Gunnar Eugene Forsman

Gunnar Eugene Forsman, a cherished father, grandfather, and marine engineer, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with dementia.

Born on May 6, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois Gunnar was the beloved son of Vern and Joyce Forsman. He moved with his family to Temple, Texas, as a young boy then back to Illinois, finishing high school in Hinsdale, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

This is where Gunnar's adventures started, with the love of the water. After finishing high school, he drove from Illinois to Alaska and started his career in commercial king crab fishing in the 1970's. He greatly enjoyed hiking and exploring Alaska and the great Bering Sea for over 10 years.

Gunnar's journey as an marine engineer began in Alaska where his natural curiosity and love for mechanics were evident from a young age. He pursued his passion for marine engineering at Texas A&M University, earning a bachelor's degree in marine engineering in 1988.

After graduation, Gunnar's career as an engineer took him to Boeing in Everett, Washington where his talents were recognized and appreciated. However, his heart truly belonged to the sea and he found his true calling in the maritime industry as a marine engineer with DLI on Bainbridge Island, Washington. At DLI he was able to combine his technical expertise with his passion for the maritime industry.

Later, he joined the U.S. Navy NAVSEA division in Keyport, Washington as a civilian engineer working on torpedo design for 10 years. This then led him to accept a position as a Port Engineer with NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in Newport, Oregon which is where he stayed until his retirement in 2019.

Each position he held in his career enriched his life and those around him, leaving a legacy of innovation and commitment to excellence. These achievements set the stage for a distinguished career that spanned several decades and brought him immense professional fulfillment.

Outside of his professional achievements, Gunnar was a man of many passions. He raised his two sons with his wife at the time Annette, in Poulsbo, Washington. An avid master swimmer for over 40 years, he found joy and solace in the water. His dedication to the sport was inspiring and he was known for encouraging others to embrace the benefits of swimming.

Gunnar's greatest pride and joy were his family. He is survived by his two sons Danik Forsman and Dennison Forsman. His two sisters, Kristen and Karen, and his brothers Knute and Einar, who carry forward his legacy of kindness, integrity and perseverance. Gunnar was also the proud grandfather of two young grandsons which he cherished.

Gunnar's passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his spirit will live on through the memories he created and the lives he touched. In honor of Gunnar's memory, the family suggests that donations be made to the charity of their choice.

Gunnar Forsman will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his passion for engineering, and his zest for life. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.