Ward Lee Forbes

Ward Lee Forbes, 59, of Missoula, was welcomed by his Heavenly Father on July 27, 2017. Although his death was sudden, it was merciful.
Ward was born April 5, 1958 in Helena. He graduated a Capital Bruin in 1978 and shortly thereafter attended Vo Tech, becoming certified in welding. He worked in MT, CA, and WA, and was immensely respected by his associates. He was highly skilled in wood and metal work, just as his grandfather Forrest was. They were both pretty good mechanics too!
Ward could repair or build just about anything. It may have taken multiple trips to the hardware store, but it was well done in the end. Ward was passionate about many things. He loved: family, spoiling his little dog Peanut, trains (of several sizes), sprint car racing (especially in the pit), playing pool, darts (Mark's son Michael is getting pretty good), classic cars, his immaculate Hummer H2, target shooting, bowling, yard sales, Griz games/tailgates, the Seahawks, beautiful women (inside and out), television programming, and building what he referred-to as his "Museum". He always had at least a couple projects in the works.
In infancy, it was discovered that Ward had an aortic perforation. Yearly monitoring in Great Falls was required, but God removed the condition in His time. When Ward died, he did so with a heart as big as his beloved state of Montana.
Ward was one of the most selfless people you could ever meet. He was caretaker and sidekick to his mother from the day his father passed until her end. He worked tirelessly, helping her with rehabilitation at the hospital and nursing home and enabling her to spend her last months in the home they shared. Such devotion is becoming increasingly rare.
Ward was preceded in death by his parents, Julian Irving and Forrest Ree Forbes. Those eager to see him again are his brothers, Mark (Connie)and Lynn (Connie); nephews, Michael and Luke (Chelsi); niece, Allison (David); great nieces, Cayleigh, Betty and Mckenzie; numerous adoring cousins and friends all around the country; neighborhood friends; friends from childhood... and some pretty new ones too! Never married, he embraced our little ones as if they were his own. Ward's love to you all was genuine.
Cremation will be performed by Garden City. Funeral arrangements have yet been determined. Ward wasn't religious, but he was spiritual. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the ASPCA or other charity of your choice.
Ward is now living in the little shack that he and Jesus built. It is far from being the grandest structure in Heaven, but is among the sturdiest. And Ward couldn't be happier about it. I want to be his next door neighbor.