Eric Forrest

1962 - 2025

Eric "Ricky" Forrest was born October 6, 1962 in Torrington, Conn. A child who in those days may have been institutionalized because of his diagnoses of Down Syndrome at birth, our mother instead chose to bring him home and make him part of our family. He grew up surrounded by his eight siblings in a dairy farm family and was loved by all. In 1968 our family moved to Virginia, first Madison for five years and then Culpeper in 1973. Ricky attended Culpeper schools until he was 21 and graduated with a special diploma. In his youth he participated in Special Olympics, 4-H and showing cattle at the local and state fairs. He continued to enjoy participating in the Pretty Cow contest at the State Fair for many years. On the farm, Ricky was an integral part of the dairy operation, rounding up the cows daily for milking, memorizing many facts about each cow and helping to clean the milking parlor. He helped our mother after she had a stroke by walking to get the daily mail, a responsibility he took seriously for the rest of his life. He spent countless hours sorting through hundreds of photos and memorabilia given to him by our father and others.

Ricky was full of smiles and hugs. He loved people and people loved him. He will always be remembered for his love of Country music, WWE, bowling and ice cream. At the age of 44 when our mother went to live in a nursing home, Ricky transitioned to spending his days at Day Support where he was able to make new friends and get reacquainted with old ones. He loved going to Didlake in Opal on M – F and it became the highlight of his days. Sadly, Ricky succumbed to complications of dementia on Dec. 2, 2025. He has left a lasting impression in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Douglas and Alice Forrest; nephew, Mathias Huff; and niece, Kristin Kerrigan. Ricky is survived by siblings, Kathy Marandino (Bob) of Ormond Beach, Fla., Kris Winegar of Ormond Beach, Fla., Gary Forrest (Ana) of Stanardsville, Va., Tina Huff, of Rehoboth Beach, Del., Dwayne Forrest (Olive) of Culpeper, Va., Carol Thompson, of Rehoboth Beach, Del., Kim Jebson (Craig) of Culpeper, Va., and Julie Kerrigan Norris, of Rhoadesville, Va. He is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews and even more great nieces and nephews.

A joyous celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Contributions in his name can be made to the Culpeper- Madison- Rappahannock Farm Show, 10220 James Monroe Highway, Culpeper, VA 22701 or Special Olympics Virginia, 3212 Skipwith Road, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23294.