Greg A. Forbes

Greg A. Forbes

He called me “gorgeous.” God chose the perfect husband for me. My Greg unexpectedly died of a blood clot to the lungs on May 16, 2026, and is now present with Christ. Greg was born to Jim and Dottie Forbes in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania on May 29, 1955. He grew up in a boisterous household as the youngest of three boys, alongside numerous foster children. In 1978 he convinced me to marry him and I convinced him he was smart enough to be more than a cook. He attended and graduated from Penn State with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Greg worked for Rockwell Automation for most of his career, designing industrial motor control systems. Both talented and personable, he inspired loyalty in all of his clients. Those who worked with him on one project would request to work with him again. If he was busy they would choose to wait until he was available.

Greg served as an Assistant Scout Master of Cedarburg’s Troop 830 for 33 years, hauling the equipment-filled trailer to numerous campouts each year. Many Eagle Scouts will attest that Greg’s influence galvanized their resolve to achieve that rank. At Portview Church Greg was a boys’ Royal Ranger leader, cooked for church events, and served on the board. In retirement he towed his loaded trailer to summer camps, accompanied me on historical fact-finding missions across the country, perfected our camper and explored rails-to-trails on our e-bikes. Tobias loved it when his Papaw picked him up from 4-K with his bicycle and trailer. Greg was often referred to as “the biggest Boy Scout.” His life motto was, “You have to grow old, but you don’t have to grow up.” He had a way of mentoring young men that inspired respect. He was a kid at heart, yet helped the boys act with integrity. Like his dad, he served those in need with his mechanical mind and repair skills. Greg had ideas and solutions that eased all of my activities and projects.

We were married for nearly 48 years. He told everyone we had been married for 50 years because he “rounded up.” Our family includes our children Brandon (Kasie) Forbes, Chandler (Brianna) Forbes, Kaylyn (Chris) Marshall and nephew Brian (Stephanie) Forbes. Greg was Papaw to Lydia, Joel and Gideon Forbes, Tobias and Etta Grace Marshall, and a new little Marshall he will miss meeting. Greg’s siblings are Randy (Lisa) Forbes, Tammy Forbes, and Allen Meadath. His sisters-in-law are Audrey Forbes, Boni (Scott) Smith, and Kate (Chris) Brennen. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Bill & Gerri Campbell, and his brother Doug Forbes.

Greg’s life, lived in dedication to the Lord, his family and his community, will be celebrated on Saturday, May 23 at Portview Church, 3457 County Road LL, Port Washington. Visitation will begin at 10:00, the service will begin at noon with a lunch to follow. Greg loved pot-lucks! Feel free to bring a cold salad, side or dessert. Internment will take place at Immanuel Cemetery, Hamilton Road, Cedarburg at 4:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Portview Church or Scouting America Bay Lakes Council. Serving others as you discern their needs would also continue Greg’s legacy.

Tomi Fay