Alan Campbell Forbes

Service Recording:  https://youtu.be/6TnLl8cg54g

A celebration of life for Alan Forbes, 83, of Marshall, will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Marshall. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the remembrance center, and will continue one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. 

Alan Campbell Forbes was born on November 4, 1941, in Marshall, to David and Eunice (Isfeld) Forbes. He grew up on a farm south of Marshall and attended country school before graduating from Marshall High School in 1959. Alan’s sister introduced him to her roommate, Colleen Sullivan, one weekend in Ghent. Alan and Colleen were married at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall on September 6, 1969. The couple raised their family near Marshall, where they lived almost their entire married life. From 1969 until 2008, Alan owned and operated Alan Forbes Construction. Alan was a hard working perfectionist who was very proud of his work. In 2007, he was awarded Outstanding Community Conservationist by the Lyon Soil and Water Conservation District. After selling his business, he continued doing odd jobs, including helping many local farmers with backhoe work.

Alan loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He was a fair and honest man who did things his way. Alan loved time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He taught his grandchildren to fish on the 7 acre pond he built, and he taught them about shooting and gardening. He had a large garden, and he loved to give away the fruits of his labor to family, friends, and strangers. He also built a train set in the basement. Alan enjoyed reading and learning about history, especially World War II. Alan also enjoyed going to coffee every morning with his friends.

Alan died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife Colleen of 55 years; children Brett (Amy) Forbes, Krissy (Eric) Hanson, and Sara (Darrin) Kompelien; grandchildren Corey, Brenden, Isaac, and Lucas Forbes, Brecken and Kendall Hanson, and Joshua and Teagen Kompelien; siblings David Forbes Jr., John (Emmy) Forbes, Kathryn Lunder, and Greg (Linda) Forbes; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Marilyn Forbes, and brother-in-law Lloyd Lunder.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Prairie Home Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice.