Lawrence "Buck" Forthun, of Bellingham, passed away on November 7, 2009, surrounded by family in Spokane, WA, after a courageous battle with heart disease. He was born December 1, 1938, in Marilyn Cottage Hospital in Sumas, WA, to Lewis and Ida Forthun. Buck attended Sumas and Everson Grade Schools and graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 1956. He graduated from Western Washington College of Education after four years, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree and teaching certificate. Later, he earned his Master's Degree. His first teaching position was at Cascade Junior High School in the Highline School District. The rest of his teaching career he spent at Tyee High School, where he taught Mathematics and coached football, girls' basketball and track. Buck retired from teaching and coaching in 1990. Following his retirement, he relocated to Leavenworth and spent his winters in Arizona. Buck was an avid golfer and softball player. He loved playing any sort of game, loved competition, but hated to lose. Family and friends have many fond memories of spending time with Uncle Buck.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Paul and Ed Forthun. He is survived by his siblings, Dick (Barb) Forthun of Bellingham, Mary DenAdel Taubenheim of Lynden and Bud (Leona) Forthun of Oroville; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who adored him.

An Open House Celebration of Buck's Life will be held Saturday, November 21, 2009, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the home of his nephew, Doug and Lynn DenAdel, at 7358 Teal Lane in Bow, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, in memory of Uncle Buck.