Clyde Forsman

Clyde Forsman Accordionist and craftsman Clyde Forsman has died in San Francisco at the age of 94. The retired cable car carpenter, former frontman for "Those Darned Accordions" and puppetmaker, died at home on June 5, 2009. Forsman, the oldest of five brothers, discovered the thrill of performing while still a boy in the San Joaquin Valley. He played in his first band the Whiskey Flat Hillbillies in 1932. During WWII, Clyde came to San Francisco to work as a boat builder, after being rejected for military service due to childhood diabetes. By the war's end he was playing accordion for several folk dance groups. Clyde also lent his clear tenor voice to the performances of the Swedish Singers of San Francisco, while also partnering with friend Walter Ziburtovich to present Russian songs. Forsman honed his woodworking skills in his "day job" as a carpenter in the Municipal Railway's cable car barn, performing the one-of-a-kind repairs on the country's only moving National Landmarks, and employed his talents in off hours crafting marionettes in his home workshop. Tales abound of his delight in bringing his puppets to life. He married Evelyn Elliott in 1954; together they raised two sons. After his retirement, Clyde found a new life performing with musicians less than half his age. Then 74 years young, he joined the outrageous rock ensemble "Those Darn Accordions". He worked with the band for over a decade, not only joining them in the studio, but participating in road tours around the country. Bandmates and fans alike speak warmly of Clyde's energy, humor and warmth. Clyde was greatly amused by the "rock star status" he achieved with TDA. Clyde Forsman is survived by his wife Evelyn, brother Chuck of Roseville, daughter Victoria, sons Emil (Laura) and Elliott of San Francisco, and many nieces and nephews. The family expresses their deepest appreciation to Kaiser Hospice of SF for their loving care, especially Gino, Sennie, Alan, Marcia, Quanta and Chris. Clyde was a member of Fylgia order of Vasa, the Swedish Society, the Swedish Singing Society and Odin lodge of the Odd Fellows. A memorial gathering will be held in San Francisco in early August.