Jerry M. Forrester

Jerry M. Forrester born May 25, 1941, died on May 30, 2023. He had been in Hospice care at Alpine Way. His favorite Scottish pipes were playing in the background as he gently slipped away. He was proud of his Scottish heritage. As a young man in Canada he served in Princess Mary's Scottish Regiment.

Jerry was an Inspector and Adjudicator for Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, working out of Tacoma in Pierce County. He was a past Battalion Chief for Lake Bay Fire Department and was integral in its formation. He won many awards including the Carnegie Hero Award for saving a man's life who was dying from electrical shock.

Jerry loved dogs, children, fishing and telling very bad jokes – International trucks, all types of tractors and heavy equipment, and garage sales. He was known in his hometown of Vaughn as a man who could spend hours at an antique tractor show, or a hardware store, and be entertained by both. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Del Burnett, and James 'Jim' Swindall. He had several nephews and nieces, many of whom were not true relations, but all called him Uncle Jerry.

Sometimes in death old secrets are revealed. So it is I learned of Dustin and his brother, Bill. Jerry was their surrogate father. The boys grew up calling him Dad. Jerry had a long-standing friendship with their mother. I found letters she had written to him over the years, touching and tender. Jerry, you were always full of surprises.

But, most of all, you were loved. Rest in peace.

- your sister, Jane Preppernau