Brian Girod Foster passed away peacefully at his home July 2, 2021 after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. Brian’s generosity, creativity and kindness touched the lives of hundreds of friends and community members. His talents were as endless as his generous heart was. Brian had the gift of making others feel included.

Brian cultivated many talents, including music and dressmaking. He created many one-of-a-kind gowns, quilts, and costumes for his friends, family and local theatre groups. His passion was couture which he studies seriously for more than 25 years. He came by his interests in sewing and fashion at a very early age, learning from his mother Anne G. Foster, who taught home economics at Portland Community College for more than 30 years. Through her, Brian developed a keen eye for fabric choices and garment construction techniques.

In the mid-1990s, Brian started attending workshops and classes held by Sharon Blair to grow his already considerable talents and knowledge for sewing. He became good friends with Sharon. When she told him about her plans for Portland Fashion Institute, Brian was thrilled. He believed in Sharon’s passion and drive for this school. He had been, up until his untimely death, a strong advocate and supporter of PFI and its internationally talented student body.

Your generous gift to the Brian Foster Endowed Scholarship will support the talents of aspiring designers for years to come and keep the vision alive for Portland Fashion Institute vision to expand much needed facilities for its school and support its students.