Lorain H. Forbush

1929 - 2012

Lorain H. Forbush

June 20, 1929

December 31, 2012

Lorain Harry Forbush died Dec. 31, 2012, at Renown Hospital in Reno, Nev. A graveside memorial service is tentatively planned for Sat., June 15 at the Forbush family plot in Yerington, Nev. Time for the memorial will be announced in May.

Born June 20, 1929, on the family farm in south Mason Valley, Lorain was the eldest son of Harry and Mabel (Batchelder) Forbush. His parents farmed the Forbush home ranch and the Gughan Ranch in Lyon County before moving to the Salas Ranch on the East Walker River (now the Flying M Ranch). In 1944-45, he lived in Hawthorne before moving to Churchill County when his parents purchased a ranch in the St. Clair District. Lorain graduated from Churchill County High School in 1948.

Lorain's involvement in the community included serving on the county planning commission. For several years, he served as manager of the Lahontan Soil Conservation Equipment. He participated in and was a member of the Fallon Hard Top Assn.

For his entire adult life, Lorain was self-employed at his business, Forbush Salvage and Repair. He salvaged scrap, repaired farm and construction equipment, and for many years repaired automobiles. He enjoyed fabricating things, many of which were tools that he would then use in his machine shop. Lorain collected and repaired old engines, and he even designed and built one of his own for the fun of it. For the past three decades, Lorain enjoyed creating "Part Art." Though he rarely entered competitions, when he did, his art won awards. He enjoyed sharing the creations with family and friends.

He was married to Betty Lou (Raine) Forbush from 1953 to 1996. A special acknowledgement is extended to Martha Andrews, his companion and friend for the last several years.

Survivors include daughter Neta D. Highum (Wayne) of Parker, S. Dakota; son Dwite C. Forbush (Carol) of Arboga, Calif.; and daughter Rena K. Cann (Steven) of Preston, Idaho. Lorain is also survived by brothers, George A. Forbush (Norma) of Sparks and Eugene E. Forbush (Kay) of Sun Valley; and a sister, Maxine F. Shane (Ronald) of Reno.

He had 11 grandchildren: LeeRaine Highum Randall, Bret N. and Jess W. Highum; Julie C. Forbush, Jayson M. and Daniel C. Bendure; Benjamin S., Joseph P., Eli H., Levi W. and Samuel B. Cann. He also had 15 great-grandchildren.

To his many stalwart friends who contributed greatly to his happiness throughout life, thank-you.

For those wishing to contribute in Lorain's memory, the Forbush Family established a scholarship with the Nevada Agricultural Foundation in 1985. Please send contributions in his name to NAF, P.O. Box 8089, Reno, NV 89507.