Always with prayerful thoughts Dickie!  Rest in Peace!

Thinking of Ric on this day and sending love and hugs to his family and friends.   

My name is Rudy Villarreal. I am the son of Ernest and Delores of San Antonio, TX. I came a cross some old photos that i thought you would like them. I would be happy to mail them to you as they are in very good condition. My Mother and father are well. Dad has decided to retire this year -HA! Mom will turn 90 in December.

They were friends of Ric &Chula in the 60s. He was bigger than a cowboy to me. To me as a small boy he was very kind.


Al Mejor amigo, al mejor instructor, al mejor desprendido y apasionado Capitan( de la MAQUINA.( como el nos decia).

Siempre llevaremos tu legajo y enseñanza cada dia que remontamos vuelo.

Gracias por permitirnos compartir tus enseñanzas y enriquecedoras experiencias de tu vida.

Chula” … Ricardo siempre nos hablo de ti con muchísimo amor y con sentimientos profundos,  y de momentos conmovedoras de su vida.

Nuestras Oraciones siempre estarán en ti
Rick. .
Esperamos todos en algún momento esta juntos nuevamente celebrando Dios Mediante. Saludos DONRA.

I had the privilege to meet Rick when he was my Flight Instructor at the Bell Helicopters Flight Academy. 

My memories of him are of a gentleman, great instructor, and a marvelous human being. 

I am sure He is in a better place now and for all of us who had the gift of his friendship will cherish his memory forever. 

My condolences to all his family.

Jaime Fabrega
From Panama, Republic of Panama


What a shame to hear about Ric's Passing. He was a great friend, my best helicopter instructor and great mentor.  My sincere condolences to Chula, Tracey and family. A big hug for everyone from Panama.

Please accept our deepest sympathies. Any person that spent time with Ric is better for it.

Ric…I’m gonna miss you my friend! 

Randy and Samantha Rowles, and all of the Helicopter Institute family.



Dickie was a special friend and classmate, My love and condolences to the Forns Family!

I was saddened to learn of Ric's passing. We were both pilots for Bell but worked in different departments. The times we spent together were mostly good. 

The only exception was Saturday, June 5th, 1993. Ric and I had been running around  Europe demonstrating a souped up Huey that Bell Marketing called the Huey II. We departed Spain in time to arrive in Paris for the Paris Air Show. It was all good until we flew our last leg from Le Mans to Toussus Le Noble  airport near Paris. That is where the local French police decided to drop a net over us and detain us for illegally bringing a foreign military aircraft into France.

The interrogation was a hoot. The police didn't speak English and we didn't speak French. There was a Vietnamese tower operator present, Ric thought he was probably VC, who could speak Spanish and French.  Just imagine how the questions and answers went thru the various translations. We knew we were legal, the aircraft was registered with the FAA as a commercial aircraft, but this wasn't the kind of thing we were going to explain to these vigilant cops at the airport.

Ric took one for the team. We had no luck reaching any Bell management folks by phone so Ric agreed to be detained as a hostage and continue discussions while I went by taxi to the Bell hotel to seek legal help. That was a good move because Ric is much more patient and polite than I am. Fortunately it all got sorted out by the company lawyer and Ric was released in a few hours.  The next day we spent all day Sunday exploring Paris. Ric was a great traveling companion and a fun guy to be around.

We're all going to miss you Ric.

Glenda and I were sadden to hear of Ric,s passing. He was a good friend and great Flight Instructor. Wonderful whit and humor and a joy to be around. 





I am saddened to learn that the Eagle Pass High School class of 1961 has lost another classmate.  Dickie came to our school from his home town of Rosita, Mexico where his father was employed. I remember joining Dickie on several trips to his home in Rosita where I was delighted to learn that teen-agers had no problem buying beer. Dickie had a friendly outgoing personality and he was very popular and he was a good friend. He was also a good athlete with cat-like reflexes. I am not surprised that he became an outstanding aviator.  He was also a Patriot who served his country with great distinction. Safe Landings, my Friend. 

Dear  and Tracy,
I was so sorry to hear of Ric's passing.  We had many good times hunting at the Branscome Ranch and the many times we flew together.  He sure will be missed by his family and his many friends.   

Chula and Tracey,  I am so sorry Ric is not physically here anymore but I know he is happy in Heaven already.  Ric became a very good friend in 1991 as a fellow pilot at Bell Helicopter.  I learned a lot from Ric about being a civilian pilot and instructor, and enjoyed his good humor especially while he and I shared a tiny office at the Training Academy.  He joined Gay and me for lunches and dinners with mutual friends many times.  He even attended the high school graduation of our son, a wonderful gesture.    Even after I left Bell he made a point to meet up when he visited here in San Diego, a mark of his character and true friendship.   I miss Ric of course but I'll fondly remember the very good times I had with a true friend.  God Bless You, Ric.


Chula and Tracey we are so sorry to learn of Ric’s passing. Jane and I shared many good times with Ric during our years at Bell.  Please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss. 
Rest In Peace my friend.

I was shocked to hear of Ric’s passing. I enjoyed working with Ric for 22 years at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy. He was a great friend and a great professional ground & flight  instructor. 
He will be remembered & missed!
I know he’s in Heaven now enjoying his eternal reward!

I was sadden to hear of the passing of my friend and classmate Richard.  We had some great times in high school and have great memories of my friend. My most heartfelt condolences to the family. I will keep him in my prayers. May you rest in eternal peace amigo. 

It is with great sadness that Vicki and I learned of Ric's passing and wish Chula and the rest of his family our heartfelt condolences during this time of grief.  I have many great shared memories with him from Esfahan to the Bell Training Academy.  We will certainly miss him and his comradery.  

Chula and Tracey I am so sorry to hear of Ric’s passing. We had so many great memories together beginning in Esfahan. In the same flight for a long time there. Then the Houston helicopter world and on up to Bell. Lots of great times there together and so many common experiences. It was a long time friendship and we shared so many events. 
Such a privilege to have had you for a friend.
May You Rest In Peace 
A Wayne 

OBITUARY

Richard Juvé Forns

19 June, 1943 – 16 November, 2021

Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery

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