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
Jennifer Blount says:
March 16, 2015
Dear Forrest and Tracy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am familiar with mental illness and deep, deep sorrow that even our friends are not able to diminish. This is something that the people blessed with chemical and mental balances are not able to grasp. Whether situational or ongoing, Forrest’s struggle to remain here on Earth was real for him and he will be so sorely missed. What may eventually give peace is the fact that you gave him life and he gave you and all who knew him gifts beyond measure. As would be normal as a parent who loses a child, you may question all that you did and did not do. Not only will that not help, but it is surely not what he would want. This was his struggle and he is truly at peace. What I pray for you is some semblance of peace throughout each day. Day by day …
With much love and sorrow,
Jennifer Blount
Josh Patton says:
March 16, 2015
Prayers and condolences to the Werner family.
Yvette Jolly says:
March 16, 2015
Beautiful….Beautiful….Beautiful….Boy…………… While we did not know Forrest IV but only as a very young 5 year old….We feel the love, kindness, knowledge, and joy he gave to others. What a brilliant young man who to touch so many lives. Our heart felt condolences to his family. His memory is one that will forever remain in our hearts.
Cameron, Yvette, Alex and Camille Jolly
Brent Reed says:
March 17, 2015
Forrest was a force of nature FOR nature. Thank you Forrest for all of your hard work, team spirit, and infectiously awesome attitude while you interned with us at the Laguna Foundation. Thanks to your hard work, there are many trees growing to carry on your legacy. May peace be with all of your family and friends.
Christie says:
March 17, 2015
Forrest was very special to Sam during OCJG’s. He LOVED him; described him as “A cool guy.” Our hearts are breaking for your loss. We are all praying for all of you.
Love you, The Hougans