Calgary WWI Soldier Finally Honored with Military Tribute
A Calgary soldier, Cpl. Gawen Foster, finally received a long-overdue military send-off on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in a solemn ceremony acknowledging his profound service and sacrifice. Foster, who proudly served with the 50th (Calgary) Canadian Infantry Battalion in the First World War, endured a wound at Vimy Ridge in 1917. He passed away decades later on October 28, 1955, in Portland, Oregon, with his cremated remains tragically unclaimed in a storage facility until their discovery in 2024.
After his remains were finally interred in Calgary in August 2025, the graveside ceremony took place in the revered Field of Honour at Queen's Park Cemetery. This section of the cemetery is dedicated to veterans from the First World War, Second World War, and other conflicts, providing a poignant and fitting final resting place for a soldier of his distinction.
This recognition holds significant meaning for Calgary, a city with deep military roots and a steadfast commitment to honouring its veterans. Local initiatives and institutions, such as the Royal Canadian Legion and the Veterans Association Food Bank, demonstrate the community's ongoing support for those who served. Furthermore, the city embraces Remembrance Day annually with ceremonies that blend military tradition and genuine respect for those who served, exemplified by events like the Field of Crosses. Cpl. Foster's story serves as a powerful, belated reminder of Calgary's unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy of all its heroes.