FORBES, Michael E.
Age: 65
Richland, MI
Formerly of Paw Paw
Michael passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Borgess Medical Center. Mike was born March 2, 1947 in Paw Paw, MI and was, along with his brother Dick, placed in the waiting arms of Lola and Julius Forbes on December 7, 1947; a day regarded as their special family birthday. He graduated from Paw Paw High School and was a proud and loved member of the class of 1965. Mike retired from Upjohn/Pfizer Company in 2004 after 33 years as a semi driver. Driving was Mike's passion and retirement was not his idea of fun. He returned to the road for Ralph Moyle, Inc. where he was still employed at the time of his death. In 2003 Mike was honored by the Michigan Truckers Association for being their truck driver of the year. Mike also enjoyed helping with the Paw Paw schools driver education program for many years to help new drivers understand sharing the road with the big rigs. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and a member of the Kalamazoo Rod and Gun club where he was their sausage gravy cook for their monthly breakfasts. He was a "collector's" collector and saw treasures where no one else did. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Beverly Bradford and Carol Griffith. Mike is survived by his wife, Cathy (DeBault); daughters, Heather Forbes Cook of Zeeland, Emma Forbes of Indiana; grandchildren, Lexi and Brennon Cook; step-children Jodi Needham of Portage, Rich Needham of Wisconsin; step-grandchildren, Richard, Alannah, Celina, Sarah and Amanda Needham, Sean Ward, and Ashley and Justin Markle; brothers, Bill (Jean) Runner, Joe (Rae) Runner, Dick (Diana) Forbes; sister, JoAnn Marsencavage; in-laws Don and Ann DeBault, Donna DeBault, Susan (Barry) Nelson, David (Connie) DeBault, Jim (Joyce Kramer) DeBault, MJ DeBault, Ken (Tonya) DeBault, John (Deb) Debault, Paul (Kristin) DeBault. Not family by blood but family by heart Steve, David, and Mark Newton. Also many nieces, nephews, and much cherished friends too numerous to mention. Per his wishes cremation has taken place. Family will receive friends on Friday (12/14) from 6-8 p.m. at the Adams funeral Home, Paw Paw where a memorial service will be held on Saturday, 11:00 a.m., Rev. Joe Spackman officiating. Private interment will take place at a later date, Maple Grove Cemetery, Mattawan. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or charity of your choice.