Gary Forcum

A Life Well Lived

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Chester Forcum on February 5th, 2025, in Indio, California at the age of 79. Born in Washington to Chester and Christine Forcum. Growing up in a close-knit family, Gary exhibited a passion for learning and a curiosity about the world around him from a young age. He attended Sumner High school and graduated in 1963. After high school Gary joined the Army and served his country proudly for 3 years. Upon his departure from the military Gary attended the University of Washington where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a Major in Accounting.

After graduation Gary worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 6 years until he purchased Independent Distributors Inc. in Aberdeen, Washington. He later purchased Pettit Oil Company, which he sold in 1999 and retired.

While living in Aberdeen he was a member of the Rotary Club, President of the Grays Harbor Lions Club, President of the Grays Harbor Economic Development Council, President of Grays Habor Country Club and Vice President of the Washington Oil Marketers Association.

In retirement Gary served as a board member and later Chairman of the Board for the Bank of Pacific for 18 years, as well as Board President at Rancho Casa Blanca RV Resort & Country Club for 3 years.

In retirement he loved to travel, golf, ride his Harley, attend car shows, read and spend time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Christine Forcum; siblings Eloise Nichols, Bonnie Riley (Bud) and Bill Forcum, in-laws Virginia Reinhard and Tony Reinhard. He is survived by his wife Kathy Forcum, children: Nancy Krantz (Tony), Brian Forcum (Emma), Gina Tysdal (Brad), as well as Rheannon Burns (J.R.) and Aaron Burns (Melanie), 6 grandchildren, Mason, Mattie, Charlie, Mathew, Miles, Nora and his sisters Mary Forcum and Darla Jones (Jack), in-laws Linda Forcum, Don Reinhard, father in-law Ernie Reinhard and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at noon March 15th, 2025, at Rancho Casa Blanca Club House #2, Indio, California. Friends and family are invited to gather and share their memories of Gary, honoring the incredible life he lived and the indelible mark he left on the world. No flowers.