Forrest Honderich

Published 12:00 am Sunday, July 26, 2009

GREEN VALLEY, Ariz. — A memorial service of celebration and thanksgiving for Forrest Irvin Honderich, 93, who died peacefully Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at Chandler Regional Medical Center in Chandler, Ariz., surrounded by his family, will be Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at Valley Presbyterian in Green Valley, Ariz.
Forrest was a long-time resident of Natchez where he worked as architect, contractor and then several years as building inspector for the city.
A decorated naval officer and veteran of World War II, he was unabashedly proud to be an American and energetically supported a multitude of veteran organizations and initiatives. He was an active member of Kiwanis and Jefferson Street United Methodist Church. He was an enthusiastic promoter of healthy fun for young people and was instrumental in bringing the YMCA to Natchez as well as the Soap Box Derby for young competitors. Forrest loved sailing and was a charter member of the Delta Yacht Club on Lake St. John.
Forrest grew up in Detroit, where he was a star basketball player and Eagle Scout. An architectural engineering graduate of the University of Illinois, he followed his dad, Irvin Honderich, who graduated in electrical engineering there. His brother, Gene Honderich, graduated from Illinois in civil engineering, and his son, Terry, an industrial engineer, became a third generation graduate of University of Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Lillian Honderich; and his only brother, Gene.
Passionate about his family, Forrest is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Inez; one daughter, Sharon Kohl and husband, Andy, of Argyle, Texas; one son, Terry Honderich and wife, Rafaella, of Naples, Italy; one grandson, Pavlos Honderich and wife, Karen, of Madison, Ala.; one granddaughter, Eleni Marie Honderich of Madison; four stepchildren, Maridee Gage, John Clark, Steve Clark and Diane Money; 12 step-grandchildren; 10 step-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Helen of Green Valley; one nephew, Tom Honderich of Indianapolis, Ind.; and one 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.
Contributions in his name may be made to the healing ministry at 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.