Gordon Forbes

Family-Placed Death Notice

GORDON ROBERT FORBES 88 long time resident of Sandy Springs, died November 13, 2004 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 25, 1916 in London, England and graduated from the University of London with a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering and an advanced degree in aeronautical engineering. He was a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Gordon began his aviation career in 1938 with Fairey Aviation Company in Great Britain as an aerospace engineer. During WWII he was a commissioned officer in the air branch of the Royal Navy from 1942 to 1946 and served on the aircraft carrier, the HMS Indefatigable, in the South Pacific. After WWII he returned to Fairey Aviation as a flight test engineer and test director of an air to air missile program. Gordon immigrated to the U.S. in 1956 to begin a long and distinguished career with Lockheed Georgia Corporation, first as a senior flight test engineer and finally as chief engineer-test and electronics. During his career with Lockheed he was involved in every flight test program that was conducted at the company. Aircraft he helped develop included the C-130 Hercules, the JetStar, C-141 and C-5A and B. He retired in 1985. Gordon is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Forbes, and was preceded in death by his daughter, Joanna Forbes. He is also survived by his daughters, Lesley McAusland and husband Ken of Dacula; Ginny Sikes of Atlanta; and Annette Willingham and husband Michael Kramer of Roswell. He leaves behind four grandchildren, Melissa Trent, Justin Forbes McAusland, John Robert Sikes and Christian Gordon Willingham, and a great grandson, Jeremy Trent. Gordon was a true english gentleman, with a quick wit and sense of humor and a huge smile and heart, who was devoted to his wife and family. He loved to read and travel, and was a wonderful storyteller whose love of life, family and friends will always be remembered and cherished. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m., November 30, 2004 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 435 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, GA. 30308 with the Reverend Richard C. Britton, Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2200 Century Pkwy., Suite 950, Atlanta, GA. 30345. (1-800-227-2345).