Alden "Rusty" Forbes

Obituary "Rusty" Alden O. Forbes was born in Elkhart, Kansas to Fred Leroy Forbes and Alma Emily Forbes. Rusty resided in Elkhart until he was 18 years old and then served in the Army. He served in the Korean war and was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon with Bronze Campaign Star, the United Nations Medal, and the National Defense Service medal. He married his beloved Flora, wife of nearly 63 years, on June 21, 1953. He was stationed in Grand Rapids, MI where he finished the last year of his tour as a member of the Military Police. He then headed to Miami, FL where he attended Air Craft Mechanic and Pilot training school. This is where his passion for the freedom of flying got its start. He started his career in Hobbs, NM. In 1960 Rusty and Flora moved to Colorado Springs where he began working for the Colorado Division of Wildlife as a helicopter and fixed wing pilot and mechanic. His job gave him the opportunity for the thrill of his many adventures and meeting the numerous friends that he enjoyed so much. He continued his career with the DOW until 1989 when he decided to hang up his wings. He had the opportunity to work in Guam as a helicopter pilot on a tuna fishing boat for 10 months in 1990 and 1991. He took on this challenge as he always did and saw some amazing things while there. After so many months at sea spent with only one other person that spoke English he decided to head back home. Rusty was always looking for better ways to do things and make things work better. As a horse trainer he developed innovative methods which set a new benchmark for his champion horses . Back in the 70s he decided to find a better way to water them without the water freezing in the winter. He called this the "Water Witch" which he had patented. An ad for it was published in several issues of "The Western Horseman." While he was in Korea he found he didnt like not being able to take a shower so he gathered up scraps and made his own. Pretty soon he found that he was very popular with his superiors. He also invented one of the early satellite dish mounting systems. In his spare time his fun was rebuilding wrecked airplanes. His garage was always full of airplanes instead of cars. His love of country music later took Rusty and Flora to move to Branson, MO. The Branson fire department was in need of a new water truck, so Rusty took on the project and led the team that built it. Rusty applied his inquiring mind and his mechanical knowledge to anything he was involved in. Rusty is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Flora of Colorado Springs, daughter Judy (George) Egbert of Alamosa, CO, son Terry Forbes (Angie) of Trinidad, CO, daughter Connie (Donny) Baker of Colorado Springs, and grandchildren Risten, Seth and Noelle. He is also survived by brothers Bob, Vernon, Ernie and sisters Veda and Gracie. He was preceded in death by brothers Lester, Melvin, Rufus and sisters Amanda, Stella, and Mildred. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Cappadonna Funeral Home on May 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. located at 1020 E. Fillmore St., Colorado Springs, CO 80907. In lieu of flowers the family invites you send written notes of how Rusty touched your lives. Please send notes to Flora Forbes, 7815 Curlew Ct., Colorado Springs, CO 80920. Services Cappadona Funeral Home 1020 E Fillmore St Colorado Springs, CO 80907