Gary Don Forrest, 59, of Carlsbad, passed away on Oct. 12, 2022, at his home. He was born to Robert Forrest, Sr. and Barbara Perini Forrest on May 22, 1963, in Carlsbad, NM. In time, we would realize that his birth would be the catalyst that changed the trajectory of Carlsbad forever, because, without Gary, CARC Inc. would not exist today. CARC, Inc. provides services for people with special needs, enabling them to be active local citizens, feel accepted by their community, and find meaning in their lives. 

Gary had a strong work ethic and was always ready to go to work and earn his paycheck. He was most recently employed at CNB Bank as a paper shredder and, in the past, worked at CARC in both the Green House and Egg Production. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed participating in sports, competing at the local, state, and national levels of the Special Olympics, where he played softball, bocce ball and was on the swim team. He also enjoyed attending all the special events at CARC with his friends, especially the dances.

To know Gary was to love Gary, as he had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest. He was known for being very social and loving all people, but spending time with his family was particularly special. Gary is survived by his parents, Bob and Barbara Forrest; brother Robert Forrest Jr. and his wife Brenda of Carlsbad, NM; brother Michael Forrest and his wife Jo of Odessa, TX; nephews Jesse, Jeff, Michael, and Ross Forrest and niece Lee Forrest Emerson; uncle Dale and wife Karen Perini of Albuquerque, NM, Uncle Richard (Dick) Sr., and Betty Forrest and Aunt Gloria Wilson, all of Carlsbad.

Gary will be missed tremendously by all those he knew and touched.