Bruce Dean Foster

Bruce Dean Foster loved new adventures! Everyone always called him ‘Dean’. As a young boy growing up in Charlotte, he enjoyed long endless days with neighborhood friends along Frank Drive catching minnows in the creek, camping, and playing in the woods. He loved a challenge and would always work tirelessly to overcome any challenge with great focus and determination. Dean had many boyhood friends who appreciated his quiet, calm, thoughtful and responsible nature. He was a devoted friend even as a young boy.

As time went by, Dean began working at his parents’ re-manufacturing company, Air Vac, Inc. He was always a hard and dependable worker and especially enjoyed saving funds to be the first teen to purchase some very prized possessions! He especially enjoyed having his own television that he willingly shared with his brother, Drew, in their bedroom on Frank Drive! He later purchased a mini-bike, motorcycle, jeep, and his beloved GTO! Through his high school years at Garinger, Dean especially enjoyed cruisin’ with friends through Shoney’s drive-through on Independence Boulevard and treating himself to that delicious and memorable hot fudge cake! The ‘hot sign’ at Krispy Kreme always lured Dean to enjoy a special treat during those memorable times too! Dean enjoyed sharing the treasures he worked so hard for with his many friends providing so many fun times and special memories for them all! Dean was always quite responsible, providing such trust and comfort which was shared with the parents of his friends also. Later, Dean enjoyed the family motorboat water skiing numerous times with his friends! He also enjoyed a sailboat and cruisers that he acquired in later years! Dean even obtained his pilots’ license and loved the thrill of flying!

One summer, Dean signed up to take a canoeing class and there he met the young lady, Gail Hahn, who soon captured his heart! Gail loved accompanying Dean on his adventures and was such a devoted and encouraging true love for Dean! Dean and Gail later married on May 17, 1980.

As time went on, Dean and Gail worked together at Air Vac, Inc. and during that time began to enjoy RV traveling! They met many wonderful friends who became ‘family’ as they shared special times traveling throughout the country.

In 1986, Dean experienced a difficult and unexpected medical struggle. He faced that time with courage and determination as those around him watched him strive endlessly to work through the adversity that challenged his life. Dean exemplified a fighting spirit where he met life with the very best that he could give. Dean and Gail were so thankful for family and the many devoted longtime friends Dean had met along his life’s journey who greatly encouraged them through this difficult time. Thankfully, Dean’s health improved and he was able to enjoy many more adventures in the years that followed with Gail.

Dean and Gail have been active members of New Covenant Church for many years. Dean’s life exhibited his quiet and devoted faith. He was often in the kitchen cooking breakfast with friends! He traveled and participated in several mission trips and was a member of the Cornerstone Sunday School Class.

Dean and Gail currently live in the 3 Cherry Way community in Denver, N.C. Their community has become such a blessing for them and those neighbors have become an extended family.

Family was always special and loved by Dean. He was a devoted son to his parents, Bruce and Dee Foster, who preceded him in death. Dean is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 46 years, Gail. He is also survived by his brother, Drew Foster, and his family, (wife, Wendy, and their children Jason Foster and his son, Carson, Amber-Drew Foster and her children, Adalyn “Addy” and Drew). Dean also loved Gail’s family like his own. Preceding him in death, were Fred and Clara Hahn, and sister-in-law, Debbie Hahn. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Martha Hayes and her family, (husband, Eric and their daughter, Tracie, and son, Wesley).

Dean was such a devoted friend to so many others throughout his life. His kind smile will always be missed by those who loved him through the years. Dean’s life was full of blessings and he was a blessing to everyone who knew him.

Interment will take place at 10:00 AM, Monday, June 29, 2026, at New Covenant Church Cemetery, 2554 Lucia Stanley Rd, Mt. Holly, NC 28120. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at New Covenant Church, 14514 Lucia Riverbend Highway, Mt. Holly, NC 28120. The family will greet friends following the funeral service in the Family Life Center at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Covenant Men, ℅ New Covenant Church, 14514 Lucia Riverbend Hwy, Mt. Holly, NC 28120.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home is caring for the Foster family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com.