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R. Forshay Obituary
Memorial service: 2 p.m. Thursday at University Christian Church, Dr. Tim Carson officiating. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home.
Memorials: Gifts may be given in Lee's name to the Gentry Shelton Music Fund, University Christian Church, 2720 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76109; or American Diabetes Association, 4150 International Plaza, Suite 125, Fort Worth, Texas 76109.
Lee was born in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 26, 1938, to Ray and Marjorie Forshay. He grew up in Chattanooga, where he met his true love, Mary-Charles, whom he married June 15, 1963. They had a daughter, Michele, and a son, Greg.
After attending Emory University, Dr. Forshay graduated from University of Tennessee Medical School in 1963. After his internship at John Peter Smith Hospital, he completed residency and a fellowship at Kansas University Medical Center. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force for two years.
Dr. Forshay began his private practice in 1970 as the first endocrinologist in Fort Worth. He was a partner in Diabetes and Endocrine Associates of Tarrant County. When he retired in October, he sent letters to over 1,400 patients. He was on staff at Harris Methodist and Baylor All Saints hospitals and served as medical director of Texas Health Resources Annual Diabetes Program. He was a tireless educator about diabetes care and was very active in the American Diabetes Association on the local, state, and national levels. Other professional memberships included the Texas Medical Association, Tarrant County Medical Society, Texas Diabetes and Endocrine Association, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
Lee loved music and enjoyed singing with the Chancel Choir at University Christian Church, where he was a member, and with the Oratorio Chorus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was also an avid traveler, photographer and oenophile. He loved being with his family and playing with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Tim; and a nephew, Will.
Survivors: Wife of 43 years, Mary Charles Forshay; daughter, Michele Thompson and her husband, Bill; son, Greg Forshay; grandchildren, Annabelle, Jaxson, Delaina and Lillian-Lee Thompson; brother, Steve Forshay and his wife, Judy; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
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Memories and Condolences
for R. Forshay
Elizabeth Winchester
October 9, 2008
I moved away from Texas almost ten years ago, and have missed my visits with Dr. Forshay. I haven't found another diabetes specialist that I've liked and admired as I did him. A friend just informed me of his death. It is truly heartbreaking when a man of his caliber leaves us. My belated but very sincere sympathy to his family.
J Lynch
June 18, 2007
I was able to attend Dr. Forshay's memorial service and was overwhelmed by the attendance, emotions, and support of the people whose lives he touched. I still think of Dr. Forshay on a daily basis - I miss him terribly. I was with Dr Forshay for almost 30 years, which started in my teen years. He was my diabetic physician, educator, mentor, confidante, and friend. He got me through so very much during that time. He took on my daughter, Amanda, as his patient, even though she was younger than he wanted to take patients. I am forever grateful for that; I told him during their first meeting that I was so happy that I could "just hug you"! He told me "I'll let you hug me" and he just grinned while I showed my appreciation. Amanda was fortunate to have had his expert guidance for 6 years. There will never be another physician I hold up to the light like I did Dr. Forshay; when you've had 'the best' it's hard to have anyone else measure up. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family for your loss. I hope you will always remember that your husband, father, and grandfather was admired and respected by so many people and you can be proud that he was a member of YOUR family.
Helen Rosenthal
April 4, 2007
Dear Forshay Family, I have just become aware of the passing of Dr. Forshay while reading the UCC newsletter. I was so very shocked. He will always remain young and alive in my heart. He was my physician and professional friend for many years. I met him when I was a 33 yr old new RN in 1976. He became my physician and he was the reason I became interested in Diabetes care. I worked with him through ADA and the Diabetes Assoc of Texas. Also, he was helpful to me in 1980 when I developed a 5 day in-patient Diabetes Program at what is now Plaza Medical Center. There are very few physicians I have ever known who evoke such tremendous trust as he did with his patients and others in the healthcare field. He was so intelligent, honest, gentle, caring, and I adored his great sense of humor. I know he touched so many, many lives and all of you must be so very proud to be his family. May God Bless each of you during this time. Sincerely from another one of his "old" nurse friends, Helen Rosenthal, RN
Angelia Young
April 3, 2007
To The Family of Dr. Forshay,
I just got the news today of Dr. Forshay's passing. I was actually at a Doctor's appt when I heard. I had to gather myself to stop from crying.
I have to say, what a wonderful doctor he was. I loved his brutal honesty, his no-nonsense approach to healthcare, and his great sense of humor. I trusted him implicitly with my healthcare, and feel that all of us whom he helped over the years will share in this painful loss. Just the little bit I knew of him from the many office visits over the past 5 years was enough to let me know that he was not only a great doctor, but a great man. My deepest sympathies for your loss, but please know that your husband, father, grandfather touched a lot of people and saved a lot of lives. I'm not sure how spiritual you guys are, but I believe that, when it's all said and done, God will be very pleased with His son, R. Lee Forshay, and will welcome him with open arms to claim his home in His Kingdom. God is with you all, and so are a long line of us who Dr. Forshay touched. Godspeed, Special Family.
Dixie Pedigo
March 29, 2007
To Michele Thompson and Family, I am so sorry about your Dad. My prayers and thoughts are with you!
In God's love,
Pat Cooney
March 14, 2007
It has all been said, but it will never be enough.
Dr.Forshay's kindness, expertise, and candor saved many lives. His humor probably saved his sanity.
My husband, a Type 1 diabetic for over 55 years owes his life to Dr.Forshay and we are forever grateful.
God love you all. Listen to the music.
Pat and Martin Cooney
John Henderson
March 14, 2007
Mary Charles,
I was saddened to learn from Steve Hall this morning of Lee's death. In reading some of the other messages in this guest book, it is obvious that Lee's strong Christian conviction played a major role in his professional practice.
Though it has been many years since we were all together at First Christian Church, Chattanooga, I have many fond memories such as CYF outings to the Kemp's lake home or Christmas Eve charoling on Signal Mountain with stops at the Forshays, the Bevils and the Morgans, as well as evenings spent at your family's farm in Brainerd.
And so, Mary Charles, my heart goes out to you, and I pray for peace for you and your family, with the sure knowledge that Lee has joined the celestial chior of angels.
God bless you.
Steve Hall
March 13, 2007
To Mary Charles and the Forshay family,
It has been many, many years, probably about 40 since we last saw each other in Chattanooga. What a wonderful time we all had growing up together and sharing our childhood in the First Christian Chuch and all the youth groups. I was happy to help my brother Dick find you and see you some time ago. I had hoped we might all connect in person. Unfortunately God had other plans. The tributes I have read all ring true of the Lee I remember from so long ago. My sympathies go out to you and your family for losing such a great, caring and loving spirit.
Paxvobiscum
With loving memories,
Jennifer Cox
March 13, 2007
My deepest sympathies to the family--Dr. Forshay was my doctor since I was twelve years old--I am now 31. He assisted me with my thyroid condition and through countless mood swings in my teen years and the successful births of my two children. He was required to provide medical care but the special attention, advice, and genuine care that he showed me at each visit is what made him an outstanding doctor and most importantly a good person. I know that he cared so much for his family--especially the youngest members that he was so proud of and talked about during each visit. He will be deeply missed.
Debbie Mihills
March 10, 2007
Dr. Forshay was my primary care physician for many years. He took the special care and interest to get permission from my insurance company to do that. He was always so caring and kind. He was easy to talk to and quick to listen.
I know he will be missed by me and many others who he served over the years.
God bless your family!!
PEARLA THOMSON
March 6, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Trina Hunt
March 6, 2007
Dr. Forshay was my doctor from 1990 until he retired. When I met Dr. Forshay I had been to four other doctors and he was the only one that would listen to me. He found that I had thyroid disease and he treated me. I will miss our visits. I believe he was a very good man and a wonderful doctor. I am glad that I had the pleasure of knowing him.
Donna Blubaugh
March 6, 2007
I was a patient of Dr. Forshay's for 15 years, during which time I spent 0 days in the hospital thanks to his high standard of care for patients with diabetes. We all know he could be a grouch sometimes. He would get on my case and nag at me about getting my A1C down but I always knew it was for my own good. He was certainly like a family member to me and I miss him dearly.
jodi burkhart
March 5, 2007
I can't express how much I miss Dr Forshay. I had my annual check up that was to be with him last week and it was very difficult. I was blessed to have him as my Dr for 5 years. Sending prayers up for you the family, blessing & comfort to each of you.
Shirley Inglis
March 3, 2007
To the family of Dr. R. Lee Forshay,
My deepest sympathy and heart-felt sorrow goes out to each of you. Even in your grief you will have those times of wonderful memories.
Dr. Forshay is now singing with that Heavenly Chorus!
Dr. Forshay was my physician for many years. After each visit, my sister and I would always remark how caring, thorough and smart Dr. Forshay was.
I shall miss him.
Very sincerely,
Shirley Inglis
Arlington, TX
Spencer Cook
March 2, 2007
Thank you for your tireless work with diabetics. I hope my doctor, Dr. Mair, gained enough wisdom from working with Dr. Forshay to help me in the future.
Vanessa Thetford
March 2, 2007
Dear Forshay Family,
I want you to know my family thought the world of Dr. Forshay. He took care of my husband from the time of his diagnosis of diabetes, thanks to Marsha. Later he took care of our daughter(I was pregnant with her when we first saw him for my husband) when she was diagnosed with diabetes. Then my sister started seeing him for Graves disease. He told it like it was. He knew his business and we listened. We trusted him with their lives and are very concerned he can't be replaced. Wow, we are better people, just for knowing him.
Linda Roberts
March 2, 2007
My deepest sympathies to the family of Lee Forshay for your loss. I have been a Registered Nurse for 27 years and had the privilege of meeting Dr. Forshay in 1980. As you are aware, the medical profession brings participants into contact with many other professionals. Some of these people pass through our lives for only brief moments. Dr. Forshay was not one of those. He was not only an outstanding, caring, dedicated physician, but he made a tremendous imprint on my Nursing practice for my entire career. The gratitude and respect I have for Dr. Forshay are held more deeply in my heart than I can ever truly describe. Please know, there are more people in our professions that feel the same than you will ever know. Thank you all for being the strong familial support a physician of this caliber requires to be recognized and remembered as nothing short of excellent.
Marian Spencer
March 2, 2007
To the family of Dr. Lee Forshay
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Dr. Forsay took care of me for over 20 years. I was thankful for his diligent care. He was stern and always told me the way it was. He told me that I control my diabetes don't let it control me. I was blessed to have him as my doctor and he will be truly missed.
Barbara and Gary Maberry
March 1, 2007
Dear Mary Charles, Michele, and Greg,
I had the honor of attending the celebration of Lee's life today. What a glorious and fitting tribute to a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Michele and Greg - I know he is so proud of you...you did a great job today. May God's grace surround you all through these early days and give you peace and remind you of precious memories.
Love you all,
Barbara and Gary
Pat Menoher
March 1, 2007
When I first saw Dr. Forshay in 1975, I had been diagnosed with
Type I diabetes twenty years earlier.
He told me on my first visit if we couldn't change the course of my diabetes, I would be on dialysis within five years.
Thanks to him and his great care, I'm still not on dialysis, and am still hanging in there.
A few months ago when I tried to thank him for all his wonderful care all these years, and told him I owed all my thanks to him, he shrugged it off and said, "The Man upstairs, and a little bit me."
This is the kind of man he was and I will be forever grateful for his kind and compassionate care.
My prayers go out to his family.
He will be missed.
David Keith
March 1, 2007
It was my privilege to see Lee every Monday night as he sang in the Southwestern Seminary Oratorio Chorus. Lee was a dedicated member of this chorus who volunteered his time to help others with his gift of music. In December during a rehearsal break in the dress rehearsal of "Messiah" I walked to the back of the auditorium and visited with Lee. I asked him if he would like to join us on stage and sing the last half of the rehearsal. He gladly did and we were all "richer" for his joining us. Even though he was unable to sing the performance, his spirit was there. Lee will be terribly missed and I, as others, have been enriched by Lee's presence.
David Keith
Bruce Moore
March 1, 2007
To the family of Dr. Forshay, my deepest sympathy. The good Doctor took me under his wing over 20 years ago. I truly believe that I am still living today because of his dedication, knowledge, and the fact that he always took a stern hand when I strayed from my medical path. My family and I will miss him dearly.
Paulette Levine
March 1, 2007
To the family of Dr. Forshay, I had the priviledge of knowing & working with him through IMA. He was a wonderful man & a fantastic doctor. He will be greatly missed. I pray that God will comfort you & your family through this difficult time.
Jim & Mary Lou Tulloh
March 1, 2007
Lee Forshay,a gentleman whose servives I needed for patients who were undergoing surgery. These were provided with a smile and expert attention. We frequenly met in the hallways of Harris Hospital and it was always a cheery,"Hello".Unfortunaly, we were unable to attend his memorial service.His memory will always be with us & we send our deepest regrets.
Jacqueline Hays
March 1, 2007
God Bless each of you and thank you for sharing your husband/father/grandfather as a doctor for so many. When my primary doctors would tell me they would treat my thyroid or pernicious anemia, I would say "no your not, but thank you". For some reason no other doctor could ever diagnose what was wrong with me and as soon as I went to Dr. Forshay, he ran serveral tests and got me on track. I always bragged (and wish I would of told him) to my family what a great doctor he was and how he actually took the time to listen to everything you had to say. When I saw him less than a year ago when my husband passed, he listened then too. God Bless all of you and may you find peace to know that God's and Dr. Forshay's presence and arms will always surround you!
Thomas Hall
March 1, 2007
Dr. Forshay was my doctor for 35 years. I had so many health problems that he said I probably would not live past 50. Next month I will turn 73. I owe my long life to his wonderful care. He is irreplacable and I miss him.
KAREN Brady - Ledenham
March 1, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. My sincere condolences to the family, and large extended family and friends.
Elizabeth Lamberth
March 1, 2007
We will miss Lee in the Chancel Choir at University Christian Church! I will miss his kind and gentle spirit that made him a wonderful friend. I am only one of many who believe that about Lee.
Glena Nieswiadomy
February 28, 2007
I can share your grief in many ways. Dr. Forshay was my husband's Doctor and our friend since March 1983. I know he saved and made life as good as possible for us both all of those years. He would ask my children "are you sure you are taking care of your Mom?" He was a friend with the heart and love of Jesus. May God give each of you of His Comfort and Peace.
Glena Nieswiadomy
Homer Weatherly
February 28, 2007
Dr. Forshay has been my Doctor for 30 years. The first time I was in his office I was 25 yrs. old, he said if you want to live to be 50 yrs. old with your eyes and legs you better listen to what I say. Sometimes I would go to my appointment, my blood sugars would not be like he wanted, he would say HOMER how long have you been a diabetic, I know it has been at least 25 yrs. now you know better. Iam now 55 and in good health because of him. He will be greatly missed.
David Dederichs
February 28, 2007
I am sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. We know that Dr. Forshay's legacy will live on through your wonderful family and all of the patients and friends he has touched. God Bless you.
Jeannette Rotenberry
February 28, 2007
Dr. Forshay was one of a kind, he restored your faith in doctors! He used the talent God gave him for the good of so many. I, like others in this guest book, have a loved one that would not be here today if it had not been for his knowledge and caring heart! Words can not take away the emptiness you each are feeling. But God will wrap His arms around you and fill your hearts with His peace during this diffcult time. It is a sad time for us that are left behind but Dr.Forshay is singing with the angels in Heaven. God Bless
John Reed
February 28, 2007
Lee was my physician and friend for nearly twelve years...he used to get a kick out of me being an ex-Pararecueman in the USAF...Lee was an old Flight Surgeon and we would cuss and discuss those old times...Lee would discuss and I was the bad one...I have NEVER had a better physician and I really doubt that I ever will again...he handled my diabetes with concern,diligence,love and respect...being a VERY manly type guy,25 years as a Texas Highway Patrolman and four years as a Pararescueman,I can ONLY say that I love/loved very few men...Lee Forshay was loved...by many many people...and one old retired Texas Highway Patrolman...I'll meet ya in the clear blue skies doc! You'll just have to wait awhile...God's Blessings to the family...y'all had one great man in your life...
Bill Newpher
February 28, 2007
Arriving in Fort Worth twenty five years ago, and my Diabetic condition not the best. It was reccomended to me, to see Dr. Forshay. I am Thankful for his care, guidance, and friendship, that I received all those years. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
Virginia Griffin
February 28, 2007
I was privileged to have worked with Dr. Forshay, to have him mentor me, as I returned to nursing. His patience & guidance gave me confidence, as I came up to date in my skills & knowledge. Each day, I am reminded of the impact he has had, & continues to have, in my work. He wanted his staff to reach their full potential, & demanded no less of himself. His ethics were impeccable; he was so dedicated to his patients, treating all of them with dignity & respect. We loved our patients & they returned our love. He was also a great photographer! Whatever he did, he strived for perfection, teaching by example.
I greatly admire his devotion to his family; how proud he was of his family, especially his grandchildren!
I know we will all miss him, but also know he lives on in our hearts, with all of the cherished memories he has given us. A great family man, doctor & friend. Mary Charles & family, I know you will be lifted up by the prayers of all of us who love Lee & you all. Know you will continue to be in my heart & prayers.
I always jokingly said I was Lee's favorite "OLD" nurse. I know he'll always be my favorite doctor.
Jan (Sinfuego) O'Shea
February 28, 2007
Mary Charles, Michelle, Greg
I am thinking of you with deepest sympathy. I had the pleasure of working for IMA for several years. I admired and respected Dr. Forshay as my boss. He was truly a professional and intelligent gentleman. I loved the beautiful photographs he took and just setting talking to him after a busy day at work. A great doctor and he will be missed by so many.
Kim Ligon
February 28, 2007
My sincere sympathy goes out to you at the loss of Dr. Forshay. He was my doctor for 12 years. He will truly be missed as he studied and stayed on top of his profession. God bless you,
Kim Ligon, Loving, TX
Melissa Martin (uptmore)
February 28, 2007
I worked with Dr Forshay for a little over a year. My best memory is we would talk football he loved Tennesee. I really enjoyed the time that I worked with him he was truely a great person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends
keller layne miller
February 28, 2007
Mary Charles,Michelle and Greg,
Just want you to know my thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. Even though I have not seen your family in a long time, I have such great memories of when all the kids were much younger and the great times we spent w/your family!! Those memories will be with me always. Continue to remember what a great husband/father/doctor Lee was...he will be missed by so many in the community.
Love,
Keller Layne Miller
Suzanne Brown
February 28, 2007
Dr Forshay was my doctor for 26 years. He was the ultimate professional , intelligent and even had a sense of humor as I found out in the last years of seeing him. I will always credit the birth of my son to him and his diligent care . I will miss him and my sympathy goes out to the family.
Rick Rotenberry
February 27, 2007
As we can see by the entries in this book, he was not only our Doctor but also our friend. I was priviledged to know him as both.He will be greatly missed.Thanks for taking care of me for the last 19 yrs.
Helen Lynch
February 27, 2007
I just wanted to say how much we
admired and respected Dr. Forshay. He was our daughter's Doctor for many years and then also became the Doctor for one of our other daughters. He also took our granddaughter as a patient when she became a diabetic. He pulled our daughter through a very difficult time in her life and we will always be grateful. He was a truly wonderful man and physician and he will be truly missed.
DONNA SPRAY
February 27, 2007
WHAT CAN I SAY THAT HASN'T BEEN SAID? DR.FORSHAY WAS MY DOCTOR FOR THIRTY-THREE YEARS. I CREDIT MY HEALTH TO HIM; NO ONE KNEW MORE.I WILL TRULY MISS HIM. HE WAS MY DOCTOR AND MY FRIEND.
Kathy Collard
February 27, 2007
I wish to express my sympathy to the family of Dr. Forshay. Dr. Forshay was the most intelligent physician I have ever had the oportunity to work with as well as be his patient. He was my hero and I told him so many times. May God Bless You all during this difficult time. May the love of our Lord surround you and give you peace. Kathy Collard RN
Jennifer Wersal
February 27, 2007
Hands down, the best doctor ever. We will miss him so much. He guided me through pregnancy, diabetes and my own battle with cancer - he was a true inspiration.
Katherine Petta
February 27, 2007
We are in shock,and deeply sorry to hear Dr.Forshay passed away.
He was not only a wonderfull person but a fantastic doctor too!
He will be very much missed by all who knew and loved him!
The Pettas,Kathy Larry & Nancy
Dawn Holden
February 27, 2007
For the Forshay family...
Words cannot really express what Dr. Forshay meant to me and so many others. You all know, I hope, that I will miss him dearly. My deepest thoughts & prayers go out to you all.
Susana Torres
February 27, 2007
Dr. Forshay was my doctor, my guidance in such a difficult way as to live with diabetes for 22 years.
I am now living in Houston, TX although I went to Fort Worth to see him for my check-ups.
He was a great human being and an excellent doctor. I will miss him!
Katty Aladro
February 27, 2007
To the Family of Dr. Lee Forshay:
I was stunned to hear of Dr. Forshay's passing. Dr. Forshay was my Doctor for many years. We often talked about music, playing the piano and singing. He was sincere and always cared about my well being. We have lost a great Doctor and I will miss him. I thank God that he was a part of my life as a professional and as a friend. My deepest heartfelt sympathy.
Sophia & Bill Dederichs
February 27, 2007
To the Forshay family:
We know that your faith will sustain you in the loss of
your beloved husband and father.
May God be with you as you move
through the grieving process.
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you.
Nan Stegall
February 27, 2007
I'm so sorry about Lee. He was my doctor, my friend, and my singing buddy. We chatted online frequently in his last days and I will never forget him singing his "last Messiah" sitting next to me at rehearsal in December. I loved him and will miss him terribly!!!
Deanne Love
February 27, 2007
Dr. Forshay,
I miss the way I'd find out how the day was going to be by the way you said goodmorning. If you said "Goodmorning Deanne", I knew it was going to be a good day. If you just said "Morning", I'd be on my toes. If you just grunted or said "We'll see about that." I would always think that I should have taken the day off. I miss just having you here.
He was like my own grandfather and will truly be missed.
My condolences to your family.
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