Donald G. Forsman was born in Ballard on Sept. 2, 1935, one of ninw children of Edward and Helen Lindberg Forsman. He died unexpectedly Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, on his daily walk in Discovery Park. Don is survived by his wife of 45 years, Syrene; daughters Britt (Rick) Hedges and Siri (Ricky) Forsman-Sims; granddaughters Emma and Olivia Hedges; and siblings Vivian Ojala, Robert Forsman, and Arlene Crane, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Don's family moved to Tacoma in 1947 and he graduated from Stadium High School in 1953. Don was an outdoorsman and an inveterate traveler. After 30 years with Chevron USA, he retired in 1992, then explored Europe, China, North America, and made annual trips to family and friends in Finland and Sweden.

Don was very proud of his Swedish Finn heritage and directed the Genealogy Office for the Swedish Finn Historical Society in Ballard for almost 15 years. His infectious smile, twinkling eyes, his generous nature and his interest in others endeared him to all who knew him.

A Memorial Service celebrating Don's life will be held Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. at Magnolia Lutheran Church, 2414 31st Ave. W., Seattle Wa 98199. Memorial donations may be made to The Swedish Finn Historical Society, P.O. Box 17264, Seattle WA 98127-096