On Sunday, September 24th, Gary D Forbush died peacefully surrounded by family at the VA Hospital after suffering a stroke.
Gary was born on May 31, 1933, in Monroe, Utah to Dorald A and Erma Forbush. He graduated from East High School. He served an LDS Mission in South Africa, Capetown District where he served as assistant to the Mission President. Upon returning home his draft papers for the U.S. Army were waiting for him. He was sent to basic training at Fort Ord, California. He was then transferred to Fort Hood, Texas. At that time he was recruited to serve in the special services unit called the \"Combined Services Support Program.\" After training at Alameda California Air Base he was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey. Gary took a detour across the country, stopped in Salt Lake City and got engaged to Audrey Jensen. That same night he continued on to Fort Dix and boarded a ship for Bremerhaven, Germany. He also served in Czechoslovakia.
On April 10, 1958 Gary married Audrey Jensen in the Salt Lake Temple. During their 59 years of marriage they were blessed with 5 children: Trudi Wightman (Richard), Curtis Forbush (Vaughn Marie), Cathie Randle (Jeff), Traci Bird (Shane), Jennie Freestone (David), 16 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren.
After his military service, he returned to attend the U of U, where he graduated with a degree in Architecture. He was awarded an American Institute of Architects scholarship to assist with his tuition. Gary was one of seven students around the nation receiving scholarships. During his last year at the \"U\" he worked for the architectural firm, Ashton, Evans and Brazier on the University of Utah Medical Center just being erected. After graduation, he was given a special assignment as the architectural inspector on the new Kennecott Building. Other building projects include the Dee Events Center and the City Center Block. He also had the opportunity to work on many temple projects. The last project he worked on before retiring was the Brigham Apartments.
During his career, he held many positions including director of the Utah Heritage Foundation, and because of this you can find him mentioned in the Utah History Encyclopedia. \" He was also the Preservation Architect for the state of Utah.\" Gary was project coordinator for University of Utah Campus Planning and chairman of the State White House Committee on aging.
He served in many church callings including financial clerk for Joseph B. Wirthlin who later became a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. Gary was also a Home Teacher to another apostle, Mark E. Peterson. Gary served as an Executive Secretary and Counselor to Bishop Eugene Hansen.Gary was later called to the High Council by Francis Gibbons who was secretary to the First Presidency. During this time he was given many responsibilities, among them were Stake Physical Facilities Representative, The Lamanite Program, and the Stake Farm where he was affectionately known as \"the Czar of the stake farm.\" Gary also servedon the International Fellowship Committee for the University of Utah helping foreign students adjust to their life in the United States, but mostly just being a friend. Gary was a Ward Mission Leader in 4 different wards. In addition to his service in the South African mission, he served with his wife in The Inner City mission, and as a mentor at the Humanitarian Center. Missionary work was his greatest passion, and no one who met him could escape without receiving a pass-a-long card. Gary was also able to take a number of wonderful trips with his wife including a return to Africa.
Gary is survived by his wife Audrey, 5 children, 16 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and sisters Sally Forbes (Richard) and Karen Moss (Buzz).
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the dedicated nurses and doctors at the VA hospital who gave such exceptional care to Gary during this difficult time.
A funeral service will be held on Sat., Sept. 30, 2017 at 12:30 pm at the Cottonwood 4th ward, 5565 S. Neighbor Lane (1610 E.), Holladay Utah. A visitation will be held on Friday from 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., SLC and on Saturday from 11-12 pm prior to the service at the ward.
