Frances Marion Forhan

Frances Marion (Colby) Forhan, age 95, a lifetime resident of Bellingham, WA, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2018 surrounded by her family.  She is survived by her sons, Doug (Cara) Forhan and Craig (Tammy) Forhan, and grandchildren Andrew, Matthew, Samantha and Alex Forhan. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Lou (Joe) Orluske and Charlene (Bernie) Dorcy, and many nieces and nephews.  Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton Forhan.

Frances Forhan was born May 18, 1923 in Bellingham, WA to Merritt and Mary Colby.  She grew up in a loving home with her two younger sisters, Mary Lou and Charlene.  Frances graduated from Bellingham High School in 1941.  While attending Business College she was hired by Bloedel-Donovan Lumber Mills.  She later worked for Columbia Valley Lumber Company and retired as a bookkeeper for Bellingham Sash and Door.  The early years at Bloedel-Donovan Lumber Mills were during WWII.  During that time, a very good friend suggested she and Frances write letters to servicemen. Her good friend’s cousin was Clint Forhan, a pilot in the Army Airforce.  Frances’s letters to Clint began a romance and eventual marriage.  Clint named his planes “Belle of Bellingham” for Frances.  Frances and Clint together provided a loving, stable and secure childhood for their sons. Frances was humble and always placing others before herself. Her gracious selflessness was exemplified in cooking, baking, caring for children and serving others.  She attended First Christian Church all of her 95 years of life.  Her faith in Christ was unwavering and remained the guiding force of her long life.  She served others tirelessly and enjoyed the fellowship of visiting with others.  She cherished her family and especially her grandchildren.  She found great joy, contentment and peace in simply serving others. Her quiet actions of service are deep and lasting for those who witnessed her life.  She did not care for extravagant things, but she served extravagantly.  Frances’s childhood home was located on Meridian Street across from the Bellingham Golf and Country Club (BG&CC).  In 2016 she moved to Orchard Park Assisted Living which is located very near BG&CC.  She remarked at the time, “I think it would be nice to complete my journey where I started.” 

A family graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 7, 2018.  A memorial service to celebrate Frances’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2018, at First Christian Church, 495 East Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226.