Our loving father, grandfather and friend George J Forakis, age 82, passed away surrounded by his loved ones at home on July 5, 2017. He was born in Ft Duchesne, Utah on September 16, 1934, to John Petro Forakis and Afton Florence Mecham. His belief in God was strong and he fulfilled many callings in the Grantsville First Baptist Church. He dedicated more than a decade to jail ministry and was a deacon. He was proud to be able to baptize several of his grandchildren and perform many marriages within the family. George enjoyed boating with his family in the early years and was an avid gardener later in life. He served his country in the U.S. Army as a young man. He worked at Kennecott mine for 27 years, and Tooele Army Depot for 21 years. He retired from the Tooele County School District as a bus driver after 11 years of service, finally retiring at the age of 79. He married Patricia Jane Earl on May 13, 1961. They raised three children together before she passed away. He married Sarah "Marie" Higley on February 28, 1986. They enjoyed traveling and camping, and they had more than 30 loving years with each other until Marie passed away last year.
George is survived by sons Gary George Forakis (Debbie) and Michael Richard Forakis, and stepchildren Wanda Anderson, Joseph Higley (Vicki), Wayne L Higley and Julie Higley; brothers Petro John Forakis and Jimmy J Forakis (Mary Ann), 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings, wife Patricia, wife Sarah "Marie", daughter Susan, and granddaughter Crystal.
Services will be held at the First Baptist Church, 235 W Main Street, Grantsville, UT on Friday, July 14 at 10 a.m. Our family is grateful for the loving care he received from stepdaughter Wanda, and from Kellie and Guy of Canyon Home Care and Hospice.