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Forrest Lamont Siminoe, 1932-2005

Forrest Lamont “Frosty” Siminoe of Craig, passed away in his home Oct. 17, 2005. He was 73.

Siminoe was born June 18, 1932, in Rifle to Earl C. and Edith (Noblitt) Gardner.

His parents divorced during his infancy and his mother married G.W. (Bill) Siminoe. They lived in Whitewater until 1941, then moved to Portland, Ore., where Bill Siminoe worked in the shipyards during World War II. In 1947, the family moved to Grand Junction. Forrest graduated from Grand Junction High in 1950. He worked for McCoy Co. Caterpillar until March 1952, when he enlisted in the Navy. He served in the SeaBees as a mechanic on Kwajalein and the Phillippines. He was honorably discharged in March of 1956.



During his Navy time, he married the love of his life, Polly Lee Summers, on July 26, 1953, in Grand Junction. Forrest and Polly returned to Grand Junction, where his work with McCoy Co. resumed.

In fall 1956, they moved to Craig, where Forrest continued as the Field Service Mechanic for McCoy Co. In September 1964, he went to work at the Peabody Coal Seneca Mine as their mechanic. During the 1970s, Forrest also worked part time as a mechanic for Reid Chevrolet. In 1978 Forrest, known as “Frosty” at Seneca, became a master mechanic, a position he held until he retired in 1991.



During retirement, Forrest and Polly spent their winters in Apache Junction, Ariz. Forrest renewed his interest in leathercraft and woodworking. He learned chair weaving and oil painting and made works for family and friends. He loved going to spring training baseball games and enjoyed Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets and Avalanche games. He enjoyed camping, cutting firewood, traveling and playing Pinochle.

He spent several years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee, and later a member of the First Christian Church, where he served a time as a Deacon. He loved time with his family many of whom knew him as “Sonny.” His children and grandchildren were a big part of his life, and he loved them all dearly.

The main love of his life was his wife, Polly, with whom he shared a long, happy marriage and nearly lifelong friendship. She died Aug. 9, 2003, two weeks after their 50th wedding anniversary.

He was a kind and generous man who will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

Siminoe is survived by his sons, Dennis (Rose) Siminoe and David (Kamisha) Siminoe; daughters, Anita (Jeff) Reynolds and Cheryl (Preston) Ivy; grandchildren, Barrett, Brittnie, Hannah, Billy, Brian, Tayla and Forrest, all of Craig; brothers Ken (Jan) Siminoe of Ukiah, Calif., Zane (Carrie) Siminoe of Nucla, and Doug (Susie) Siminoe of Mesquite, Texas; brother-in-law, Lloyd (Doris) Summers of Lake Oswego, Ore.; and 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his wife; his father, Earl Gardner; his mother, Edith Siminoe; his “Dad” Bill Siminoe; sister, Darlene Kawcak; and two infant children, Donald Wayne and Catherine Marie.

On Oct. 21, 2005, the family hosted a viewing for family and friends at Grant Mortuary, followed by graveside services officiated by Merv Johnson. Military honors were conducted by VFW Post 4265. Pallbearers were Dennis Siminoe, David Siminoe, Preston Ivy, Jeff Reynolds, Barrett Durham, Billy Ivy, Brian Ivy and Forrest Siminoe. Honorary pallbearers were his many friends and acquaintances.

A celebration of Siminoe’s life was held at the First Christian church in Craig after the graveside service. David Carrick read the obituary, and Forrest’s brother-in-law, Lloyd Summers, shared memories. Music was provided by Doug and Becky Field, Wanda Brown and Kathy Hildebrandt. Selections performed were “How Great Thou Art,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “I’ll Fly Away.”

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund.


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