USS SLC... Enlisted Navy...Forrest D. Beerbower, AMM3c
Forrest passed away Feb. 16th, 2001
May 25th, 2001
Sandy,
I am the son of Forrest D. Beerbower who was one of the shipmates and
Association Members of the USS Salt Lake City CA25. It is my regret
that I bring you news of another shipmates passing away. My father
passed away on February 16th, 2001 at 5:30 PM in his home after a short
battle with cancer. His battle started in late November, 2000 and was
hard fought to the end, but to no avail.
Here is a brief history of my father:
Dad's first wife, Dorothy, my mother, had died on Jan. 30th, 1982, also
from a short battle with cancer. My father's second wife, Hazel, died
sometime in 1993 as a result of a long battle with cancer. Dad's third
wife, Mary, died March 9th, 2001, three weeks after dad. I believe she
died from a broken heart as she missed him so much, as we all do.
Forrest & Dorothy (aka: Frosty & Dot) had 6 children, 3 girls and 3 boys.
They all lived in the same family home all their lives and it appears
that my youngest brother is going to buy the home and use it as his
residence.
Forrest & Hazel had no children nor did he & Mary, but each had plenty
of grandchildren and great grandchildren to love and spoil.
After leaving the service my father returned to the homestead in Satsop
with his parents and began his working career in the town next door
(McCleary) in a Door Factory, owned and operated by Simpson Door Co.
He actually worked there before the war and returned after the war. His
career at Simpson was shortly interrupted just before he enlisted. He
had went to Portland, Oregon to enlist but was not old enough yet so he
worked in a shipyard there for 6 months until he was of age. He was a
little anxious, as some of his brothers were already serving and he felt
it was his turn. Shortly after returning to his home and to his regular
working career, he met my mother and they were married and began the life
together in Elma.
He was always involved in many community activities and was a leader in
his local VFW, Legion and 40et8(?). He was always so proud of his
service to his country and community.
After my mother's death, he married his second wife, Hazel. When she
became ill, his life changed. He began to focus much more on the family
and the care giving to his wife. This experience changed the way he saw
many things in his life. After Hazel's death he just couldn't stand
being alone so he & Mary found each other and were married. They lived
a very happy life....visiting and helping with their children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren whenever possible.
As you probably already know, a letter is just to short, even to
summarize someone's life. All I have tried to do here is give a glimpse
at his.
It is with great regret that I had to write this letter, but with
overwhelming "Honor", I am writing this letter about one of our nations
heroes. Forrest Dorvan Beerbower....my father.
Sincerely,
Steve Beerbower
If you wish to contact Steve Beerbower about his father, please write to
Sandy for his mailing address.
#10 in picture of "V" Division, Aviation Unit, June 1st, 1945
#26 in 6th Division, 1944-Group ID#110
#3 in 1995 SLC Reunion Group picture
SLC Deck Log Dec. 1942
Attended the following SLC Reunions:
1995
1997
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