Clyde C. Forsgren

Clyde C. Forsgren passed away on June 18, 2016 at the age of 97. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Clyde was born on November 14, 1918 to the union of Leonidus A. Forsgren and Bessie May Burden Forsgren in Bothwell, Utah. Clyde grew up on the family farm along with his six brothers and two sisters. In addition to working on the family farm, Clyde worked for other local farmers, and herded sheep in the winter months to help provide for the family. In his late teens Clyde left home looking for work. He picked cotton in Texas, and later secured a job on a dude ranch for room and board and little pay.

In January of 1941 Clyde enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a motorcycle scout with a tank battalion and later worked on the B-17 and B-29 bombers. Clyde served his country with pride and was honorably discharged from his military service in November 1945.

After his military service Clyde took advantage of the G.I. bill and traveled to Chicago where he received training as a welder and automotive body and repairman. Upon completion of his training he moved to Colby, Kansas where he and an army buddy (George Tubbs) started an automotive repair business.

In 1954 Clyde married Cora Leigh Vette in Levant, Kansas. After the birth of a son (Scott) in 1955, Clyde moved his young family to Grand Junction, Colorado where he purchased a small farm. Over the next few years they added two daughters (Deborah and Terrie) to their family. Clyde and Cora Leigh divorced and Clyde became a single father to the children. He remained on his farm for the next 61 years.

Shortly after coming to Grand Junction, Clyde took a job as a U.S. postal carrier. He worked for the postal service for 26 years and retired in 1982.

In 1973 he married Janet L. Downs. He started a new chapter in his life with a blended family and helped raise three step daughters (Lisa, Terri, and Kristie).

After retirement Clyde worked a few odd jobs, and dedicated more time to his farm, and helping friends and neighbors in any way he could. During this time Clyde also built a new home on the farm for his and Janet’s retirement. Janet passed away on January 31, 2013.

Clyde was a lifelong dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in many capacities and looked for opportunities to help others.

Clyde is preceded in death by Janet his wife of forty years, six brothers, and one sister. He is survived by a sister Grace Nelson, one son, Scott (Karen), two daughters, Debbie Pummell, and Terrie (Kenny) Heinecke, all live in Grand Junction. Three step daughters, Lisa (Mike) Low Holiday, Utah, Terrie Shepardson, and Martin Lewis Grand Junction, and Kristy Downs Santa Fe, New Mexico. Clyde is also survived by eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Memorial contributions can be made to the LDS Humanitarian Services, and HopeWest Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado.

Services will be held on Monday, June 27, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2949 Highway 50, Orchard Mesa. A viewing will be held at 9:30 A.M., with services beginning at 10:30 A.M.

A military service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1:00 P.M.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Mortuary, Grand Junction, CO.