Randy Walter Forrest

Randy Forrest, 72 years old, passed away Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Yampa Valley Medical Center, Steamboat Springs, CO. He was born in Denver and graduated from Golden High School. He then entered the Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War.

While in CA exiting the Marine Corp, he met and married his soulmate, Drenda in 1970. They had 2 wonderful kids: Jennifer and Andy. His love for family, ranching and police work brought him back to Colorado in the early 70’s.

While raising his kids, he spent much of his time hauling them to countless 4H events, rodeos, and gymkhanas, as this was always a family event. He donated his time to help at the rodeos and spent many hours on the rodeo boards where he made numerous lifelong friends.

His career spanned jobs such as Animal Control Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Under Sheriff, Town Marshall, Code Enforcement Officer, County Road & Bridge Foreman, and Rancher. In retirement with Drenda, they ran Buford Lodge Resort for a couple of years working for their dear friends (The Tuckers). They then moved to the Buford area and continued to work at Buford Lodge Resort about 9 years ago. Randy also helped with the White River Community Association. These have been very happy years and they have made so many wonderful friends. Randy’s favorite view was sitting on his front porch overlooking Buford and the White River watching the wildlife through the seasons.

Randy has 2 loving brothers: Bret and Kirk. They were very dear to him and were not only his brothers, but his best friends who shared milestones and adventures with him. Randy has a large extended family that were always there for each other.

Randy loved God, family, friends, hunting, horses, his dogs, raising livestock, fishing, and life. Randy always had a positive word and a bear hug for his family and friends, and never truly knew a stranger. He will be missed!

Randy is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Drenda Forrest, his children: Andy Forrest (wife, Christine Forrest), and Jennifer Shook (husband, Nick Shook), his brothers Bret Beard (wife Lorna Beard), Kirk Beard (wife Reyna Beard), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, All of whom he greatly loved and cherished.

Till we meet again – “Get’er done, Partner!”

His family is having an informal Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 3rd, 1:00 at Buford Lodge Resort.