FORNER, Eric

ERIC AUGUST FORNER 1934 ~ 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Eric August Forner on May 11, 2025. Eric had a gentle and peaceful passing just six weeks shy of his 91st birthday.
Born to Florian and Katharina Forner, Eric, was the middle child of five siblings. He is survived by his brother Arny (Elmira); daughters Carolynn, Kelly and Janette (Dave); and his loving wife of 35 years, Sharon, along with her daughters Kathleen Downing and Connie Hyde (Murray) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Eric was predeceased by his parents and siblings Elsie (LG), Alfred (Donna) and Herman (Connie).
Eric was born in Provost, Alberta. Eric spent his childhood and high school years on the family fruit farm in Keremeos, British Columbia. In 1952, Eric moved to Spokane, Washington to attend Gonzaga University. He graduated with a degree in Science and Civil Engineering.
In 1957, Eric married his college sweetheart Vivian Yochum. Vivian and Eric moved to Maple Lake, British Columbia where Eric had his first job working on the construction of the West Coast Transmission Pipeline. In 1958, Eric and Vivian moved to Edmonton where they had their three daughters, Carolynn, Kelly and Janette and shared a life for 27 years.
When his marriage ended, Eric built a life with Sharon O’Sullivan and added to his family with Sharon’s two daughters, three grandsons, four great grandchildren and a large extended family. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
After 35 years in the oil and gas business, Eric retired, and he and Sharon relocated to the Mayook Valley in the East Kootenays and built their dream home. Skiing, fishing, quadding and golfing were just outside their door. Eric loved the mountains, working the land, being outdoors and being part of a country community. Eric was never happier than when he was in a boat, on a lake.
Eric was an active member of the Edmonton Oilfield Technical Society (OTS), the Edmonton Petroleum Club and served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Derrick Golf and Winter Club and was later a member of the Windermere Golf Club.
Eric and Sharon moved from the East Kootenays to Lethbridge, Alberta in 2019. For fifteen years they wintered in Arizona where they made new friends and welcomed family and friends to share their home and the warm weather. They made many great memories in their years in Arizona.
Eric spent the final weeks of his life in St. Michael’s Palliative Care Center in Lethbridge. Though his legs were feeling their years, his mind remained sharp, and he shared his characteristic sense of humour.
Eric will be dearly missed but his spirit will live on in the lives he touched. At Eric’s request, a small private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers we invite you to donate to Dreams for Kids, ECSFoundation, (www.ecsfoundation.ca) or a charity of your choice.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brother Funeral Chapel.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.