Foster Coffman Ergood, Esq.
Foster went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 1, 2023, just 43 days after Diana, his beloved high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 58 years, was called to Heaven. What a joyous reunion!
He spent his early years in Haddon Heights, as one of three sons and a daughter of the late Russell M. Ergood Jr. and Katherine (Kitty) Ergood. He is the younger brother of the late Russell M. Ergood III and the older brother of the late Laura Elizabeth and R. Laurence (Barbara). He grew from a firm foundation of Christian faith, and recalled each day as he left the house, his faithful mom would say, “Foster, remember your 5 G’s –God is good; He guides, guards and governs.” He lived by these words.
The family moved to Haddonfield in 1955. At Haddonfield Memorial High School, Foster became class President and achieved varsity letters for every year he played in football, basketball, and golf. He led the Golf Team, as Captain, to win the State Championship. He also finished second in the state, individually. As quarterback, Foster led his football team to many victories. He was also the point guard on the basketball team and held scoring records at the time. Though a fierce competitor; his faith kept him humble, grounded and a true gentleman. He has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the high school for all three sports. A football injury prevented him from playing at the collegiate level. But, of all these achievements, the finest one was finding his future wife, Diana Douglass, in Driver’s Education class. They had a storybook beginning; Foster, being Captain and quarterback of the football team and Diana, being a very sweet and lovely homecoming Queen. Though they both had stunning outward appearances and many achievements, their common faith and beliefs are what made them even more beautiful. They graduated in the Class of ‘60.
In his next chapter, Foster focused on academics. He achieved a Bachelor of Arts at Duke University, Class of 1964. There, he played on the intramural golf club team and was a brother in the Kappa Sig Fraternity. He developed many lifetime relationships at Duke. He then completed his Juris Doctorate at Rutgers University Law School.
Foster and Diana married in 1964 and lived in Cherry Hill for over 55 years. They raised a beautiful, loving family of three children, Laura L. (Charlie) Ergood-Brown, Douglass F. (Danielle) Ergood, and Tara D. (Jack) Butz. Foster was an adoring grandfather to his eight grandchildren, Devyn, Blair, Shane, Joseph, Douglass Jr, Julia, Tyler, and Brooke. He will also be missed by his brother R. Laurence (Barbara) Ergood and numerous nieces and nephews, who loved their Uncle Fos. Lastly, he will be missed by his sister-in-law, Judith (Keith) Everett, many cousins, and dear friends.
Foster was a trailblazing attorney; he was fearless in the courtroom while representing his clients. He always said he loved fighting for the little guy. Starting a private practice in Haddonfield, he was true to his faith and sought righteousness, justice, and truth. One of his legal accomplishments was being involved in the appellate decision which set forth new rules in the service of process in NJ. He was also one of the first NJ attorneys to litigate Asbestosis claims in the state on behalf of injured plaintiffs.
Since a young boy, Foster was also a long-time member of Tavistock Country Club in Haddonfield, NJ. He played on the golf team for many years. There, he charitably served on the Board of Governors in many roles; the last being Membership Chairman. He enjoyed playing the back 9 with his son, Doug, after work. He also loved to entertain his wife, children, and grandchildren at the club for dinners, holidays, and club functions. He hosted two weddings at the club.
Foster was a one-of-a-kind, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, poppi, and friend. He was quick-witted, funny, a real chatterbox, and had a mind like a steel trap! He loved his cars and driving fast. One of his cars was a Burt Reynold’s signature edition Trans Am “Bandit.” He enjoyed traveling with his family and friends over the years. He was truly loved, admired, and adored by all.
Foster and Diana most loved spending time together supporting their children’s and their grandchildren’s numerous sporting events and activities over the many, many years. His grandchildren held such a special place in his heart. He loved conversing with them in person or on the phone. He would often text them on his FLIP phone using all capital letters!
Diana and Foster both battled health issues in the latter years of their lives. His relationship with the Lord gave him the strength to battle his own illnesses and to stay alive and care for his beloved wife to the very end.
Foster’s family will receive friends for a viewing on Friday, February 10th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033. On Saturday, February 11th, the funeral service will be held at 11am at Trinity Presbyterian Church (USA) 499 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
In lieu of flowers, please make charitable donations to Trinity Presbyterian Church (where Foster served as a Deacon in years past), 499 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill NJ 08034 (856)428-2050 Trinity Presbyterian Church | Cherry Hill, NJ (trinpres.org)