Christopher Shane Foster

Christopher Shane Foster, 46, of Whitefish, passed away on Oct. 17, 2022 due to an accidental fall.

Shane was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Lynn Denise Prieskop and Clarence Boyce Foster Jr. After he graduated from Walker High School in 1995, he studied geography at Louisiana State University and California State University, Fullerton. He was proud to earn a master’s degree and begin a career in healthcare.

In 2009, Shane met his husband James Cannava in Seattle, Washington. They moved to Whitefish soon after and considered it their “forever home.” They were married in 2017 at a legendary event at the Big Mountain summit house surrounded by friends and family from across the country. Shane and James traveled often and hosted legions of visiting loved ones in their Whitefish home.

Shane loved the Whitefish community and the natural beauty that envelops us. If you saw him on the trail or bike paths, he would be the first to say hello and ask how you were doing. If you were new to the area or visiting, he would usually say: “Welcome to Paradise.” Shane was a kind, optimistic, strong soul who made all of us feel like he was our biggest fan. He saw the best in each of us and helped us see those things in ourselves. He gave the best hugs and leaves behind a treasure trove of hundreds of curated music playlists. He always wanted to listen to the music, dance a little and enjoy life even more. All of those who loved Shane will forever cherish memories of his warmth, his kindness, and his joyful spirit.

Shane worked at various hospitals but particularly enjoyed his work and the community at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. While there, he earned the 2020 Jake Heckathorn Spirit of Community Award based on his volunteerism within and outside the hospital. He was a proud “Penguin Plunger” during the Whitefish Winter Carnival and was often one of the highest fundraisers for the event. For opening day on Big Mountain, he would host a gumbo party at the house which helped “fill the boot” and raise money for Dream Adaptive.

Shane leaves behind many friends and family members who will continue to share and spread the love he exuded. While he is dearly missed, he leaves behind a legacy on how to live well, how to treat others, and how to make connections with the environment and people around you. There were no barriers or walls to the way he lived life. Everything was possible and it usually started with saying “yes” to (most) everything.

Shane is survived by his husband, James, his mom Lynn Prieskop and stepmom Donna Foster, his son William, his sisters Heather and Jennifer, his brothers Josh, Reed and Sam, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In memory and celebration of Shane, his family and friends will plan several events in Whitefish and beyond. Shane loved the outdoors, public lands and enjoying them with others. In his memory, donations can be made to the Shane Foster Memorial Project on Go Fund Me; donations will be used to make improvements to a local, existing public space to honor Shane’s love for the outdoors and for our community.