James Patrick “Paddy” Forrest of West Dennis, MA passed away on March 26, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Pat was born on September 29, 1935 in Marlborough, MA to James and Eva Forrest. He was the oldest of nine siblings and later raised four children of his own.

He served our country as a Staff SGT in the United States Air Force and pursued a career as an IT executive with Raytheon spanning more than four decades.

Pat was a man of great faith and was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Pat was an incredible athlete and loved adventure! He was a star basketball player at Marlborough High School and later set his sights on running and cycling. His accomplishments were many including nine marathons; most proud that he ran Boston seven times, 38 triathlons and biking the entire coast of Ireland. He was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, rooting for all things Boston!

Pat was gracious and generous, he was kind beyond words and cared for those in need. He lived his life by his favorite quote from Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get… we make a life by what we GIVE”.

His philanthropy was extensive including the two charities he founded: the Forrest Memorial Road Race that benefited Metro West Special Olympic athletes and the Snowflake Tournament which benefited local families in need.

He is survived by two daughters, Darcy Forrest of Cape Cod, MA and Kellie Collins of Boston, MA, a son, Kevin Forrest of Fryeburg, ME, and daughter-in-law Bamby Forrest of West Dennis. Pat also leaves behind six grandchildren: Crystal (Tom) Schaad, David Castro, Caitlin Forrest, Haley Navarro, Delaney Forrest and K.P. Forrest and siblings Faith (Joe) Buscone, Tom (Kathy) Forrest, Peter (Elsa) Forrest, Alberta (Bob) Fitzpatrickas well as many nieces and nephews. Pat is preceded in death by his son Michael Forrest, son- in- law Rick Collins, brothers Paul, Michael and Dennis Forrest and sister Jacqueline O’Rourke.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Church, 246 Main St, West Harwich on Saturday, April 6th at 11:00 am. A celebration of his legendary life to follow at the Sons of Erin in Yarmouth.  Memorial donations may be made in Pat’s memory to the Metro West Special Olympics.

My introduction to Pat was back in 2004 when we worked the same Raytheon project and I told him that I was running the Reach the Beach Relay for the first time. He thought it would be helpful to have an awareness of his training approach and sure enough that years run had my liquids shifted towards beer. His recollection of the Dublin Marathon had me repeat the approach one more before I conceded that I his capabilities far exceeded mine! What a genuine character and energetic individual that brought the best out of everyone and left so many memorable moments along the way. Our last trip was down the Cape with Danny Carew and Bob Bracken and we met up with Pat and Chris Dooley - He still hadn't lost it and Bob Bracken is probably still recovering from that well hosted weekend. Very happy to meet and sorry to see go - Maith an fear!

My deepest condolences to the family. He was a wonderful man and touched many lives along his journey. I am glad our lives had the opportunity to cross paths. We at some adventures together at Raytheon during an accounting system conversion and always made me feel like part of the family especially when your invited to family Christmas party. I will alway remember him telling us how he baked us the seven layer chocolate cake. Even thou he confessed he didn’t make it. It was great. Until our paths cross again you will always have a place in my heart.

Pat’s large family and friends are more than saddened, a very loving man has been taken away from us. Elsa and I grieve today as we will for a long time. He is with his recently departed Michael and several other members of his extended family. We love you Pat and you will always be with us.

I am so sorry to hear of Paddy’s passing. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family. I first met Paddy around 1972 playing basketball in the Raytheon league. I also played softball against him in the Marlborough men’s league. He was one of the most competitive people I ever went up against. I always enjoyed competing with him. After my retirement from Raytheon I ran into Paddy on the cape at Holy Trinity church and we had a wonderful conversation and I would see him there taking up the collection often. He was such a great person and will be missed. Again my deepest condolences to his family. RIP Paddy.

Pat was a great guy.

Paddy dear friend of Ann Marie and mine and Dick Hoyt. We all enjoyed so many great memories, Paddy And Dick Hoyt were so alike, who attracted and who were so good and generous to all with disabilities. My heart is so broken right now, but with shouts of joy now they are together. God bless you Paddy, May the lord be with you.

It is often said "people die the way they lived." Our brother Pat's passing was a tribute to the way he chose to live his life: rich with love, peace, and family devotion. We are filled with deep sorrow but find comfort in remembering our joyful, precious times together as a large, loving family. Much Love, Much Peace, Faith and Joe

Pat was an absolute gentleman and a member of CCVI. His support and giving towards Veterans and the needy is well known. His goodness and friendship will be missed. Richard T Riehle, Founder

Pat Forrest - You are and will always be one of my absolute favorite humans. I’m so glad to have had a special friendship with you for many years. I have so many great memories from Sully’s, the 400&ONE, to the many Forrest Road races and your famous Cape Cod Christmas parties at your home. My favorite memory is when you & Darcy came all the way to Somerville to run in the “Casey’s Pub” Road Race since it was my very first race. You were one of a kind and I’ll never forget you. The bed of heaven to my friend. 'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis'☘️