David Steven Fornes

David Steven Fornes was born on April 20, 1945 in Fargo, North Dakota, to Monroe Fairfield Fornes and Catherine Anne Timmerman. He was number 6 of 9 children growing up on the family farm in Amenia, North Dakota. There, David developed a love of John Deere tractors, trains and animals. In his teenage years, he discovered his passion for cars and music. He graduated in 1963, and then joined the United States Air Force. David served our country for 4 years, becoming a weapons technician and learning electrical. He would carry on these skills into his years as an automotive technician. After leaving the Air Force, he moved to Rosemead, California, with his sister Karen.

While working at a Chevrolet dealership, he met his soon to be wife, Betty. They were married September 26, 1969. They had two daughters, Jessica and Davina. Together, they would live in Van Nuys. California, for many years. David at that time, he worked at Hill Crest Cadillac in Beverly Hill, California. There he would become a Cadillac Master Technician. In the late 70's Dave would open his own automotive repair shop in Reseda, California, specializing in electrical and air conditioning; where he was always listening to his "oldies" on K-earth 101. David also become a member of the model train club, at Travel Town train museum in Griffith Park.

David and his family would then move to Hemet, California, in the late 80's, where he would open a new shop, GMAC (General Motors Auto Care). He would specialize in Cadillacs, Chevrolets and all GM vehicles. David would become a member of the local model train club for a few years. He would also volunteer at the Orange Empire Railway Museum, (now known as the Southern California Railway museum), laying train tracks to help expand the park. At some point, Dave would trade in his model trains, to get a Harley Davidson. He became a member of the local ABATE club. They would go on many rides, including a trip or two to Sturgis, South Dakota. In the late 90's, they would close the shop and move to Las Vegas, Nevada. Dave would work at Cadillac of Las Vegas, where he would continue as a Cadillac master technician and an ASE master technician, until he retired. He and Betty would continue to ride Harleys. David’s love of Cadillac's would lead him to become a member of the Cadillac Le Selle club. They attended, and helped host a number of Cadillac car shows, including the Cadillac Grand Nationals when hosted in Las Vegas.

David loved his family very much. He was always helping Betty with various gardening projects; many, many quilts, that were made; and other art projects that Betty would have. He was very involved with his daughters, as well. Instilling in them a love of classic cars, with the many trips to the Pomona Swap meet to find parts. David would also help out with their cheerleading group, and they were members of the FFA. One year, he drove to North Dakota, to pick up 4 project steers. David was very close with his grandchildren, teaching them to love playing drums, attending football games, and cruising out into the desert with the go-cart.

The CARS....Dave always had multiple vehicles over his life. The blue 1956 Ford pickup that had a Cadillac motor in it. The red 1957 Chevy pick-up truck with the 6 pack 327 motor in it, so fast you would hit your head on the back window when he shifted gears. The Taco wagon. Many Cadillacs including the 1970 Eldorado with a 500 cubic inch motor. Several different motorcycles ranging from dirt bikes to the Harley Davidson Heritage. Plus, many other vehicles, including a Jeep Cherokee and a little pop up trailer for camping.

David was one of a kind. He was a kind, funny and hardworking man. He shared his love for cars with many people his lifetime. Teaching those who are willing to learn. He had an excellent sense of humor: telling a joke or showing you he could roll his belly. He was very much a family man. He loved them all and is loved by all. He would always be there to help when it was needed. He had a great life full of many adventures. A great smile and fantastic hugs. He will be missed by us all.

A Memorial service for David will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Miller Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585.