Frederick A. “Heinie” Foss, known to many as “Mr. Golden,” leaves a legacy of entrepreneurial spirit, community engagement and philanthropy throughout his beloved Golden community.
Foss, proprietor of the former Foss General Store and Drug, died on May 20. He was 97.
The mark he left on Golden, friends say, will remain forever.
“He was easily our No. 1 businessman for half a century,” said longtime friend Marv Kay.
“And without question, our leading philanthropist.”
Foss was a pharmacist who took over his parents’ drug store after returning from the Army Air Corps, where he met his wife, Barbara Fleming, in 1945.
He helped expand the small shop, Foss Drug, into the 40,000-square-foot Foss General Store and Drug that served as the heart of the city for 94 years, friends said.
“The Golden population was very loyal to that store,” said friend Joe Rillos.
Rillos said Foss’s dedication to Golden extended far beyond his own store.
Foss founded the Golden Civic Foundation and funded it, Rillos said, with the intention of bringing businesses to the city and restoring old buildings.
“He was absolutely committed to the community he lived in, both as a businessperson and general citizen,” Rillos said.
Foss also served on the Chamber of Commerce for 14 years and was a member of the Golden City Council.
He was a supporter of the Colorado School of Mines, as well, Kay said, noting Foss enjoyed attending the school’s athletic competitions.
Kay, a former football coach and athletic director at Mines, added, “He was a great family man and a great gentleman.”
Foss is survived by his son, Patrick L. Foss, daughter, Deidra Kahn, son-in-law Dr. John McInerney and eight grandchildren.
Foss was preceded in death by his wife and his daughter, Pamela Foss McInerney.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th Street in Golden.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Foss’ name at Key Bank, 1222 Arapahoe St., Golden.
