Vale Martin Foster
The EWPA and HRIA are saddened to learn of the recent passing of highly respected industry figure Martin Foster.
A real Gentleman
Martin was a loving husband to Wendy, a father of four daughters, and a grandfather. A pillar and genuine icon of the South Australian and National EWP industries, he fought the good fight, and now may his soul rest in peace,” said John Glover, EWPA President.
Martin “Froggy” Foster, a gentleman, a leader, a loyal friend, and a mentor. Martin was always regarded as the Statesman of the Hire industry.
Martin started out at Brambles and Wreckair where he forged his career as a Sales specialist. He then went on to work with SA Access for many years and was highly thought of as a natural leader, he played a key role and support character through the acquisition by Force Access around 2009, where he then became the State Manager. He then went on to work with Coates Hire and then Access Hire SA. Probably the most connected person in SA within the hire and rental industry.
Martin the man..
Known as a “cheeky bloke” with a booming laugh and could tell a great story,” said Jason Gaskin, Aerial Access. “He certainly loved rumours and would always know about happenings before they were announced. I guess that’s one of the reasons he made such a great Salesman. He seemed to genuinely enjoy talking with his work colleagues, whether they were frontline workers on the tools or at an executive level, he would always be sincere about ‘how are you?’ and would always ask about the family.
Martin was passionate about his Port Adelaide Football Club and very well known within the State Baseball League, having played for Sturt Baseball Club for over 3 decades.
Martin will be genuinely missed. “I know he played a big part in my work life; he gave me a significant opportunity when he employed me at Force Access”, continued Jason. He supported me the whole way through, with some tough times but overwhelmingly good times.”
“I worked with Martin at Wreckair Hire in the 80’s & 90’s” said Pat Italiano, Chief Executive Officer of AAH.
“I reconnected with Martin in 2007 when Force Access acquired SA Access. Martin was then appointed as the State Manager for South Australia; during his tenure with Force he led the state and was well liked and respected by all his staff. He was very passionate and had a very loyal customer base. Martin was old school in the way that he carried a notepad and pen in his top pocket to write down hires and off hires from his customers; this was the trademark he was known for.
“A pillar of the industry, Martin had a passion for the EWPA and was heavily involved at a state and national level. Representing the Association remarkably well at the state and national level.”
Martins funeral will be held on Monday 18th November, at Haysen Chapel, Centennial Park Cemetery, Goodwood Road, Pasadena, commencing 3.30pm.
Cancer Council donation facilities will be available at the service.
