Beverly Ann Forrest

A snapshot of the life of Bev Forrest by Gary Forrest

Beverly Ann Chuinard was born February 26, 1941, in Portland, Oregon.  There she spent her childhood and attended grade school and high school.  She then began her advanced studies at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington for her Junior & Senior years and earned her Bachelor’s degree.

In 1963 shortly after college graduation, she and Gary were married and while he attended Medical School at the University of Washington, she taught in high school and completed her master’s degree.

Many moves across the country occurred with Gary’s internship in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Navy Flight school in Pensacola, Florida and duty assignment in Corpus Christi, Texas.  During that time Kevin and Christopher were born and finally Bev & Gary’s third child, Kimberly, was born in Seattle when Gary and she returned for his residency in Ophthalmology at University of Washington.

In 1974 the family moved to Olympia and in addition to Bev being a wonderful wife and mother, she taught many different Bible studies ranging from high school girls to with wives of state legislators.

As born-again Christians, both Gary and Bev participated for the next 25 years in Peacemaker Ministry, a parachurch ministry seeking to help resolve conflicts.  They taught many seminars together and worked as conciliators.

As her children grew, married and began families, Bev deeply loved their spouses.  Then as eight grandchildren came, she deeply loved and cherished each one.  She called all of them her “cillians” and they gave her the name of “Gigi” which she is known to them this day.

On a personal level, Bev was a person who extended the deepest love and respect for all who were touched by her life.  She lit up every room she walked into, always was uplifting, decent and encouraging all.  Bev was an example for all of us as a Christian woman, wife, mother and grandmother, who will be missed by all. 

Psalm 116:15 is a comfort to us in this time as it states, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”