Richard Foster (Alaska politician)

Neal Richard Foster (August 9, 1946 – October 13, 2009) was a Democratic member of the Alaska House of Representatives, representing various districts centered on Nome, Alaska from 1989 until his death. Though a Democrat, he frequently caucused with the Republicans and served for a period of time as the Majority Whip.

He died of a heart attack while receiving treatment for kidney disease. His oldest son, Neal Foster, was appointed to replace him, and was elected to his own term in 2010.

At the time of his death, he was the second longest-serving member in the history of the Alaska House, behind Carl Moses, who also represented western Alaska (Max Gruenberg surpassed his tenure in October 2015). He was also a second-generation member of the Alaska Legislature; his father, Neal W. "Willie" Foster (1916-1979), served one term apiece in the Alaska Senate representing Nome before and following statehood.