Donald Lloyd Forgey

Donald Lloyd Forgey “Don” was born October 1, 1928 in Chowchilla, CA to James R Forgey and Myrtle Squier. He was the 5th child of 9 children. Don lived with his family in Chowchilla through high school age. He attended Chowchilla Adventist Church School grades 1-10. Then he attended Fresno Union Academy his junior and senior years. During this time he met his future wife, Elva Crouch and began dating her. They enjoyed playing horse shoes as a team and played quite well. After his graduation in 1948, Don went to Alhambra’s X-Ray Technician School.Upon completing this education he moved to Livermore. He lived with his sister, Eunice and worked for Livermore Government Hospital. He was employed as an internal messenger. They didn’t want to place him in the X-Ray department as he was soon to be called into the service. At this time he eloped with Elva to Carson City. Upon arrival, they realized they had not brought the money for the fee for the marriage license. They had to go all the way back home to get their money, but they did the trip back to Carson City the next day and was married November 5, 1950. Soon after that our nation notified Don of his need to go to Texas to begin his basic training. After completing 16weeks of basic training, he was shipped out to S. Korea. In Pohang, he served as Corporal in the 3rd and 14th Field Hospital as a X-Ray Technician. This hospital cared for 6,000 patients. Completing 18mos of service he was discharged 1952. Returning to Livermore, he again worked in the Livermore Hospital for a short time before heading up north to Salem, OR and then on to Mabton, Wa. Here he purchased a 40 acre farm with a vineyard of concord grapes. Upon arriving he did some farming for Mr. Schultz, then milked cows for the next 12yrs. At this time he got a maintenance position at Sunnyside Memorial Hospital. After 2 years, a position for X-Ray Technician was available at the hospital. Don accepted this position. He became well known for his excellent films. His radiologist highly valued Don for his work. Don continued in this position till he retired at age 77. In retirement, Don worked on his farm in the vineyard and garden. He loved to grow tomatoes and liked to plant over 25 plants. He loved to share his tomatoes at the church potlucks by bringing a box to church. Every summer, Don and Elva would can tomatoes and peaches. Don would often be found eating tomatoes like one might eat candy. In late July, they would head to Redwood SDA Campmeeting. He loved to spend time with his siblings at this location. Don was preceded in death by his son: Gary Forgey; brothers: Claude Forgey, Glenn Forgey, Merlin Forgey; sisters: Alma Forgey, Eunice Robinson, Roberta Friesen. He is survived by his wife: Elva Forgey of Mabton, Wa; sisters: Fern Chamberlain of Calistoga, CA and Edith Habenicht of Berrien Springs, MI son: John Forgey of Cowiche, WA; daughters: Carolynn Vickroy of Walla Walla, Wa and Linda Champion of Gig Harbor, WA. 9 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, October 7, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Sunnyside Seventh Day Adventist Church followed by a Funeral Services at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will be in the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside with Military Honors under the direction of the Smith Funeral Home. Those wishing to sign Don’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com    Smith Funeral Homes, Sunnyside, WA. in care of arrangements.   

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