Irvin P. Foster

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On September 5, 2021 Irvin Perry Foster passed from this life into the next after a long life as a father, coach, mediator, and mentor. Irvin was born April 12, 1946 in Dayton, Ohio and transitioned at the age of 75.  He was the son of Hercules Clarence Foster and Thelma Moore Foster, and the younger brother of Clarence Michael Foster. 

He is the father of two sons- Kevin and Quinn. His legacy includes Hashim Jabar  (born Quinn Ryan Foster) and wife Zakiya Sankara Jabar, and Kevin Michael Foster, and seven grandchildren: Amir, Assata Fula, Fulbe, Fulani, Malcolm Alexander and Marlee Celeste. 

Also, a niece and nephew Danette Boyd and husband Carlos Boyd, and Michael Foster, along with grand nieces Aaliyah and Adrianna. 

Additionally, God daughters Sondra and Allison

And many friends, classmates, colleagues, and mentees from his mediation firm Catalyst IPF, some he called his adopted daughters. 

Irvin lived a life defined by his love for humanity, intellectual pursuits, and serving others through mentorship. He attended and graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. Founded in 1781, Exeter is one of the oldest and most prestigious secondary schools in the United States. During his time at Exeter, Irvin was a perennial champion wrestler. His picture still adorns the wall of Exeter’s athletics facilities.

Irvin received his undergraduate degree from Hiram College in Ohio and his juris doctorate from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. As part of his journey, Irvin was drafted by the U.S. military. He served as a military intelligence officer in South Korea during the Vietnam War. 

Irvin practiced law in Washington D.C. for over 20 years and later became a mediator and mediation trainer. He founded Catalyst IPF to train and mentor others and to develop his theories of mediation practice, including his recognition of the role of “face” in successful mediation. To the end of his days as a resident of Victory Towers in Tacoma Park, MD, he served as a mentor to grateful students who now carry on his legacy of conflict resolution principles and practice. Irv was also an antique and African art collector.

One of Irvin’s greatest points of pride was his two sons, Hashim and Kevin. He coached both in wrestling through their youths, with Kevin achieving a National Prep School Championship and success as a Division One student athlete at The College of William and Mary In Virginia, and Hashim winning four wrestling high school national championships, a Pac-10 championship and earning All-American Status at Arizona State University.  Both Kevin and Hashim credit their athletic success, academic degrees, and intellectual lives to the influence of their father.

Kevin and Hashim thank the international community of family and friends who learned from Irvin, loved him, and supported him on his journey.

On Sunday September 26th, 2021  7PM - 9PM EST 

Due to COVID and the state of society, the arrangements for Irvin P. Foster's public memorial are yet to be determined. Please continue to check this website link for updated information

Flowers and or cards may be sent to: C/O Hashim Jabar 4600 Powder Mill Drive 450-S21 Beltsville, MD 20705

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