Harold Forbes

Madison- Harold Eugene "Bud" Forbes, age 87, died very early the morning of Tuesday, April 19, 2016 following an unexpected hospital stay. Harold, a lifelong Madison resident, was born in Madison on January 28, 1929, the son of Harold Frank Forbes and Marie Matilda "Tilly" (Brand) Forbes.

Harold graduated from Madison East High School, class of 1947, where he participated in band, track and student council. Growing up, Harold was busy with model airplanes, organized the 1st model airplane club, and cars. He also kept busy with years of piano study at Wisconsin School of Music, winning several awards and performing. Though he was drafted, Harold proudly served in the United States Army for 2 years. He was stationed in Manheim, German in the 19th field artillery during the Korean War. Harold attended MATC on the GI bill to study vehicle mechanics. In 1955, Harold began a family and a new job, as a mechanic for the City of Madison, where he worked until he retired in 1984, as a Master Mechanic. Harold was an amazing "fixer upper" and could really fix anything. He especially loved to fix and rebuild his numerous cars, especially Fords and sports cars. Harold loved his piano, gardening on the Arena Prairie, brewing beer & wine, motorcycles and road trips. He also enjoyed car races, airplanes, "collecting", reading, science, talking, telling stories and his friends and family.

Harold is survived by his daughter; Stephanie Forbes, his grandson; Zachary Forbes, his sister; Nancy (Jan) Doyle, his three nieces; Kerry Leonard, Joni Doyle, Patti Patterson, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Tilly Forbes and his beloved uncle, William Brand.

Funeral services will be held at BASHFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 329 North Street, Madison on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 4:00 pm with Reverend Amanda Stein officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Sunday from 3:00 pm until the time of services. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at Arena Cemetery, Arena, Wisconsin on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 2:00 pm.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison
608-249-6666