David French Forrest

David French Forrest, age 77, of Oregon, Ohio passed away Friday, April 5, 2024 at Regency Hospital, Oregon, OH, surrounded by his loving family and was taken care of by the most amazing caregivers in the world. He was born February 17, 1947 to the late John Thomas and Juanita Gypsy (Board) Forrest of Mayville, MI (they later relocated to Tampa, FL when he was 12).

David was a proud 1965 graduate of Chamberlain High School, Tampa, FL, and upon graduation he enlisted in the US Navy with a close friend to serve our nation during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1969. After serving his four years, David took his knowledge that he learned while in the US Navy and began his career as a sailor on numerous freighters on the Great Lakes. Over the course of his career, he worked his way up from a deckhand to receiving his Captain’s license, however, he primarily worked as a first-mate. It was during his sailing career that he made many life-long friendships and eventually met his loving wife, Janet, who worked as a secretary for MEBA-AMO, school of Maritime Officers. They were married on January 3, 1975 and would later spend 45 years together until her passing on March 30, 2020.

David loved watching his favorite sports teams on television (Detroit Tigers, Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes, along with Ohio State and Notre Dame to support his wife), The Curse of Oak Island, The First 48, The Simpsons, Ghost Hunters and any show about aliens or Bigfoot. He also enjoyed mowing the grass, snow blowing the neighbors’ sidewalks, feeding the birds, rabbits and squirrels and either sitting in his garage, on the old deck or on Mick and Barb Bengela’s porch watching the neighborhood. David could also be found sitting at his dining room table on his iPad playing Soccer Stars. When not at the dining room table, David could be found gathering his family to eat at Red Lobster or Bob Evans. However, his greatest joy in life, was his family and he cherished his weekly phone calls from his two sons while he was sailing so they could recount their week of school and sports activities. Later, that joy transferred onto his grandchildren as he was able to attend their awards assemblies, musical performances and sporting events in person. “Papa” could be seen in the audience/crowd cheering and giving his all to support them in everything they did. He was one proud “Papa”.

He will be forever missed by his sons, Jacob (Dawn) Forrest of Millbury, OH, and Seth (Jennifer) Forrest of West Milton, OH; grandchildren, Kiley Ann, Kane David, Ava Marie, and Carter Thomas; his brother-in-law, Mark Thorlton; Judith’s life partner, Ann Price; and his niece, Chrissy Pugh. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Judith Forrest and Nancy Thorlton; sister-in-law, Bernadette Pugh; and his loving wife, Janet in 2020.

A memorial service for David and his wife, Janet, will be held at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd., Oregon, OH, on Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with the memorial service held at 2:00 p.m. David and Janet will be laid to rest together at St. Ignatius Cemetery. Memorial contributions in their names may be to the Ovarian Cancer Connection or Cherry Street Mission Ministries.

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