David John Forster of San Clemente, California, passed at the age of 84 on November 28, 2022, following a short illness.

David was born in England in 1937 to Albert Barden and Greta Joan "Joanna" Tilby.  He was the middle of three boys, who all took their stepfather Tom Forster's last name when Joanna remarried.  The three brothers all lived long, full lives and left us recently: Brian in 2020, Michael in 2021, and now David.

David studied mechanical engineering as an external student at London University while an engineering apprentice in aircraft flight systems and graduated with honors in 1961.

He worked as an engineer in England until September 1968, when he emigrated to the U.S. to work at Fleetwood Metals as an expert on the continuous casting of bronze.  He served as Executive Vice President at Fleetwood Metals from 1970 until May 1975, when he started his own competing company, Continental Bronze, in Torrance, California.  In March 1981, David acquired the assets of Fleetwood Metals, and in 1988 the newly combined company was relaunched as Fleetwood Continental, Inc.  Company operations moved to their current location in Rancho Dominguez in 1989 and continue to this day, employing over 60 people including several family members.

Being a builder by nature, David renovated and expanded several of his residences with his own hands.  In the early 1990s, he designed his own house on 20 acres in Temecula, California.  In 2014, he relocated to San Clemente, to a home located in a neighborhood aptly named Forster Ranch.

David was married four times – first to Janet, who emigrated with David and supported him in the founding of his company.  Although they divorced in 1978, they continued working together at Fleetwood until David's passing.  They had two children: Stephen G. Forster, who passed in 1990, and Katherine M. Forster, whose professional accomplishments as a lawyer made David very proud.  David is survived by his wife Joy, his daughter Katherine, grandson Stephen C. Forster, granddaughter Shana Barden Forster Velasquez, four great-grandchildren, and various nieces and nephews in both the UK and US.

After a brief second marriage to Carmon, David married Gertrude Therese "Terry" La Haye in 1984.  His marriage to Terry saw him through the company's relocation and the construction of the Temecula house.  He cared for Terry through a lengthy illness until her passing in 2012.

Among his many friendships, David always felt a particular connection with Joy, whom he met in the 1980s.  Their long phone calls were a great solace as he weathered Terry's passing.  The calls became visits to and from Atlanta, and many Delta sky miles later, they married in 2014.  David found great happiness in his final chapter with Joy.

David loved filet mignon, cabernet sauvignon, apple pie, and classical music – and his two dogs, Princess and Prince, who awaited him over the rainbow bridge.  He had a great sense of humor and won the affection and respect of many people over his long life.  His legendary height was somehow surpassed by his generosity, which touched the lives of many.  David is, and will be, greatly missed.

Following a private burial, a memorial service to celebrate David's life will be held at McCormick and Son Mortuaries, 25002 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92637 on Friday, February 3, 2023, starting promptly at 11:30 a.m.  A hosted luncheon reception will follow at Five Crowns, 3801 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625.  RSVPs for the luncheon by January 31 would be greatly appreciated; please email for@fleetcon.com or call 310-609-1477.  The memorial service will be streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Donations may be made in David's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or City of Hope.

To view webcasting of service, please follow the link below.

https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1245194