Robert Francis Forston

Robert Francis Forston, 82, passed away peacefully in his home in Apple Valley, California on February 21, 2023.

Bob was born on October 17, 1940 in Saint Paul, Minnesota to Louis Thomas Floria and Marguerite Mary Ann Bliesath. His parents were divorced when he was young and his mother married Gerald Wayne Forston, who adopted Bob and his sister Sherrie. Bob’s family later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where he met Anne LeIsle Zobrist. They were married in the Saint George LDS Temple on August 8, 1962. Together they lived in Minneapolis, MN; Des Moines, IA; North Hollywood, CA; Burbank, CA; Newhall, CA; and Murrieta, CA. After Anne’s death, Bob met and married Carolyn Christine Ruhm. Together they were married in the San Diego LDS Temple on October 22, 2011. They lived in Apple Valley, CA.

Bob was raised Catholic, and after much study and prayer, he converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was 20 years old. He served for many years as a faithful member including serving as a seventy, a bishop, and a ward mission leader. His most recent callings included serving in the bishopric of his ward and serving in the church library. Bob and Carolyn have been active members of the Ranchos Ward in the Apple Valley Stake. Bob was also active in community service organizations such as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the YMCA.

Education was always important to Bob. He attended the University of Utah and the University of Minnesota studying psychology and communications. He graduated with his BA, MA, and PhD degrees in 1963, 1966, and 1968 respectively. He became a tenured professor at Drake University in Iowa. Later he left academia to become an entrepreneur and business owner in California. He bought, started, and ran many successful businesses over the years including Active Personnel (a temporary employment agency), Family Stress Management Center, Harvest Home Bread Company, and he ended his career as a real estate agent. He was a leader in business organizations including being elected as president of TempNet Staffing Association and president of the National Association of Stress Management Consultants. He was a published author with several academic journal articles on judicial and jury communication. His later writings focused on gratitude, forgiveness, and overcoming stress. Helping and teaching people was essential to Bob and each of his careers focused on being of service to others.

Bob loved his family deeply. He was a dedicated husband, father, son, uncle, brother, and grandson. Like his granny helped raise him, he helped care for his nephew Steve at various times. He was thrilled when he reconnected with his siblings, Cheryl and Dan. He had a goofy sense of humor that kept his family and friends laughing as he teased them. He was creative and innovative, always looking for new businesses to improve the lives of others. He enjoyed traveling including visits to many European countries, China, New Zealand, and Russia.

Bob is survived by his wife Carolyn and his children: Melanie & John Hartzell, Scott & Denise Forston, Jenny Forston, Jason & Lacy Forston, and David & Annie Forston. He is also survived by his father and step-mother Jerry & Feleicia Forston and two siblings: Cheryl & Bob Kalway and Dan & Karen Floria. He is also survived by his nephew Steve & Ruthnea Jones and his brother-in-law Brin Jones.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Ginnie & Paul Snyder, brother-in-laws Duane Zobrist, Phil & Janet Zobrist, Jerry & Jodi Zobrist, Chris & Carol Ruhm, Mark & Wendy Ruhm and many nieces and nephews.

He is survived by 19 grandchildren (plus one on the way): Ryan Hartzell, Ammon Forston, Marianne & Jeff Gallini, Emma Baker, Alec Forston, Evan Hartzell, Alyssa Baker, Jenna & Kyle Olson, Dallin Baker, Heath Forston, Cammi Baker, Riley Forston, Brooke Forston, Lavender Hartzell, Cole Forston, Olivia Forston, Eva Forston, Calvin Forston, Wyatt Forston, and Lyla Forston (due in July 2023). He is survived by 5 great-grandchildren: Brianne Hartzell, Leighton Hartzell, Carrington Hartzell, Ivory Hartzell, and Russell Hartzell.

He is preceded in death by his wife Anne Forston, his grandson Aaron Hartzell, his mother Marguerite Forston, his granny Clara Bliesath, his birth father Louis Floria, his sister Sharon (Sherrie) Jones, his brother Gary Floria, his mother-in-law Elizabeth Ruhm and his in-laws Virginia and Herman Zobrist.

Robert Forston's Funeral Online Zoom Link
Monday, 02/27 at 11:00 AM Pacific Time
https://zoom.us/j/98620696723