The Rest of the Story
Thanks to Cliff Scroggie and Vern Wellburn for completing this story of Phil Foster's life.
In the early 1960s, Phil
experienced some health problems and made the difficult decision to
sell his cars. Although there was considerable interest from some
American buyers, Phil chose to sell them most of the collection to Gerry and Vern Wellburn.
Through the sixties, Phil continued his work of repairing cars for
his loyal Victoria customers. As a result of a growing
disinterest in "pumping gas," he gave up the
well-known Speedway Station in the late sixties. He opened up a
repair-only
shop in a smaller
location on Douglas St., where he continued his work right up to his
death in 1972. He is survived by his wife, Ella, who has since
sold the Foster home, but continues to reside in Victoria.
Gerry got the 1912 Hupmobile, 1902 Holley, 1911 Stanley, 1909 McLaughlin, 1912 Detroit Electric, 1912 Mitchell, 1907 Model N Ford and Vern got the 1912 McLaughlin and 1910 Russell. The 1912 Ford (Elizabeth) went to the B.C. Provincial Museum and the 1912 AC Sociable three-wheeler went to Cliff Scroggie. (The AC had belonged to Phil's brother Maury and Cliff had helped Maury with the acquisition of it.) Phil was concerned that his wife, Ella (13 years his junior), would be able to manage should anything happen to him. Now, with the car collection in good hands, his concerns had been dealt with. |
 The 1912 AC Sociable three wheeler had belonged to Phil's brother, Maurie. Maurie was the father of David Foster, the well-known music composer and producer. |
