Wm Forrest Jennings

Born in Hazel Park, MI, Forrest graduated from Hazel Park High School and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977 as part of the 1966 State Champion Cross Country Team and as the 1966 Individual State Cross Country Champion. A graduate of Michigan State University, he taught high school math for more than 30 years in Utica Community Schools at Henry Ford II High School where he was also the cross-country coach. Forrest retired from teaching in 2006. He also spent 30 years in the money room at Michigan Race Tracks, where he was the fastest counter around, a job he started as a teenager working with his Dad.

Forrest met the love of his life Patricia in college, whom he married in 1972 and together they built a family filled with love, bad dad jokes, support whenever needed, and a place to always call home. Forrest found joy and happiness when surrounded by his family. He supported his children through the years by cheering on Owen at a race, listening to Alison sing karaoke, or driving U-Haul’s for both of them as they moved across the country. He also loved sharing the magic of Disney with grandchildren, Thea and Mason, making memories with them that will last a lifetime. He and Pat loved to travel, and together they have cruised the Caribbean seas, driven the winding roads of Ireland, hiked the National Parks, and relaxed on countless beaches.

Forrest had a vibrant personality, a brain made for trivia, and a loving and loyal heart for his family and friends. With a unique sense of style, he loved his lululemon pants and pastel shirts, and regularly found hats he was sure his wife, daughter or granddaughter would love. Forrest enjoyed watching all the Big Ten sports, NCIS and Blue Bloods (even the re-runs!). In retirement, he became an amateur lawnmower driver, expert garlic grower, and excellent Diet Coke-finder. Forrest was the family Disney tour guide, loving the performances at Animal Kingdom, the fish and chips at Epcot, and the fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom. He had a particular fondness for two types of pies, hot and cold, and never met a cookie he didn’t like.

Forrest was a deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, educator and friend. Forrest is survived by his wife Patricia, children Owen (m. Andrea) and Alison; grandchildren Thea and Mason Jennings; granddog Devaney Jennings; sisters Doreen Hearl and Sallie Mark; and so many nieces and nephews. He will be joining his parents, older sisters and younger brothers who preceded him in death.

Forrest believed in the power of memories that will last forever. We look forward to hearing memories from family and friends as we celebrate his life on Saturday, April 20th. The Celebration of Life will be held at Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester, MI starting at 12 noon, with the service starting at 1:30pm, a dessert reception to follow. To honor Forrest, we encourage you to wear your favorite pastel or color that brings you joy to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Purple Strides to continue funding research and support for those impacted by Pancreatic Cancer. (http://support.pancan.org/goto/RUNFORRESTRUN).