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Otis Forbes Obituary
Otis Forbes Jr. NEWPORT NEWS - Capt. Otis "Kennedy" Forbes Jr., 81, a lifelong resident of Newport News, passed away Oct. 24, 2008. He was the son of the late Otis K. Forbes and Catherine Mugler Forbes formerly of Newport News. After graduating from Morrison High School, now Warwick High School, in June 1943, he worked in the Newport News Shipyard on tugboats until 1944 when he began an apprenticeship with the Virginia Pilot Association. In conjunction with the apprenticeship, he was activated into the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon discharge from the Coast Guard at the close of World War II, he completed his apprenticeship in the Pilot Association and earned his captain's rating with licenses to pilot ships of unlimited tonnage in the Port of Hampton Roads, the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. He remained active in piloting until retirement in 1992. Recently asked about his happiest moments, he replied that among them would definitely be "standing on the bridge of the ship I was piloting." Capt. Forbes was a past board member of the Peninsula Port Authority. He was a longtime member of the Warwick Rotary Club and in years past served as president. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Bremond Mosaic Lodge, as well as the Norfolk Shriners and Royal Order of Jesters. Many of his friends will remember him for his 17 years as house committee chairman of the James River Country Club. An active member of the Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, he was a member of the Chapel Bible Class and president of the Men of the Church. He was highly regarded for his generosity to the needy and for his tireless efforts on behalf of many charities and cultural organizations. Capt. Forbes is survived by his wife, Millicent Padgett Forbes; his son, Otis K. Forbes III and his wife Betsy; his daughter, Elizabeth "Betsy" Hodson and her husband Charles "Eric" Hodson; grandsons, Elliot Forbes Hodson and Henry "Dylan" Hodson; brothers, Charles M. Forbes and his wife Pat and Stuart R. Forbes and his wife Janet; and among his cousins, George R. Goodson Jr. and his wife Patty. The family will receive friends at Peninsula Funeral Home Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, 414 Hiden Blvd., Newport News, officiated by the Rev. Bill Lamont. Burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Virginia Living Museum, Attn: Curatorial Department, 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601 and Warwick Rotary-Polio Plus, P.O. Box 1145, Newport News, VA 23601.
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Memories and Condolences
for Otis Forbes
Gayle Donovan
October 30, 2008
The world has lost a wonderful man. Kennedy visited The Mariners' Museum a few times a year and always stopped by the development office where he amused everyone with his joviality and jokes. He will be missed by the community he endeared himself to and I am honored to have known such a fine man.
Nick Smiyh
October 30, 2008
Dear Forbes Family,
Kennedy was a true friend and will truly be missed. I only heard of his death today. Kennedy was a "member" of Danny's coffee club for many, many years. That is where we met. Faye and I will have him in our thoughts and prayers.
Kay Van Valkenburg
October 30, 2008
To the Forbes family: I am so sorry for your loss. My friends and I met Kennedy last year at the Ferguson Center. Our season tickets were next to his. He was a funny, wonderful, caring and engaging Southern gentleman. I was looking forward to a long "theatre relationship" with him. I will miss seeing him. I am sure that you are conversing with the angels, Kennedy.
Kay A. Van Valkenburg
James Diggs
October 29, 2008
Dear Mrs. Forbes and Family,
My condolences to you and your family. I am the grandson of Simeon Forbes who was the brother of Leander Forbes, Kennedy's grandfather. When I saw Kennedy's picture in the paper I immediately knew that I was related to him. I had communicated with Stuart about twenty years ago concerning the family tree. I would like to see if he or any other member of the family has had any additional success in discovering the family trees. I have accumulated quite a bit from my investigations in Camden County, North Carolina. Again, It appears that Kennedy had an eventful life, but it is so hard to let them go.
James C. Diggs
Gemma Pansch
October 28, 2008
Dear Mrs Hodson and family,
I was a volunteer with my mother Christine in cardiac rehab over the summer. You Dad truly was an amazing person and touched my heart deeply. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I only knew him a short time but he will live on in my heart and thoughts, and now he is with God and my grandfather from England.. God's Blessings Gemma Pansch
Kimberly and Dylan Rose
October 28, 2008
Dear Mrs. Hodson and family,
I could never begin to explain the sorrow I feel for the loss of your father. He was absolutely one of the most endearing men I have ever known. His genorosity towards those he knew as well as those he did not was something I not only witnessed myself, but often heard about as well. I will miss the stories he often told about his grandchildren and how he swelled with pride everytime he spoke of them. I will never forget when you (Betsy) first started teaching my son Dylan in 6th grade and he found out that Mr. Kennedy was your father. He thought very highly of Mr. Kennedy. I know that he is looking down on us all. May you feel God's touch during this difficult time and know that he was loved by all who knew him.
The Girls at Cardiac Rehab
October 28, 2008
We will miss his cheerful attitude and singing in class. His dedication was inspiring to us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Betsy and family.
Lt. Col. Jay Musser
October 28, 2008
Kennedy was a wonderful Christian man who sincerely cared about friends and strangers alike. He will be sorely missed, especially at our Thursday morning Men's Fellowship breakfasts.
October 28, 2008
Mr. Forbes always brought many smiles to share when he visited the Zuni campus, bringing gifts and donations. He was a great supporter of those less fortunate, and we will deeply miss him.
Deborah Banks
Director - Zuni Campus
Presbyterian Homes and Family Services
Carol & Russell Weaver
October 28, 2008
Kennedy was a close former neighbor of ours in Stratford Manor. He was always ready to meet a need if he saw one, without being asked. He was generous and would remember us with a gift on special occasions such as Christmas or Thanksgiving. He could tell a great story that would leave you laughing and shaking your head. He always had something to say on any subject. Never without words. We enjoyed his company. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Karrin Williams Frankie
October 28, 2008
Betsy: So sad and surprised to learn of Kenney's death. As you know, I and several of the Hilton Girls met your Dad when we were about 15 at Hawkins & Knight in 1958! Years later we had great times when we both lived at Dutch Village. Will miss seeing his wonderful smile and sparkling blue eyes when we visit Toni & Artie's. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Robert Mitchell
October 28, 2008
Kennedy will be missed by all who knew him. He was always positive and uplifting to be around. I visited him recently during a stay at a nursing facility and was amazed by the way he was visiting all around him and making their day and stay a better one. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Kennedy.
October 28, 2008
Betsy,
I am so sorry for your loss but know he's in a better place.
Wanda Sowers
Bill and Debbie Vaccarelli and all your friends at the Deli
October 28, 2008
Betsy, Eric and family: It is really hard to find the right words to express our sympathy for the loss of our dear friend, Kennedy. For many years he has been a BIG part of our "morning coffee bunch" and a very good friend. There are so many stories that could be told of this man .... many funny ones and many more of his compasion for others. He may not be among us now to tell HIS stories.... but stories of him will be told for many, many years! God bless ..... Kennedy is no longer suffering .... he will be missed but remain in the hearts of all those that knew him. Love,
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