Joseph Robert "Bob" Forbes
August 28, 1940 ~ May 27, 2021
Born in:
Washington, DC
Resided in:
Fairview, NC
Joseph Robert “Bob” Forbes (80) passed peacefully at home, surrounded by love and family on May 27, 2021.
Bob spent his life in service to others: fireman, policeman, member of the Coast Guard, respiratory therapist, and owner/administrator of 2 nursing homes, to name a few. He was very active in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, holding various positions over the years. While all this may reflect him, it does not define him.
Simply, Bob cared about others. He would go out of his way to help family, friends, and strangers. The list of people he has helped over the years would be too long to list. And he usually found a way to help anonymously. He helped those that needed a boost to get back on their feet. He paid for several to receive a Christian education. He and his wife Gerda would visit the ill, bringing food and other necessities. He fixed and repaired whatever was needed. If he saw a need, he stepped in. He would match up others to assist with providing resources if he was not able to do it himself. He freely gave advice and did not sugar coat it, but he was usually right. Bob was known for his sense of humor, and enjoyed seeing others laugh. He loved giving bible studies, uplifted by knowing he was able to share the Great Hope with others. He knew from where his salvation came, and to the end, comforted us that he was ready to meet Jesus.
Gerda Schmidt Forbes was the love of his life. From that first kiss he stole while on a roller coaster, their love story has only grown. They always held hands wherever they went, and watched out for each other over the last 59 years together. His legacy is his family, with each child receiving their best talent from him.
Left to cherish his memory are wife Gerda Schmidt Forbes, siblings Terry (Joel) Tapley, Gerard Forbes, and children Valorie (Greg) Frye (who claims her leadership skills from him, and should not be called bossy!), Sandra (Chris) Dannenberger (who got his sense of humor, only quirkier), Tina (Glenn) Beshara (while she claims to be the wisest of the kids, she actually just got his business acumen), Joe (Kim) Forbes (who is the best father to his children, just like Bob was to his), 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and more friends than one can count. He loved his family fiercely, and will be missed so very greatly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that everyone who knew Bob, or reads this, pay it forward. That is what Bob would have done. How much better this world would be if we all did this regularly.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church, 35 Airport Road, Arden, NC 28704. You may also join this service
on Zoom at http://zoom.us/join. The meeting ID# 8944 4487 0573 enter with PassCode 977528 when prompted.
Services
Celebration of Life: September 25, 2021 2:00 pm
Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church
35 New Airport Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 684-6700
Frank Di Memmo
Uncle Bobby,
I wish we were closer when I was growing up. I’m sure you had so much wisdom to pass on. You are sorely missed by all of the Forbes family. We miss you. Give my mother a great big old hug from me, in Heaven. God bless the rest of the family feeling this loss.
Love your niece,
Kim and her sons, Jacob and Keaton
Bob, what a comfort you and Gerda have been in my life! When I spent a summer working for you (and living in your house), that taught me my work ethic. The pizza places we went to in Maryland. The first car my job bought so Dad and I could drive to Florida in 1969. The many card games we loved! I could go on for hours! To all our families and your friends I know we will miss him. Take comfort in He is with our Father and Mother and The Love of my life Pat In heaven with The Holy Trinity. I loved you very much! Brother and friend!
Valorie, I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was a great man to not only his family but community as well. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you….Robin