William H. Forsythe

William H. "Bill” Forsythe, 83, of Greeley, CO passed away as he lived his life, with dignity and integrity on November 29, 2014. Bill was born in Cedar Rapids, IA on September 1, 1931 to Bernice (Bosworth) Forsythe and William Jennings Bryant Forsythe. When Bill was one the family moved to the farm in Kirkville, IA where he was raised and graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1948. On December 31, 1950 he married Mary Lavelle Batterson. Bill and Mary were blessed with two children, Greg and Cynthia. Bill became a brick mason and utilized his trade to relocate to Colorado in 1956. Bill initially worked for Cowan construction and purchased the company in 1960 changing the name to Forsythe masonry, constructing various commercial buildings and residential homes. In 1977 he started A Action motor sports where he had the franchise for Artic Cat, Polaris and Kawasaki. Bill married Caren Neff Ravithis on January 4, 1980 they ran A Action motor sports together until 2003 when they sold the business and retired together. Caren has two children from a previous marriage Jeff and Becky Ravithis. Bill became a large part of their lives. Bill was a member of the BPOE Elks 809 where he served as exalted ruler and remained a lifelong member. Bill loved being with his family and teaching them his life lessons. He enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, golf and watching his Denver Broncos. In retirement Bill and Caren enjoyed packing up their fifth wheeler and heading to Mexico spending the winters on the beach in beautiful Mazatlán. His favorite times were spent at Jackson Reservoir where he and Caren built their dream home and where he loved to take the grandkids on the boat, spend time with family and friends and his six o’clock martini on Saturday‘s. Bill is survived by his wife, Caren; his children, Greg Forsythe of West Yellowstone MT, Cynthia (Scott) Porter of Ankeny IA, Jeff (Tami) Ravithis of Greeley, Becky Fraker of Greeley and son-in-law Alan Fraker of Greeley; his Brother, George (Barbara) Forsythe of Greeley; sister, Lavonne (George) Dalton of Holyoke, CO and sister-in-law, Linda (Arnie) Banghart of Greeley; his grandchildren, Jared (Sara) Forsythe of Coeur d’ Alene ID, Brooke Forsythe of Billings MT, Megan (Richard) Cook of Atlanta GA, Dr. Andrew (Mandy) Porter of Wichita KS, Katelyn (Mark) Pnaik of Rockford IL, Cassie and Meaka Ravithis, Marquis, Payten, Macksie and Quincey Fraker all of Greeley and 13 great grandchildren. Bill is preceded in death by his parents; and twin brothers, Larry and Perry. Bill was an honest and trusting man with many talents who saw the good in everyone he met. He will be truly missed. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2014 at Adamson Chapel Greeley CO. Bill’s wishes are to have all donations made to the "Wounded Warrior Project” in care of Adamson’s funeral home, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634 or at www.woundedwarriorproject.org