HONDERICH, FORREST IRVIN

Green Valley News & Sun (AZ) - Saturday, July 25, 2009 Deceased Name: FORREST IRVIN HONDERICH 1916 - 2009 Forrest I. Honderich, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2009, at Chandler Regional Medical Center in Chandler, surrounded by his family. Forrest was a 14-year resident of Green Valley, where he moved in retirement in 1989. He then lived four years in Tucson at The Fountains before moving to Chandler. Forrest was a member of Valley Presbyterian Church in Green Valley and was active in his bowling league. He enjoyed model trains and creating model cities to go with them. He also enjoyed golf and trying to grow the perfect tomato. And he never stopped inventing nifty, useful tools to help with the activities of daily living. Originally from Detroit, Mich., where he was a star basketball player and Eagle Scout, Forrest graduated from the University of Illinois in architectural engineering, was a decorated naval officer during WWII, and lived 40 years in Natchez, Miss., active in his church, YMCA, and Kiwanis. He was also an avid sailor and charter member of the local yacht club. Passionate about his family, Forrest is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Inez, of Chandler; his daughter and her husband, Sharon and Andy Kohl of Argyle, Texas; his son and his wife, Terry and Rafaella Honderich of Naples, Italy; grandson and wife, Pavlos and Karen Honderich, Madison, Ala.; granddaughter Eleni Marie Honderich, Madison, Ala.; step-children Maridee Gage, John Clark, Steve Clark, and Diane Money; 12 step-grandchildren and 10 step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Irvin and Lillian Honderich; and by his only brother Gene Honderich, Forrest is additionally survived by his sister-in-law Helen of Green Valley; his nephew Tom Honderich of Indianapolis, Ind.; and his niece Pat Chasteen of Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich. Up until the day he went into the hospital suffering from respiratory failure, he was still painting his remarkable and vibrant watercolors which expressed his true joy of living. A memorial service of celebration and thanksgiving will be held on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at Valley Presbyterian in Green Valley. Contributions in his name can be made to the healing ministry of Chandler Regional Medical Center, 475 South Dobson Road, Chandler, AZ 85224 or to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 3333 North Central Ave., Suite 1055, Phoenix, AZ 85012.