It is with the greatest regret I have to tell you that Pete Forrest passed away last night after a motorcycle accident close to his home.

Pete leaves his daughters, his sisters, family and friends with a heavy heart today.
Pete was a great friend of mine for the last 10 or so years and I will miss him very much.

Pete was a very accomplished model maker who had a great love for the hobby. His main interest recently was heavy artillery, naturally covered in photo-etch brass !

To his club mates and friends in his local area, to those of you who knew him at national and international shows, I pass on to you the personal thanks of his family, they wish to say a big thank you from Pete, for making his life happier and more fulfilled. They knew his love for the hobby very well and his love for those in it.

As many of the worlds model makers know, Pete revolutionized an area of our hobby with his invention of the Hold & Fold range of tools. As many of you know I worked very closely with Pete on these and other projects and can tell you he was committed like nobody I know, he just loved the hobby !

From Papua New Guinea to New Zealand, Russia to Uzbekistan, Turkey to Spain, Canada thru the USA to Argentina and all points between, there are people sitting in their modelling rooms using an idea that Pete had and their work is better and more enjoyable for it. I know this excited Pete and I knew that he had given something of great importance to us all.
We all know that he can be proud of what he invented and we can all raise our hearts to either a personal friend or a modelling friend who has made our lives richer, easier and more satisfying.

Pete was himself a very accomplished model maker who had a great love for the hobby. His main interest recently was heavy artillery, naturally covered in photo-etch brass.

I would like all who knew Pete to feel free to express their thoughts in any way they wish, either here on this forum or in e mails to me at [email protected] (I will pass these onto his Daughters and Sisters for you).

As soon as I know more details, dates etc, I will let you all know.
If I have missed a forum that you know should hear, please feel free to link to this thread.

It is with distress and regret but a drink held high and a loud shout of “Cheers Pete, and thanks mate” that I leave you all with this very sad news

Alasdair K Johnston



Some words for a friend whom I will miss very much penned by Brian Emmanuel Apollo


Friend

When a friend dies, one isn't truly forgotten...
Specially when touched by the lives of others, without asking
From heart to heart, in such a loving, caring and unique fashion
When a friend dies, one isn't truly gone...
Though departed in the physical but remains in my mind's gate
With me forever, regardless of their untimely fate
When a friend dies, one isn't truly lost...
But is found and lives in the hearts of all of us
Simply because we love em', the recipient of our trust
When a friend dies, one must travel alone...
Each one has his own special road, the route is created by each own
Without help, each must walk alone; to our final destination, home
When a friend dies, everyone becomes hurt...
Though no mere words can ever categorize the sorrow
It's good memories fused with time that helps us through tomorrow
When a friend dies, God is still in control...
Knowing that in the good or the bad, we are still blessed
Because our God, not us, knows what's truly best
Though how can it be explained when a friend dies, yet we still remain
Until I see God and He makes it all clear, at least I know He's always near
I'll always remember my friend that I held dear, as I wipe away this tear

This saddens me greatly to hear this terrible news. Our prayers go out to his family and for Pete. It is never easy for anyone to have to be left behind to deal with the grief and sadness. Pete has paid his dues and and is at peace now. I second the toast to a good man.

I knew Pete and he was a hell of a guy.....He will be missed greatly!

I hate when these things happen.....

My utmost sympathy to Pete's family and friends.
I know I will think of his contributions to modeling each time I utilize my Hold & Fold. Thanks Pete.............rest in peace

Charles

Always sad to have a fellow enthusiast pass on prematurely.
Deepest regrets to his family and close ones.
Peace

It's truly a sad day when any of us leaves before his time, but very few of us leave a legasy no matter when we leave. In that, Pete will be remembered even by people who didn't know who he was.

You might want to suggest tot he Hold & Fold guys that the stamp Pete's name on the side of the base plates of new toold. A fitting tribute, I'd say.

Paul

Really sad news.
Godspeed Pete

Shaun

My glass of red is held high in memory of Pete,my condolences to his family and friends.
Arthur

I didn't know Pete, but it is always comforting to see people remembered well by their friends and piers.

My condolences to his family.

Best wishes,
Jim

I think Alasdair said it all, he will be greatly missed,
Robin Carpenter

Very well stated Alasdair. You spoke of him as I would like to be remembered someday.
I did not know him and do not have his product, but nevertheless, I know to have a positive impact in this hobby to the magnitude he has would bring a smile of satisfaction to my face...
Condolences from down here.
Bradley

I will pass on your words to Peters daughters, sisters, wife and friends.

Alasdair