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William Forney Obituary
Dr. William R. Forney (Bill) passed peacefully from this life on Monday, May 21, 2018, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief battle with cancer.
Bill was born on October 3, 1931, in Alhambra, CA, to the late Dale and Dorothy (Long) Forney. At age 10, Bill's family moved to Williamsburg, Ohio, a small midwest farming community. Bill attended Williamsburg High School, where he graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1949.
Bill went on to college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, before enrolling in medical school at the University of Cincinnati. Upon graduation in June, 1956, Bill accepted a commission with the United States Navy. He was stationed in Philadelphia, PA, where he completed his residency in pediatrics. It was there that Bill met and married his wife of 53 years, Esther Jeanne (Stebell). After completing his active duty in 1964, Bill and Esther moved the family to the Shoreline area of Seattle where Bill began his private practice. Soon after, he founded the Richmond Pediatric Clinic and became a well-loved practitioner for the next 41 years. Bill remained in the US Navy Reserves until 1977, retiring with the rank of Captain.
Bill was a great mentor, father, leader, and friend to all those who knew him. He was extensively involved in community service throughout his life. Bill was a proud member of the Shoreline Rotary for 50 years, serving 2 terms as the group's president. Among his many hobbies, Bill's favorites were woodworking, sailing, and spending countless hours with family at his summer home on the Hood Canal.
Bill is survived by his wife, Margaret; one sister, Dr. Patricia Lucas of Cincinnati, Ohio; sons Alan, Eric, and Steven, daughter in-law Jennifer Forney, grandchildren, Bronson, TJ, and Alyssa; sister-in-law Judy Taylor of Port Allegheny, PA; a niece and several nephews. He is also survived by his faithful dog Kirby.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Esther, and son, Bill, Jr.
A service celebrating Bill's life
will be held at the First Lutheran
Church of Richmond Beach
on Saturday, June 2nd, at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Seattle Children's Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Forney
Sponsored by The Family.
5 Entries
Tatum Dilley
February 25, 2020
Dr. Forney was my pediatrician. I am truly sorry for you loss of a loved one.
Patricia Sandstrom
February 8, 2019
Dr. Forney was my pediatrician. I adored him. I couldn't say r as a toddler, so I called him Dr. Foney. I am a Pediatrician. He came into my thoughts tonight when I was treating a patient. When I searched him, I found this obituary. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but glad to know he enjoyed a good long life. I am grateful for his care, his sugar cube vaccines, and his inspiration. May he Rest In Peace.
Girmay Micael
June 1, 2018
My name is Girmay Micael and I am blind. I am truly sorry for the passing of Dr. Bill Forney.
I have known and admired Dr. Bill Forney since the day I met him at the First Lutheran Richmond Beach (FLRB) in 2014. Dr. Bill Forney was such a caring man. I'll never forget him for what he did his best to get me a job for living. He picked me up and introduced me to the King County officials and brought me an opportunity to demonstrate my skills. In addition, Mr. Bill Forney introduced me to the HR director of the North West Hospital. He was kind and caring.
Even though, I didn't get a job offer, for me, Bill Forney's effort was life saver like a glass of water in a desert! I will miss him a lot. Bill was an excellent advocate, and the best role model I have met!
Rest in peace, Shoreline, FLRB Dr. Bill Forney.
Barbara Stebell
May 31, 2018
Alan, Eric, Steve, Jennifer and family
I was saddened to learn of Bills passing. I pray that those memories you cherish of both he and your Mom will live on and bring you comfort. May God bless you all.
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Sandy Gibson
May 28, 2018
Really sorry to hear of uncle Bill passing.
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