Forest P. Graves, 74, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, after a battle with Lung Cancer.

Born on March 30, 1952, in Parkland, Washington, in a bathtub, Forest was the son of Kenneth W. Graves and E. Winona (Esmay) Graves. Forest is now reunited with the love of his life, Nina J. Graves. Married August 15, 1975, they shared more than 45 years together. Forest was also preceded in death by his, son-in-law, Benjamin O. Kroupa; brothers George, Donald, Tad, Ed, and Kenneth Graves; and his parents.

He is survived by his son, Ryan F.P. Graves daughter-in-law Mo; eldest daughter Melinda W. Peck son-in-law Theodore, youngest daughter Dayna L. Kroupa; sister Judy Lange; ten grandchildren, Connor, Michaela, Duncan, Brandon, Kylee, Alyssa, Bryce, Vanessa, Holly, and Brennen; and three great-grandchildren, Forrest, Marlow, and Myles; & numerous nieces and nephews.

For 30 years, Forest worked as a sawyer and inspector for The Truss Company and Tacoma Truss. Following years of dedicated service, he retired.

A talented athlete, Forest spent many years playing on a local guys and dolls softball leagues, dart leagues and bowling leagues. Forest loved hunting and never missed an opportunity to share one of his crazy stories.

Nothing brought Forest more joy than supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He rarely missed a football, basketball, baseball, cheer, or track event.

Forest loved his family in the way he knew best, through acts of kindness, dependability, and simply showing up. He was a good father, but an even better grandfather. The relationships he built with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among the greatest joys of his life. He was immensely proud of each and every one of them, and his face would light up whenever the great-grandchildren came to visit.

One of Forest's greatest life achievements was his sobriety. On March 15, 1987, he made the decision to change the course of his life, devote himself to his family and the AA program. It was not an easy journey, but it became one of the most meaningful legacies he leaves behind. His family could not have been prouder of the man he became. Following Nina's passing, he returned to meetings and recovery events with the same determination and commitment that had carried him through nearly four decades of sobriety. Forest remained deeply grateful for the fellowship and the programs support until the end.

Forest's legacy is not measured by the years he lived, but by the lives he touched. He taught those around him the importance of family, resilience, loyalty, and showing up for the people you love. He leaves behind countless memories, stories, and lessons that we will carry on through the generations & those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Though his family will miss him deeply, they find comfort in knowing that he no longer in pain and is once again with Nina, the love of his life and all his loved ones.

Forest will be forever loved & forever remembered.

His celebration of life will be November 7th, 2026, at 2 pm to 5 pm at Emanuel Lutheran Church 206 Third St SE Yelm, WA.

Wear your Hawaiian party shirt in honor of him.