Robert W Forward

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Malcolm and Mildred Forward on June 7, 1930. Robert graduated from Fairmont High School in Dayton, OH. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from General Motors Institute in 1952 where he was president of the Phi Tau Alpha Fraternity. In 1963, he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Xavier University.

Robert worked 35 years as an industrial engineer for the Inland Division of General Motors in Dayton, Ohio until his retirement in 1987. For most of his career, he worked interior trim, instrument panels and airbags. He had seventeen patents issued in his name. Much later, he was the Coordinator of International Engineers. Inland was unique as the people were very entrepreneurial, all people were valued and the work was inventive, interesting and challenging.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Ruth Forward; daughter Susan (Phil Brummel), son Douglas (Susan) and daughter Nancy; grandchildren Kathryn Gratza, Amanda Kunish, Michael Forward, Nathan Forward, Nicholas Forward, Adam Brummel, Kristen Roder and Dan Brummel; great granddaughters Reagan, Halle, Nora and Alexandra; seven nephews and nieces and their families. He is preceded in death by his older brother Richard.

Bob had a “We can do it!” attitude about everything in his life. He was very positive and only saw the great possibilities in life. He was always busy, always on the go and involved in projects. Bob was known for his dry sense of humor.

Bob was a natural athlete, playing basketball and football and competing in the high jump and pole vault in high school and college. He was involved in Inland sponsored sports and played golf throughout his life. He was especially proud of his two holes in one and his club championship. Bob was an accomplished woodworker, builder and gardener. He helped build his parents’ home and his family home. He had an incalculable number of woodworking projects, including furniture and a sailboat.

A wonderful husband and family man, Bob enlisted his children to help with the many home improvement projects. His children cherish this time with him. Bob and his wife were always active. They square danced and golfed together. They travelled together extensively; including sailing trips, cruises, touring and a walking tour. Bob had many life-long friends from work, church, family and golf. He enjoyed all of the time he spent with them, working, travelling and socializing. Bob also had many hands-on real estate ventures, some of which are remembered fondly as they were with friends. He also greatly valued the time he had with all of his grandchildren.

Robert tirelessly volunteered at the Normandy United Methodist Church in Centerville, Ohio and at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda, FL. At Normandy, he was the Sunday School Superintendent, worked with the annual Fish Fry fundraising event, activities, woodworking projects as needed and, along with Betty, readied a house for church sponsored refugees. He and Betty were members of the Beta Group of Normandy Church, a fellowship group, since 1965. At Burnt Store, he had several woodworking projects, organized concert parking and the trunk or treat community outreach event, and worked extensively with maintaining and enhancing the Memory Garden.

In his late forties, Bob and Betty and a group of Beta Group couples began riding bicycles. They trained and conditioned; Bob said “Let’s Go,” and off they went to Nova Scotia for their first trip. For ten plus years, they took a lengthy trip each summer with many trips to Europe. They assembled their bikes at the arrival airport and rode out with only what was on their bikes. The amount of miles they rode each day largely depended on the pubs they encountered along the way. These trips are among Bob’s most favorite memories.

Bob is well loved and will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church on May 10 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at the church memory garden.

Memorial donations may be made to Burnt Store Presbyterian Church or Wounded Warriors.