Forrest K. Werner
June 24, 1992 - March 10, 2015
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Forrest K. Werner
June 24, 1992 - March 10, 2015
Obituary
Forrest Kingsbury Werner IV
Forrest Kingsbury Werner IV was born June 24, 1992, and died on March 10, 2015. Born and raised in San Juan Capistrano, Forrest heard the call of the nearby ocean at an early age. His love of the water became a theme in his life. Whether he was boating, surfing or competing in high school water polo or swimming, he was at peace around the water. When it came time to think of college and a major, he headed to Sonoma State University to earn a degree in Environmental Studies with an Emphasis in Water Quality.
Forrest was a dedicated Orange County Life Guard, progressing from being a Junior Life Guard to a supervisor of the OCJG program. He was named Junior Life Guard Instructor of the Year in 2014. He graduated from Capistrano Valley High School in 2010, where he was co-captain of the water polo team. During that time he traveled with the team to Hungary and Hawaii. Forrest graduated from Sonoma State University, summa cum laude, in 2014, where he was an active triathlete and served as president of the Triathlon Club.
He was a dedicated reader and particularly enjoyed fantasy fiction. One of the highlights of his past summer was attending Comic-Con in San Diego.
A consummate athlete, Forrest earned a Second Degree Black Belt in Karate, and has always been dedicated to physical fitness. He was strong and often quiet, a deep thinker, a hard worker and talented in more ways than he would ever admit.
Forrest is survived by his father Forrest Werner III, mother Tracy Vranicar Werner, sisters Whitney and Haley, and brother Hayden. He is also survived by his grandparents, Forrest Jr. and Jane Werner, and Pat and Frank Vranicar, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins – all of whom love him dearly.
A paddle out in Forrest’s honor will take place Sunday, March 15 at 5:30 p.m. at Strands Beach in Dana Point. Meet at the north end of the beach.
A funeral Mass will take place on Monday, March 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano. A reception will follow at El Adobe Restaurant, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Donations in honor of Forrest may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Orange County (NAMI) at http://www.namioc.org/memorials (Forrest’s memorial page will be set up soon) or to a scholarship fund that has been established for the Orange County Junior Lifeguard program.
40 responses to Forrest K. Werner
Ben Bandettini says:
March 16, 2015
Lit a candle in memory of Forrest K. Werner
Ben Bandettini says:
March 16, 2015
As an OCJG Assistant for Forrest, I was blown away at how well he could not only handle the kids, but teach them and do it well. He inspired me not only in the water, but out as well and taught me some key virtues I will never forget. One day during Junior Guards, the swell was really high and all of the kids in our group wanted to go out in the water. Forrest felt it was unsafe and did not allow the kids to go in the water. By doing this I feel he averted several disasters and instead we played land games which still kept the group happy and preoccupied. I will try to pass his lessons on through me as I’m helping kids in junior guards or in my every day life. Thank you, Forrest for making a meaningful difference in my life.
– Ben Bandettini
Connor Riley says:
March 16, 2015
Forrest was my instructor at junior guards multiple times and he showed me how to handle myself in the ocean and to not be afraid even in the most daunting conditions. I was always amazed every single summer when he would dive all the way to the bottom at the Death Star bouy and grab sand. Forrest was the first person who inspired me to want to become a lifeguard and when I do he will always be in my mind. Thank you Forrest
Dawn-Marie Aleson says:
March 16, 2015
Forrest, Jane and Family – I am so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you all during this impossible time. Dawn-Marie
Deanna Coblish says:
March 16, 2015
Lit a candle in memory of Forrest K. Werner