip with his pal this summer. He had high hopes of seeing the Great American Eclipse in Concan, TX, with his family and then heading to Africa for a few months of riding in 2024. Although he didn’t make it to experience these last epic adventures, his family will do their very best to see that his wishes are met and sprinkle his ashes across the great wide open.

His love of out-of-print travel books was unmatched. He once planned an entire trip in the early 2000s, based on a book published in the 70s, to find a downed bomber plane that had disappeared in 1943 south of West Yellowstone. That wreckage was discovered and removed in 1988. Thankfully some locals informed him of this important nugget of information, which was also readily available in any current travel books and on the Internet. But where’s the adventure in that, right?

Brian was set to receive his 31-year chip for sobriety before he passed. His work in AA and NA was a big part of his big life. He attended a regular Sunday meeting at 7:00 am and would ask you to join if you thought you needed it. Or even if you didn’t. If you are struggling and you happen to be reading this, you are not alone. If you love someone who is suffering from addiction, this is the sound advice he would give…”I don't know how to make somebody stop bad, self-destructive behavior and start self-love/preservation. Reaching out kindly will go a long way in interrupting their isolation and maybe postpone the next cycle of self-loathing. It may be that loving them is the best you can do. Call them or visit them. Each time you do experience them as if it's the last time you'll talk to them. Let them know you care.”

Brian was a complicated guy who would be the first to tell you he’s a work in progress, trying to get out of his own way and striving to eat fewer Hostess hand pies. On his fridge, it says, “Don’t take it personally.” So, don’t. Whatever it is. It’s not worth the worry, the upset, the shame, the guilt, and most of all, it’s not worth your time. A believer at the end of Buddha’s and Jesus’ teachings, he would be the first to remind you of the insomniac agnostic dyslexic. He lay awake at night wondering if there was a dog.

Brian was born in Inglewood, CA, to Donna Miller and Jerry Foster. He graduated from Imperial High School in 1975 and lived most of his life in different parts of San Diego County. He worked in the meat-packing and construction industries for most of his life. Most recently, he was a dispatcher at Superior Ready Mix, where he lived in Escondido, CA.

Brian, son, Pop, Dad, Grandpa, brother, uncle, friend, neighbor. He is predeceased by his mom, Donna (Byron), and his brother Bruce (Karla). He is survived by his daughters Jodi (Ashley) and Megan (Dan), grandchildren Christi, Hayden, DJ, Eliot, and Maeve, and dogs Otis and Pepper. He is also survived by many relatives from the Foster and Miller families and more friends than we would have space in this already very lengthy and expensive tribute. You’re welcome, Dad.

The family is planning a celebration of life on Sunday, June 11th, at Pepper Grove in Balboa Park. A sunrise walk will take place from 6:00 - 7:30 am. We will gather and share from 8:00 am - 10:00 am. More info is on this site under the events tab. 

A serious lover of the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, please consider donating to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in his memory. 

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