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Thomas Forster Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Forster
Sponsored by MarinIJ.com.
Deb Sutherland
August 29, 2020
Dearest cousin Tom. Your Forster cousins were trying to get a hold of you these past few years and couldn’t figure out why you never answered our emails. Carol Forster Swanson googles your name today and found out the very sad news of your passing. Erin, daughter if Madelene Forster and granddaughter of Harold Forster, Carole, William Forster’s daughter, and me (Deb Peterson Sutherland) Harold Forster’s granddaughter and Marilyn Forster’s daughter were so sad to here the news of your passing. And we are thankful we got to know you and Maureen. Hugs love God Bless as your life was beautiful.
M Forster
August 24, 2019
Miss you SO much, babe. Hope you are in a good place.
Ill see you soon. Save a seat for me.
August 17, 2018
It's been a while since I've seen Tom, but a pretty large group of us who used to meet once a year as "personal historians" loved the way he would round us up for an impossible enormous group photo. He was such a loveable, friendly, helpful part of our group. We have missed him and can well imagine how you who knew him so much better must miss him. Thanks for sharing him with us, Maureen
--Pat McNees, Bethesda, Maryland
Widow Forster
July 2, 2018
Miss you babe. The house is SO empty without you. Hope you are in a better place (even though I hate that phrase). I have no more words. This is a really dark place for me, your family and SO many friends. Love, your wifeus
Barbara Yelland-Schiestel
June 27, 2018
My life has been blessed by coming to know Tom and Maureen as my neighbors and friends. Many hearts have been touched and uplifted by your presence in the world.
Maureen, I send you my condolences for your sorrow and loss. You are in my prayers.
John Krajewski
June 15, 2018
On May 29, 2018, about 180 friends gathered to remember and celebrate Tom's life and the ways he inspired all of us. After sharing my memories and reading my poem Smitty's Helmet, I shared one final thought:
We are very fortunate to live and work in Northern California. Just a short drive from here, we can find ourselves among some beautiful redwood trees.
Tall, majestic trees.
Hundreds of feet tall
Hundreds of years old
Absorbing the wisdom of the ages
Standing there in their quiet courage
Able to withstand anything
Mother Nature or mankind can throw against them
Silently persevering
Day after day after day
Pointing toward the sky
Ladies and gentlemen
Today
Tom and all of you are my redwood forest
Because for one moment in my life
You have allowed me to
Be among and work among
Some of the giants
Of this industry
Thank You
Skywalker Ranch
May 29, 2018
Tom, May The Force be with you always
John Krajewski
Rohnert Park, California
Michael Pritchard
June 4, 2018
To Tom's Loving family , I will miss your dad so much. As Santa Claus for Jane Bay and Tom for many years I laughed and enjoyed comraderie and splendid friendship with your Husband . Humble , thoughtful very brave ! I mean in every way a gentle and kind hearted man and leader. Honored to call him friend and any time you honor him I would be there . If you create a yearly memorial I would speak and bring laughter and humanity to his loving memory and devotion to safety and prevention. Many great memories with he and all the Lucas Family . Micheal Pritchard
Melanie Mociun
May 25, 2018
My heart goes out to Maureen and all of Tom's family. His gentle, kind and wise spirit will certainly be missed. I met Tom many years ago at Skywalker Ranch - along with skillfully managing the Ranch and the Fire/Safety crews, he always had time for a sincere "hello, how are you?"... I will miss seeing him at Skywalker.
May 23, 2018
Jeff and Marc Remis knew Tom only as next door neighbors on Montecito Drive/Harmon Lane in Corte Madera, since we were about a year ahead at Redwood High School. The Tom we knew was a good kid who followed in the footsteps of his father Jack giving help to everyone he came in contact with. Tom and Jack helped out our mother Thelma on many, many occasions. Tom will be missed!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Diane, Lynn, Pam and Danny and their families during this difficult time.
Marc and Rosalie Dvorak REMIS (Sacramento)
Randy Thom
May 18, 2018
I knew Tom for about 25 years as a colleague at Skywalker Ranch. He was a pro at his job and a generous, sincere, and friendly presence always. Tom was a key force in shaping the Ranch into one of the most productive and safe workplaces in the world.
Jack MacBurt
May 17, 2018
I had the good fortune to attend training sessions at Skywalker Ranch while employed by MCFD. I also enjoyed the opportunity to work security details for Skywalker parties and events. That is how I came to meet and know Tom. It was always a joy to see Tom, as he always had a smile and kind words to share with others.
Tom was one of those people who challenged life, his accomplishments are testament to his enthusiasm, ability, and tact. My condolences to his family.
Jim Brown
May 16, 2018
A consummate professional and one of the best instructors I had the opportunity to learn from, as a student and proctor. The last time I saw Tom was at the NFA as he completed the 21st Century Training Officer. He was always looking for ways to stay current and be better.
Jim Brown
Division Chief
Monterey Fire Department
Patrick
May 16, 2018
When I first worked at Skywalker Ranch in 1999, Tom was my "boss", but really much more than that. He and I were peers, he respected my experience and knowledge, and I can never recall him speaking either to me (and anyone else) is a harsh or officious way, it simply wasn't in his nature.. He was such a leader at such a busy time. Big Rock Ranch was being built, there were constant events and happenings, and Tom handled it all with aplomb. His calm reassuring manner taught me so much. His influence on all of us may be long felt. May be Rest in Peace. Patrick J Webb, Landaff, New Hampshire
Richard Newberry
May 15, 2018
Maureen, Paulette and I would like to offer you and your family our deepest and most sincere condolences. The unexpected news of Tom Forester's death brings much sadness.. Someone as special as Tom will never be forgotten. He will be in our hearts forever.
May 15, 2018
I too am struggling to find the words that might even come close to properly honoring a man who has meant so much to so many. I have known Tom my entire life as part of the extended, yet for me, very local fire service family. My earliest memory of Tom was watching him compete in fire department musters back in the 70's in Larkspur. Young and athletic, Tom was an impressive firefighter.
So many years later, I'm remembering Tom as my first Fire Chief. The man who gave me and so many others their start in the fire service. But his impact on my life was so much more significant than simply "giving me a shot." The term mentor gets used a lot these days. But Tom was, more than anyone I've known, a true mentor to so many. I am sure that there are literally hundreds that could say they saw Tom as a mentor of theirs. Who else could we say that about? It speaks directly to who he was as a person, to his heart, his compassion and his interest in others and their goals.
A brilliant thinker, Tom had a special knack for understanding how the details relate to the big picture. A strategic planning guru, Tom guided so many individuals and groups toward their goals by inspiring, coaching and facilitating. Instead of providing the answers or the roadmap, he led folks to discover the solutions and strategies from within that worked for their specific goals.
I talked with Tom often throughout my career and always came away with some pearl. A fresh perspective, or renewed outlook on the challenges and opportunities ahead. But his appreciation of history and respect for those that came before us was always woven into the message. His work on the Marin Fire History project is just one example of his belief that the past matters and that it should be understood in order to move forward with effect.
I'm so grateful to have known Tom as a good friend, colleague, and mentor. He was my Yoda and he will be missed.
Scott Shurtz
Fire Chief
Central Marin Fire
Jim Galli
May 15, 2018
Thank you Tom! You will be missed by your brothers and sister of the fire service.
John Krajewski
May 14, 2018
Tom was always challenging me. I got the feeling he was also challenged to send me on what I now call his adventures.
I hadn't seen or talked with Tom since 2004. Even so, he was someone I always thought of and remembered all the things we did.
To say he will be missed doesn't seem to convey the loss of someone who not only meant so much to me, but to all those whose lives he touched.
I've attached something I wrote that I think Tom would have liked. On a shelf in my home, there is a well-worn helmet. It reminds me of a time, when I worked with Tom, that we made a difference and how that is still true. Although he has gone, Tom will continue to make a difference with everyone who knew him.
I was home watching one of the darkest days in the county's history unfold. There was a feeling of helplessness as I saw the flames destroy the dreams of so many. Having been in the fire service for over ten years, I knew what the firemen, police, paramedics and other emergency responders were facing as they put their lives on the line to save all the innocent victims. This is not a true story but many parts of it are true every day for those who give of themselves to keep us safe. This poem is my way of thanking them.
Smitty's Helmet
Sit down and I will tell you
A few things I know about
The battered old worn helmet
Smitty wears when we're toned out
All the other firefighters
Used to joke of Smitty's hat
But I set them straight, I told this tale
As in your seat they sat
Ten years ago as young cadets
We started all the same
And Smitty had a partner
Big Jim Stoner was his name
They had drilled and trained together
And in school placed one and two
After work they'd go to Casey's bar
To jaw and have a brew
It was me and Tony Johnson
Teamed with Smitty and Big Jim
We were working on an A shift
When the first alarm came in
Jim and Smitty were first at the scene
Jim sized it up for all
We've a building burning, showing flames
Put in another call.
We were next in at the scene
We pulled in right behind
There was Smitty on the panel
And Jim pulling a rear line
There's a lot of folks still in there!
Jim yelled above the engine's din
Supply our rig then back us up,
Smith and I are going in.
Well, we took a hydrant, pulled a line
And followed on their lay
Smitty led some folks out coughing
We saved countless lives that day
Smitty turned and crawled back in again
Moving line behind Big Jim
A wall groaned and heaved with deathly sound
And fell on Jim and him
We were stuck back at the door
And as we fought heat and steam
Somehow Jim freed Smitty in the dark
Then we heard a girder scream
Smitty stumbled, crawled on down the hall
In a hellish soot-filled rain
A closed door near Jim was quaking
Puffing black smoke like a train
The three of us went in for Jim
Into that earthbound Hell
Within ten feet of reaching him
We heard his B. A. bell
He couldn't talk but with his hand
He pointed at the door
He threw his helmet at us
And then sank upon the floor
The smoke and flames were rising fast
And we had to retreat
As we got out, we heard a blast
And felt a rush of heat
We saved women, men and children
Put a stop to heat and flame
In the overhaul we found the helmet
Bearing Big Jim's name
On the sidewalk there sat Smitty
Shaking, shivering in fear
When he saw us with Jim's helmet
Then he broke right down in tears
There's some that lose their courage
When they lose their dearest friend
They will vow on all that's holy
They won't fight the flames again
But somehow Smitty beat the odds
He couldn't live like that
The next call that we got toned out
He was wearing big Jim's hat
So you can laugh at Smitty
Cause he's loud and swears a lot
But don't make fun of Smitty's helmet
It's the closest friend he's got
Sue Hall
May 14, 2018
I am so blessed to have Tom as a friend since middle school in Corte madera. He was gracious and kind and took my desire to work with George seriously (probably more that I did!) Many tours of the "Ranch"and networking. I will be at his service and look forward to celebrating his life with family and friends.
John Krajewski
May 14, 2018
Tom was always challenging me. I got the feeling he was also challenged to send me on what I now call his adventures.
I hadn't seen or talked with Tom since 2004. Even so, he was someone I always thought of and remembered all the things we did.
To say he will be missed doesn't seem to convey the loss of someone who not only meant so much to me, but to all those whose lives he touched.
I've attached something I wrote that I think Tom would have liked. On a shelf in my home, there is a well-worn helmet. It reminds me of a time, when I worked with Tom, that we made a difference and how that is still true. Although he has gone, Tom will continue to make a difference with everyone who knew him.
I was home watching one of the darkest days in the county's history unfold. There was a feeling of helplessness as I saw the flames destroy the dreams of so many. Having been in the fire service for over ten years, I knew what the firemen, police, paramedics and other emergency responders were facing as they put their lives on the line to save all the innocent victims. This is not a true story but many parts of it are true every day for those who give of themselves to keep us safe. This poem is my way of thanking them.
Smitty's Helmet
Sit down and I will tell you
A few things I know about
The battered old worn helmet
Smitty wears when we're toned out
All the other firefighters
Used to joke of Smitty's hat
But I set them straight, I told this tale
As in your seat they sat
Ten years ago as young cadets
We started all the same
And Smitty had a partner
Big Jim Stoner was his name
They had drilled and trained together
And in school placed one and two
After work they'd go to Casey's bar
To jaw and have a brew
It was me and Tony Johnson
Teamed with Smitty and Big Jim
We were working on an A shift
When the first alarm came in
Jim and Smitty were first at the scene
Jim sized it up for all
We've a building burning, showing flames
Put in another call.
We were next in at the scene
We pulled in right behind
There was Smitty on the panel
And Jim pulling a rear line
There's a lot of folks still in there!
Jim yelled above the engine's din
Supply our rig then back us up,
Smith and I are going in.
Well, we took a hydrant, pulled a line
And followed on their lay
Smitty led some folks out coughing
We saved countless lives that day
Smitty turned and crawled back in again
Moving line behind Big Jim
A wall groaned and heaved with deathly sound
And fell on Jim and him
We were stuck back at the door
And as we fought heat and steam
Somehow Jim freed Smitty in the dark
Then we heard a girder scream
Smitty stumbled, crawled on down the hall
In a hellish soot-filled rain
A closed door near Jim was quaking
Puffing black smoke like a train
The three of us went in for Jim
Into that earthbound Hell
Within ten feet of reaching him
We heard his B. A. bell
He couldn't talk but with his hand
He pointed at the door
He threw his helmet at us
And then sank upon the floor
The smoke and flames were rising fast
And we had to retreat
As we got out, we heard a blast
And felt a rush of heat
We saved women, men and children
Put a stop to heat and flame
In the overhaul we found the helmet
Bearing Big Jim's name
On the sidewalk there sat Smitty
Shaking, shivering in fear
When he saw us with Jim's helmet
Then he broke right down in tears
There's some that lose their courage
When they lose their dearest friend
They will vow on all that's holy
They won't fight the flames again
But somehow Smitty beat the odds
He couldn't live like that
The next call that we got toned out
He was wearing big Jim's hat
So you can laugh at Smitty
Cause he's loud and swears a lot
But don't make fun of Smitty's helmet
It's the closest friend he's got
Susan Buscher Fox
May 14, 2018
I did not know Tom personally but through my family connections. My mother knew Tom's mother her whole life and my brother was a life long friend and co worker of Tom's. Through them I learned about the Forster and Nelson families and their history with the towns of Corte Madera and Larkspur over generations. My sympathy to Tom's wife and to Tom's mom and siblings. Before Tom passed away I discovered the Marin Fire Department history site that Tom so diligently worked on and enjoyed reading about so many people who I may not have known but certainly heard about through my growing up in Larkspur. I know Tom had a great love of putting "history" down for people so it would not get lost. A few years back he interviewed my mom and uncle at his mom's home about their growing up in the town of Corte Madera. May God bless Tom on his new journey.
May 14, 2018
I am so saddened to hear of Tom's passing! My sympathy and prayers go out to Maureen and the rest of the family.
I first met Tom when he came to work at the California Fire Academy. He was a joy to work with. I was lucky to know him for many years. His students loved him. He has contributed so much to the fire service. Given of himself beyond the call of duty!
When I think of Tom, I remember his smile and positive attitude. There was never a problem too big.
Rest In Peace, my friend. You will be missed.
Natalie Rodda
Matt Gustafson
May 13, 2018
My deepest sympathy to Tom's family and friends. Tom was a great friend and mentor to me for close to 40 years. I will hugely miss him. Early on, Tom taught me the fundamentals of being a good firefighter first at Larkspur Fire then at Skywalker Ranch where I worked for him for more than 15 years-- an awesome supervisor and leader. Tom got me interested in photography, slide shows, teaching,fire service history, and mentoring others. I got great comfort knowing that Tom was always just a phone call away for advice of which he easily could help a gap I'm not yet sure how to fill. In the back of my mind, I keep saying keep this short but there are so many things to share. Tom nailed it as a boss, colleague, mentor, advisor, trainer, but most of all as a great friend.
May 13, 2018
There is no way I can put to words the impact Tom had on me both personally and professionally. His legacy of contributions to the fire service and so many individuals has set a high bar for us all to live up to in his honor.
Jeff Davidson
Fire Chief (retired)
Mill Valley Fire Department
Tim Danley
May 13, 2018
Tom,
So many great memories. I always loved watching your awesome slideshows. Going to musters in locations like Columbia and Virginia City. I also remember how good you were to Earl Winters.
Rest In Peace,
Tim Danley, Santa Rosa, CA
Larkspur VFD Alumni
John Rentz
May 13, 2018
My deepest sympathy to Tom's family. There are countless individuals that Tom mentored in their personal and professional life that will be one of the hallmarks of his career.
Tom was a very respected and professional contributor in the fire service and other community involvements. I appreciated his friendship on both a personal and professional level.
John Rentz (ret)
Fire chief
Novato Fire District
Kathie Gorman
May 13, 2018
Tom was an extraordinary man. I was very blessed to have worked for him at Skywalker Ranch. He was the ultimate manager -- never micro-managed, but he was always there when you needed his help. I admired his honesty, integrity, work ethic, his communication skills and dedication to George and the Ranch.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved Maureen; another dear and special person.
Tom will be missed by so many people, such a loss for all of us.
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