On June 22, Dr. Dean Benjamin Foster, would have been 90 years on this earth. His wife of 66 years says she believes he counted every minute as precious, and aimed to use it to someone's advantage.

He was hungry for knowledge of all that takes place on this planet, and how it could be improved.

As a much revered-professor at VMI, from 1961 to 1985, he went to great lengths to impart to each student, according to his need, the knowledge he had acquired. To this day some of them still visit or phone him. He will not be forgotten.

Dean Benjamin Foster, 89, was born June 22, 1919, and was a resident of Baldwin Park, died of heart failure June 6, 2009.

He was born in Bellflower, Illinois to parents John and Bessie Foster. He was the fourth of seven children, all of whom preceded him in death.

He was married in Princeton, Indiana to Maxine Pace who survives him. In addition to his wife he is survived by his four children and seven grandchildren.

He graduated form Indiana University in 1942, and received a Ph.D in psychology from Cornell University. He was president of Kappa Delta Rho while at IU.

He was chairman of the department of psychology, philosophy and religion at VMI in Lexington, Virginia.

Dean was well-known for his love of music, horses and construction of every and all kinds.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at the Lexington Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bernard Bangley officiating. Burial will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.