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In Memoriam

Jeff Forester - Class Of 1991 VIEW PROFILE

Jeff Forester

Jeffrey Robert Forester class of 1991, age 50, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on January 20th, 2024, cutting short a remarkable life that left a lasting impact on those around him. Born on February 1, 1973, in Jackson, Michigan. Jeffrey grew up in Grand Blanc before moving to Okemos as a teenager.

After graduating from Okemos High School in 1991, he enlisted in the US Army, serving as a pharmacy technician while pursuing a degree in Chemistry at Michigan State University. Though he didn't experience active duty (wartime), Jeff took immense pride in his opportunity to serve his country.

In 1996, Jeff graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Science and continued his education to obtain a Master of Business Administration in 1998. Jeff's time at MSU marked by academic achievements but also by his involvement in the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, forming lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers. These friendships would prove to be invaluable throughout his life.

Following graduation, Jeff accepted a position with Accenture where he rose to become a Managing Director during his 26-year career. His dedication, expertise, and leadership qualities propelled him forward, making a significant impact on the company and his colleagues.

Jeff married his beloved Christine Smiggen on April 17, 2010, in Naples, Florida. Their most cherished accomplishment together was welcoming Thomas into their lives in 2012. Jeff's greatest joy - fatherhood - was also the thing for which he felt the utmost responsibility. As a lifelong learner and lover of education, Jeff always sought ways to help Thomas grow in his formal education and make sure Thomas experienced the beauty and wonder of the world, beyond the classroom.

As driven as Jeff was in career and academics, he was equally veracious in his pursuit of his hobbies. Jeff's most recent passion was golf. He found tremendous joy in the Pine Lake Country Club community and golfing allowed him to spend precious time with family and friends. Jeff served as the Chair of the Golf Committee and a member of the finance committee, mindful to always put the effort into those things he valued. A man of many talents, Jeff also loved playing guitar and had started a band with friends. Jeff completed numerous full marathons and competed in multiple Iron Man Races. Jeff also had a passion for sailing, which started as member at Pentwater Yacht Club, racing with the Ensign Fleet. One of his most thrilling competitive achievements occurred in 2019, taking first place with the "Roxy" crew in the Chicago to Mackinac Sailing Race in the Cruising 1 category.

Jeff leaves behind a loving family, including his wife of almost 14 years, Chrissy, his son Thomas, grandmother Beverly Johnston, parents Kristin and Robert Forester, sister Nancy Beyers (Tony), and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Jeff's life will take place at 1:30pm on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in West Bloomfield Township. Visitation will be held on Friday January 26th from 2-8pm at Desmond Funeral Home in Royal Oak (32515 Woodward Avenue) including a reading of the Rosary at 7pm. Visitation will also be available at 1pm on Saturday, January 27th, at Our Lady of Refuge prior to the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Henry Ford Health-Destination Grand (select Destination Grand from the drop down list) or Wounded Warrior Project are appreciated.

Although Jeff's passing was unexpected, his life and accomplishments will forever be remembered as a remarkable legacy. Those who had the privilege of knowing him will carry his memory with love and admiration.

Obituary published on Legacy.com by A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel) on Jan. 24, 2024.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jeffrey-forester-obituary?id=54188691



Click here to see Jeff's last Profile entry.