Ralph Vincent Forrette passed away on August 1, 2018 at home with his family by his side. Ralph was a loving husband, father, brother and grandpa. He loved his family with his whole heart. He is survived by his devoted, loving wife, Chloie. His five children, Ron Forrette, Carol (Jerry) Shaug, Michael (Jackie) Forrette, Jill (Frank) Mora, Sheryl (Patrick) Mandas. His grandchildren, Ryan (Amy) Shaug, Amanda (James) Hill, Matthew (Rashell) Shaug, Jenna (Michael) Locke, Melissa Forrette, Rebecca Mora, Samantha Mora, Emily Mora. Great grandchildren, Luke, Harrison, Ezra, Grayson and Rose. Siblings, Carolyn Nygard, Ellen Kent, Gary Forrette, JoAnn Neto, Gene Forrette, Loretta Cook, Julie Forrette, Claire Forrette, and Marlis Santos. Pre-deceased by his parents, Vincent and Catherine Forrette. Ralph had fond memories of growing up in Turlock in the 1940’s and 50’s. He graduated from Turlock High School in 1958 and stayed in touch with many of his classmates throughout the years. His love for the mountains began when right out of high school, at 19 years old, he began working for Pickering Lumber Company living in a logging camp at Soap Creek and being the “kid” in a group full of “old timer” logging men. He and Chloie raised their five children in Turlock, while working as a serviceman for PG&E for 35 years. Early retirement due to illness didn’t mean sitting idle. He always had a garden to tend to and a project in the woodshop. We will all cherish the beautiful wood works of art he crafted. We learned from an early age that Dad would never waste a day and always said what are we going to accomplish today? He played a mean game of cribbage. Always telling us “play to win”. But losing was just as fun with him. He was a devoted Catholic who read the scriptures daily always saying how much he loved and depended on his faith. He loved the mountains, the smell of the pine, the sound of the wind in trees, and the rush of the river. He just loved life and every day that he woke up he said was a blessing. He will be missed beyond measure. Dad always loved a good obituary. One that spoke of a life well lived, and he did. He lived it whole heartedly with love and compassion and whole lot of laughter and joy. Per his request I won’t “make this too long, or say what a great and holy man you were. You only tried your best.” I did the best I could with the tools I had. There it is Dad, just like you asked. Visitation will be at the Lakewood Heritage Chapel at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson on Monday August 6th from 4PM – 8PM with recitation of the rosary to begin at 6PM. Catholic mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 7820 Fox Road, Hughson at 10AM on Tuesday, August 7th. Private burial to follow. A reception will be held at Larsa Hall, 2107 East Monte Vista, Denair from 11:30AM – 3:30PM.
