Raymond William Forsythe

Raymond William Forsythe, age 72, of Albia, passed away Saturday April 30, 2011 at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Ray was born and raised on the family farm west of Avery, Iowa on June 2, 1938 to James and Frances (Shaw) Forsythe. Ray enjoyed life on the farm, with pet birds and raising calves to participate in 4-H and FFA. Ray graduated from Albia High School in 1956 and continued on to Centerville Community College in 1958 earning a diploma and teaching certificate. Ray taught elementary school for two years in Nevada, IA. He later attended William Penn College in Oskaloosa and Drake University in Des Moines. In 1960 Ray started his career with Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance as a field inspector. He was an instructor for the National Safety Council's defensive driving course for 24 years, and was one of the founders and charter members of the National Institute for Farm Safety. Ray was a member of National Fire Protection Safety Association, Iowa Farm Safety Council and National Safety Council. He also served on the Board of Directors for OSHA, Chairman of the Agricultural Division for National Safety Council and President of Iowa Farm Safety Council. Ray was well known nationally as an outstanding member in the safety field, receiving numerous awards and accolades, including an honorary diploma from Purdue University, an "Award of Merit" from the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Council, an "Honorary Life Membership Award" from the National Safety Council, "Distinguished Service to Safety Award" from the National Safety Council, "Gary Hawk Safety Award" in 1999, and many, many others. Ray retired after 37 years with Farm Bureau in West Des Moines, IA in 1996, the last 21 years serving as Director of Safety for Farm Bureau Insurance. In retirement, Ray loved spending time with his children and grandsons, playing cribbage to any challengers who dare present themselves, and he also became an internet enthusiast who enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends. Ray is survived by his wife of 51 years, Karyn (Cosgrove) Forsythe, of Albia; and three children, Michael Forsythe and wife Kim of Albia, Robert Forsythe of Albia, and Amy Kluver and husband David of Carlisle. He is also survived by three proud grandsons, Sutton and Rowan Forsythe and William Kluver. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Frances (Shaw) Forsythe, and several aunts and uncles. Memorials have been to the Albia FFA and Care Initiatives Hospice. Memorials may be sent to Ray Forsythe at 6793 165th St. Albia, Iowa 52531.

Raymond William Forsythe

June 2, 1938 - April 30, 2011