ALTA Mourns Loss of Two Industry Associates
January 5, 2010
The wife of a former president of the American Land Title Association recently passed away, while a former executive of the association lost a battle with cancer.
Betty Foster, the wife of former ALTA president Charlie Foster, passed away in December. Charlie Foster served as ALTA president in 2000. The couple, who met while employed by IBM in Richmond, Va., has two daughters.
Cara Detring, who succeeded Charlie as ALTA president in 2001, described Betty as a friend to everyone.
“She was very supportive of Charlie in his career which included all that came with his service to ALTA,” she said. “She was a bright spot in our board functions and delighted in telling stories about their girls and Charlie. Because our connection was through ALTA, I have not had much contact with Betty or Charlie for the last few years, but I feel a distinct loss knowing that she is not there to add her special grace to our Past President's group.”
David R. McLaughlin, who previously served as vice president – administration for ALTA, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009.
In 1968, McLaughlin was appointed ALTA business manager after completing active duty in the Army. He retired in 2000.
McLaughlin worked closely with the association’s executive vice president and was responsible for developing financial reports and handling a great variety of administrative tasks, according to Bill McAuliffe Jr., who served as ALTA EVP from 1965-1984.
After retiring from ALTA, he became a special education teacher for the Gladys H. Oberle School in Fredericksburg. Click here. to read McLaughlin’s obituary.
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.