Karl Forman Weber

Karl Forman Weber

February 18, 1930 - February 25, 2016

Karl Forman Weber

February 18, 1930 - February 25, 2016

Obituary

Karl Forman Weber passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the age of 86 surrounded by his family.

Karl was born in Los Angeles on February 18, 1930. He was one of five children belonging to parents Karl A. Weber and Mary Noyes. He went to Loyola High School and Loyola College, both in Los Angeles. He then went on to serve two years in the U.S. Army. He married his loving wife Tina Anderson on November 21, 1981, to whom he has been married for 34 years. Karl was married to first wife, Mary (Bunny) Hunter, for 25 years.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Karl went to work for his father and uncle at Weber Showcase and Fixture Company. As the company grew, new divisions were added, such as Weber Refrigeration and Weber Aircraft, and Karl became president of the company. Weber Showcase and Fixture Company was sold in the mid-1960s, which gave Karl the opportunity to create something new. In the late 1960’s, Karl created an all-steel merchandising panel in his garage. He went on to found Uniweb, Incorporated, in 1970, which has grown exponentially over the last 5 decades, and is currently based in Corona, California. He personally held four patents relating to his invention. He was also one of the founders of Aerochem, Inc., in Orange, which chemically milled metal for the aircraft and aerospace industries, and were instrumental in reducing the weight for the Space Shuttle project.

In addition to his inventions and business at Uniweb and Aerochem, his entrepreneurial spirit drove him in a second direction, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. There, he became a partner in the ownership of Lost Creek Ranch, where he spent summers riding horses, fishing, and hiking. His love of business blended with his love of the outdoors during this time, and Lost Creek Ranch became a successful dude ranch, where guests could experience the Wild West. In 1987, Karl and his wife, Tina, came across a very unique property in the Jackson Hole Valley along the Gros Ventre River, where they founded the Gros Ventre River Ranch. To this day, the beauty and success of the ranch has given Karl much pleasure.

Some of his hobbies included duck hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and tennis. He also had a love for cars. He raced in the Baja 500 with his brother many times, and he had an antique car collection that he was very proud of. To his family and friends, he was famous for his story-telling and countless “Karl-isms.” All his life, he was an avid reader and card player; he especially enjoyed when he got to “Shoot the Moon” in a game of Hearts.

Karl is survived by his wife, Tina; his children, Randy Weber, Cindy Davidson and her husband Tom, Paul Weber, Mary Brint and her husband Andy, Terry Weber, Tim Weber, Jason Scott and his wife Alicia, and Tori McGough and her husband Sean; his grandchildren, Chase Dicey, Jessica Spalding, Kyle Spalding, Nicki Davidson, Birch Weber, Owen Weber, Megan Brint, Halie McGough, Adam Scott, Brooke McGough, Braidyn McGough, Taylor Scott, and Sierra Scott; and lastly, his great-grandchild, Calvin Dicey. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Weber Novak, Nick Weber and his wife Patty, and Katrina Weber. He is predeceased by his sister, Anne Weber Porteous.

Services will be held at the Sacred Heart Chapel at Loyola Marymount University on April 2, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s of Orange County or your favorite charity within Karl’s favorite foundation, Old Bill’s Matching Fund of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

“Make more good mistakes than bad, try to make the world a little better, and enjoy yourself along the way.” ~Karl Weber

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16 responses to Karl Forman Weber

  1. The Hathaway and Bortree families are so saddened to hear of Karl’s passing. We’re grateful to have shared in the special magic Karl created at Gros Ventre River Ranch over the past 20 years. We especially enjoyed his company at the Wednesday night cookouts! We send our love and condolences to all of the GVRR family and wish Karl happy trails until we meet again. Norma, Lynne, Jon, Bethany, Tage, Kaitlyn, Chris and Mallory

  2. I remember Karl …Mike had a lot of respect for him Angela was telling me of the great times she & Mike had with him …My prayers are with you all at this sad time Margie Slater

  3. My husband and I are terribly saddened by the passing of such a wonderful man. We have spent the happiest times of our lives together at the ranch and we will be coming back again and again but there will be a hole in our hearts without seeing Carl there. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at Gros Ventre River Ranch at this very sad time. Thank you Carl for creating such a magical place. I’m sure we will feel your warmth in the sunny pastures and your devilish charm trickling through the river flowing through the Tetons.
    Love you all,
    Kate and Spurgeon Page

  4. Leo Johnston says:

    Rest in peace Karl! Thank you for the many good times at the Gros Ventre River Ranch. We were always welcomed with warmth and hospitality. Your smile, wit and generous spirit enlivened every meal and campfire gathering. Leo says he will be your wine steward in another place! It was a pleasure to have known you.

    Tina, Tori and Sean, as well as the rest of the family, please accept our deepest sympathy.

    Leo and Mary Claire Johnston
    Punxsutawney, PA

  5. Upon reading the life accomplishments of Karl Weber, one is reminded of the old saw: “Not seeing the forest for the trees.” – We knew of Karl’s genius, his business savvy and we reveled in his wry wit. His was the ability to welcome you within his circle and cause you to lean in close, wait with bated breath, let down your defenses and zap! there was the punch line before you saw it coming.
    Karl knew what family should be, and that each of us longed for a homestead where we could leave the bustling world briefly to enjoy the camaraderie of folks just like us. Untold number of lives have been impacted by his, and the world was made a better place for his being in it.
    Good night Irene, there surely is a flat foot floozy with a floy-floy singing and swapping tall tales with Karl forever more.

    My affection and prayers continue with you through your grief,
    Colleen

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