GREENFIELD — Family, friends and members of the Franklin County community gathered at Camp Kee-wanee Saturday afternoon to celebrate the life of local icon Frank “Bud” Foster.
Foster turned his mom-and-pop grocery store into an independent supermarket in Greenfield, and became locally famous for his radio commercials featuring lines such as “Watta, watta, watermelon” and “Fee-sh, fresh fee-sh.” Foster died in January at the age of 100.
It was that bright personality and his deep connection to the community that brought people out to celebrate his life Saturday.
Foster was also deeply connected to his faith and his favorite hymns were the background music of the event. Before everyone began eating and conversing, they all honored Foster, who loved to sing, with a hymn to good health and food.
Mindy McDonough, Foster’s niece and employee at the supermarket for 40 years, organized the event. She said Foster was a family man who kept an eye out for everyone.
“I’m not surprised at all the people showing up,” McDonough said. “He was a mentor for everyone and his kids meant everything to him.”
Dan Young, who is connected to Foster by marriage, echoed McDonough.
“I’m not surprised to see all these people,” Young said. “He was just the best role model.”
McDonough said the celebration was a reflection of Foster’s life. Sandwiches and desserts were laid out for people to grab while bowls filled to the brim with fruit sat in the center of each table.
“He always thought the simple life was elegant,” McDonough said. “We put fruit on all the tables because he said a piece of fruit every day would let you live to 100.”
Robert “Bobby C” Campbell knew Foster from when he was just a kid and eventually formed a friendship with him when Foster was recording his radio commercials. Campbell said it was a “special day for a legendary man.”
“He was about community, faith and family,” Campbell said. “He never wanted a thank you.”
Campbell said Foster was a “one-of-a-kind guy” and everybody has something good to say about their experience with him.
“Bring up the name Bud Foster and people could talk for hours,” Campbell said. “I’m touched by this community coming out and celebrating him.”
Judi Smith, Foster’s companion of 13 years, said planning the event was tough because Foster had made an impact on so many people.
“When you’re planning things, you have no idea how many people to plan for,” Smith said. “We planned for 300.”
Throughout the day, more and more people funneled into the gathering area, sharing stories and lessons they learned from Foster.
Smith said it was amazing to see how much of an impact Foster had made.
“It feels great to see him honored like this,” she said.
Jacob Hughes, Foster’s great-grandson, has fond memories of summer fun with Foster.
“It was fun to see him at the lake,” Hughes said. “It’s amazing there’s so many people connected to him.”
Reflecting on Foster’s life, Young said not many people get to live like he did.
“If there was ever anybody who had a life well-lived, it was Bud,” Young said. “He was blessed to have a great family.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at 413-930-4081 or clarabee@recorder.com.