Forrest Hollopeter

Forrest Henry Hollopeter

December 31, 1932 ~ October 25, 2017

Forrest Henry Hollopeter was born on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1932. He always said the whole world celebrated his birthday every year. He was born in Atchison, Kansas to Wayne E. and Velma Thompson Hollopeter. At a young age his family moved to Delta, Colorado. They later moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, where he grew up, attended and graduated from Grand Junction High School.

He was drafted into the U S Army in 1953, after basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, he was stationed in France. After returning home in 1955, he was introduced to his sister’s neighbor Barbara Marie Willison. They were married in Grand Junction on June 3, 1956. They were later sealed in the Ogden LDS Temple. Forrest was then working for the Rio Grande railroad. Due to layoffs, he found a job in Ogden, Utah and his family moved there in 1958. He worked for the Union Pacific railroad for the next 35 years; retiring in 1992. He and Barbara became involved in the Union Pacific Old Timers Club here in Ogden, where he served three terms as president. Giving them the opportunity to travel and form lifelong friendships.

Forrest was a devoted sports fan and could quote scores and stats from baseball games played decades ago. He loved the Boston Red Sox. He coached little league baseball for years, including his favorite team the infamous Little Giants. He was a diehard Weber State fan. He loved their basketball and football teams. He had season tickets for nearly 50 years to the basketball games. He was a member of the Weber State Wildcat Club for more than forty years. He purchased his own seats when the Dee Events Center was built. He, along with his son Allen, were honored as honorary coaches at a WSU football game. He truly bled purple.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; three children, Debbie, Ken, and Allen; four grandchildren, Ryan Sherry (Andrea), Michael Hollopeter, Ben Sherry, and Jodi Stonehocker (Adam). He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Kayden, Cedric, Abbie, Olivia, and Jonah; also nephews and nieces; and many cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters, Ladeen Shuping, Junie Hollopeter, and Janice Hollopeter; and daughter-in-law Julie Hollopeter.

Forrest leaves behind a legacy of hard work, a non-judgmental attitude, kindness and endurance. He was always there for every game, scouting event, dance recital, swim meet, cheerleading competition, baptism, mission farewell, wedding, graduation, and any other activity his children and grandchildren were involved in. He will be missed, until we meet again.

Special thanks to those who have supported Forest and his family the last few months. Especially members of the Washington Terrace 8th Ward, Symbii Home Health, and Hospice, and the loving staff at Stoney Brooke Assisted Living.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.