Judge Foster rules retirement Dec. 31

Accolades, quips and well wishes filled the courtroom Dec. 7 for retiring Administrative Judge Robert M. Foster.

After a 31-year career and nearly 25 years in Nassau County, the longtime judge will exit the bench Dec. 31.

Hundreds of people gathered to wish Foster well for a ceremony and reception in the Robert M. Foster Justice Center in Yulee. Many of the congratulatory messages from county officials, leaders in law enforcement and Fernandina Beach representatives contained humorous recollections. 

“All gentleman farmers need this,” said Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court John Crawford as his dad, World War II veteran Noah Crawford, 92, presented a John Deere cap to the judge. 

Nassau County Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathy Burns highlighted Foster’s compassion for children and his presence as a “community champion.”

“Like a good neighbor, Judge Foster, he’s been here for us. You ask and he delivers,” she said, adding later, “He’s been here for our communities, supporting non-profits, listening, leading and engaging in events that benefit our students and our community.”

Later, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper opened his remarks with, “You didn’t know, did you judge, that so many people would be celebrating your departure.” 

He also related how before he became sheriff, the newly acquainted men met for lunch at a Yulee Mexican restaurant.

“As we sat there eating our chips and salsa, he started interrogating me like I was on the witness stand,” Leeper recalled. “I was about to take the Fifth. He started asking me all kinds of questions about my plans if I were to get elected, what I would like to get accomplished and what my goals were. I thought we hit it off pretty good, and everything was going well when, after the meal, he said he needed to hurry to get back to court for a hearing and if I didn’t mind, would I take care of the bill. I said, ‘No problem.’ And he got up and left. After he was gone, I thought two things: either he’s a cheap S.O.B. or I just got stiffed by the judge.” 

The sheriff closed his final remarks coming full circle, saying, “Don’t forget, you still owe me lunch.” 

He also awarded the judge with a certificate, designating him as an honorary deputy sheriff. 

“I also got you a hat, a sheriff’s office hat,” Leeper told him. “You can always put it on your dash – you know what I’m talking about?” 

The Amelia Island-Fernandina Restoration Foundation’s Susan Steger thanked Foster for his assistance with preserving the Historic Courthouse in Fernandina Beach. 

“For those who’ve taken a walk through our courthouses, you’ll see items on display that Judge Foster has collected, ranging from old law and rule books to well-worn Bibles used to swear in witnesses over countless years,” she said. “In this courthouse you’ll see the eight flags, which have flown over Amelia Island. Each flag a reminder of our interesting and varied past.”

Foster also completed a portrait project of former county judges, serving as far back as 1877, according to Steger. 

She added that Foster plans to record his family’s history. 

“Our hope for you Judge Foster is that you will include your own story and tell of the mark you have made in Nassau County,” Steger said. “A county that is grateful of your service and the efforts you’ve made to preserve and protect our local history. Thank you, Judge Foster.” 

In response to the evening’s presentations, Foster thanked everyone for attending, including the maintenance crew, IT and court employees for their efforts in coordinating the event. 

“As I look out at all of you who have been here for so long, I realize that for the last 25 years, it would probably be the ‘Graying of Nassau County,’” he joked. “Commissioner (Pat) Edwards’ story could be the ‘Balding of Nassau County.’” 

He added later, his voice choked with emotion, “As I reflected last night, I remembered the speech of the great Yankee first baseman Lou Gehrig when he said, ‘Today, I am the luckiest man alive.’ And I can beat him tenfold, because I’ve been the luckiest man alive for a quarter of a century.”