Stephen Anthony Forrest, born in Washington, D.C., on July 30, 1991, died in Eugene, Oregon, at the age of 32 on Sept. 3, 2023.
Stephen was truly a force of nature, headstrong and confident. He was honest, sometimes to a fault, and unwavering in his loyalty and protective nature of those around him. He was absolutely committed to seeking truth and had a mind designed for churning out dreams and schemes.
Despite being labeled with many diagnoses over the years, he refused to accept the limitations that came with the labels. He accomplished so much, and his family is so proud of him. He was loved dearly.
He moved to Eugene with his mother, Amber Deyo (Sawyer) and brother (Bryce Forrest) in 2015, and was set on living independently. He had found his home. He earned a degree in drafting from Lane Community College. While he never worked in the field, he had grand visions of designing and building affordable housing.
He loved volunteering at SARA’s Treasures, loved working at Hop Valley Brewery as a dishwasher, and loved his most recent job at the 7-11 on Broadway.
He was the most thoughtful gift-giver on the planet, and he was more generous than he could afford.
Two years prior to his passing, he gave both his mother and brother sealed envelopes with a letter stating words of kindness and his wishes if he were to die. At this time, it is the most beautiful gift he could have ever given. Additionally, after his passing, he was able to donate his heart, liver, and both kidneys to four people in all.
Stephen leaves behind many friends and family whose lives changed trajectory the moment they met him. His loved ones will be forever grateful to those who could support Stephen when they could not. With that, remembrance donations would be deeply appreciated to the Laurel Hill Center at Laurel.org/donate and/or to the CAHOOTS program of White Bird Clinic at whitebirdclinic.org/donate, both of Eugene, Oregon.
Funeral services are not planned at this time, but a celebration of life will take place at a later date, likely in conjunction with his request to be cremated and his ashes to be spread in the vicinity of Zion National Park. While we deeply mourn the loss of him, at this time, it is in fact a consolation that our last words to him, and his last to us were “I love you.”
