Forrest Bayard Obituary

Dear family of Forrest, my deepest sympathy, I knew Forrest in the late 60´s he was bright, lighthearted, wise and kind. One of my most memorable friends. May he rest in peace, Janet

I agree with everything that Gail has written but I DID have a heart attack on October 17th but am almost entirely recovered because it was in Las Vegas and we were staying at a traded time share at the Trump Tower so they treated me like I was important and had paramedics in 3 minutes and an angioplasty in less than 3 hours. I think it's the Bayard curse because all the Bayard men seem to have had heart attacks. Hopefully Adam is taking care of himself because he is probably the only hope for the family to continue. Talk to you next year

Well, Firrie dear it has been 22 years since you left us. We still think about you often. We remember all the wonderful memories of those years. We have now been married 56 years and thankfully are pretty heskthy. STEVEN dud have a heart attack in Oct. But thankfully he is doing very well. He is 80 and I am 75. Jordan is 8 and Logan is 4. They are coming today to visit for 4 days. Steve still keeps busy which is good. We still miss the fun we had with you for so many years. All our Love, Gail and Steven

Forrest was a friend of mine from the world of est and the legal practice. He was a guest on my Chicago Bar Association sponsored You and the Law television show. He was a man of great integrity who knew how precious everyday of life was. I believed he lived life to the fullest. I mourn his passing with all of his friends and family. Wishing you all peace and comfort as we remember Forrest.

As I sit here watching the "Color of Money " with Paul Newman and Tom Cruise, I remember Forrie used to come to California to visit and stay with my parents and family and he would go out almost every night and play pool at the local pool hall and always come back with $$ He once told me that besides winning a Jewell scholarship he put himself through Purdue delivering flower by trailer to the Chicago area AND playing pool. I remember vividly that he told me that he made all his spending money hustling at pool halls. I once went with him to a pool hall and he was great racking and sinking entire racks of pool balls while making money. Not only was he a great cousin and friend, but he was a great lawyer.

Hard to believe you left us 21 years ago. We still miss you and always will. We think of you always,
Love,
Cousin Gail

We just celebrated 55 years if marriage.
Love, Gail

2022, Steve and I will celebrate 54 years of marriage. We are now 78 and soon I will be 73. Just a few days later you would gave been 82. We dtill love and miss you. I think about you iften and so wish you had luved to meet Jordan and Logan are grandchildren. Sometimes life seems so unfair, but 20 years is hard to believe. Happy Heavenly Birthday dear Forrie
All my love,
Cousin Gail, but you always made me feel like a sister.

I vividly remember the evening Forrie came to California to be a part of our Scott's naming ceremony at Temple Beth David. He was Scott's Godfather and he came out just for the event.
He spent time with us and held Scott. It is a memory I will never forget.
When Steve's Dad passed away, he was there to support us. He was close to my father in law. We were all so young and having him eith us was comforting. They both left us too young and we still miss them so much.
Our love always
Cousin Fail

I met a young lady today who just took the Illinois bar exam. I told her about Forrie and his manual on amicable divorce and she said she would look him up. Just sharing that he is still on my mind

I met with Cousin Frederick Bayard Goldboss's son Daniel and his wife Jenny and their two children Reece and Lana yesterday while on vacation and was telling them that Cousin Forrest, who I thought of like an older brother, was a famous Divorce lawyer because a member of Daniel's family had just finished a divorce and of course raived about Forries method and awards for Divorce attorney of the year by the ABA.
Still missing him.
Steve Bayard

It seems I talk to you more now than I ever did. I miss our chats.

Forrest, I know it’s been a lot of years since your passing and I’m ‘late to the game’ but since my own wife’s recent passing I was thinking about past friends and you came to mind. It was shocking to find that you had passed so many years ago. It seemed like only yesterday that we ran across each other at Woodfield Mall and I got to introduce you to my family. It was always a pleasure to see you at the motorcycle shop when you came in for service. I always enjoyed our ‘phone conversations. I can see your family cared deeply for you and misses you terribly. As well they might, you were a heck of a guy and a fine gentlemen. To the family: please do not be offended by this late acknowledgment. The motorcycle shop closed years ago and I lost track of Forrest. Fair winds and a following sea, my friend. Jack Swiderek

Thinking of you on this 1st day of 2020, and am having many fond and fun memories of my trips to Chicago and your trips to L.A. over the years.
From the bottom of my heart, you are missed.
Knowing that you, mom, dad and all our family are gathered together in peace, love and laughter

It will be 17 years since we lost you, so suddenly, so unbelievably hard to understand.
I just want you to know how much Steve and I still think about you. We miss you and often think about our happy times together.
I talk to you often. I know you hear me.
Please know one day we will all be together. This is a hard time even now.

My unforgettable cousin, you are missed and thought about often. Love you,
Cousin Leslie

Forest was a great attorney and a man who really loved life and appreciated it and tried to live life every moment to its fullest. It was an honor to have known him.

Forrie, In 9 days we will be in your Chicago. Natalie and Darin have been happy living here since getting married. We last saw Adam a little over 2 years ago. He I know would make you so proud. You are in my thoughts especially during November of each year when we both celebrated our birthdays. How I wish I could call and talk to you, and how I miss you. It has been 12 years but it seems like only yesterday that we had those special days to visit in the summer of 2002. You left us to soon. You know how much you meant to us, and always will.
We will always love you. Cousin Steven & Cousin Gail, Palm Desert, California

Here is a photo of AJ and Natalie and me. Right before she started NIU.

I sit here scanning photos of all of us for AJ. The memories keep flooding back into my mind. What a wonderful cousin you wre, and still are to us. I think of you more than you all the time. I know you are waatcing AJ, SCott and Natalie as they grow into more adult years. You will always be like a brother to both Steve and me, and I am blessed to have known and loved you.

Always,
Gail

I'm sorry...
Matsu

I am a long ago friend of Forest's and was so surprised about his passing a while back. I have thought about him many times and know that he is one of the brightest stars in the sky. Although it has been a very long time it is nice to read all the kind things about him as that is how I remember him. Hopefully it gives his family members some comfort to know that a lot of people thought so well of Forest.
Cyndi White Heinz

After having yourt cousin Sandy with Gail and me for the month of February, I realized that we had talked about your life and wanted to remind you that time does not erase the loss of you. We miss you as a cousin, lawyer, father of Adam and Cheryl and as a friend. Always Steven and Gail

When the Ball Dropped this year in Time Square, New York while at my own party I realized why New Years Eve is not such a great holiday for me and Gail. We lost Forrie that night years ago and I remember the frantic calls around the Country to try and find Arlene and Adam so that they could be given the bad news. RIP Cousin

Your light shall always burn brightly in my heart.
Forrest dear, you were so special to all of us.

Last night 10years ago we lost you. How I still miss you so very much. OUr long talks, and yoour wise advice, meant so mch to me. You were like a brother to Steven and I. Adam has grown into such a fine young man, and you would be so proud. I know you watch over him from above, and I think he feels your presence in his life daily. Life seems so unfair, we lost you too soon, and we miss and love you so much.
I know you are there and hear me when I talk to you, and we had a special relationship. Such a dear close friend, a brother in every sence of the word, and a confidant who always was there for me.

Love you still,

Cousin Gail

Gail and I forgot to sign the last message about trying to visit Forrie at the cemetery. Cousin Steven and Gail Bayard from Chicago on our way to Palm Desert California [email protected]

Here I am sitting watching TV and watching the Hurricane hitting New York soon and seeing pictures of empty streets and remembering that Forrie died on New Years Eve all those years ago probably with giant crowds all around him and no way to get fast help from a paramedic. I wonder if it would have been right before a hurricane if he would have beaten the magic hour? Rest in Peace, Cousin

I haven't written in several years. But you are always on my mind. I try and talk to Adam at least every 4 months or so. I'm sure you know that he is in New York, and praying for him to be successful. How I will always miss you, how I ask you from up there in heaven to watch over your cousin and my husband Steven. He is under so much pressure, and everyone comes to him with everythng.
We all miss yor smiling face, and your antacts that no one else can do with so much flare. I especially feel so close becaause today is just less than a few days from both our birthdays. I guess all those years I felt a closeness it was because we are both Scorpios.
God must have needed you so much. But our family has needed you down here, so I hope he lets you be on ourt shoulders from time to time.
Love you Forrie, and be there for all of us when we come to join you.

Love,

Gail

To my loving, caring, sharing, funny, smart, handsome, carefree, adventuring cousin. Missing you. Praying and hoping that there is an afterlife, so that I can see you again some day. You are truely one of the special people that spending time with is a gift...
Love you, Cousin Leslie

My name is Vanessa Binion and worked for Forrest as his Legal Secretary in the early 1980's and had the pleasure of working for him for about 7 years. He hired me right on the spot and taught me every thing I know about the legal field. He is an excellent person. There is so much to remember about him that this space cannot accommodate. He was truly a great man and is a much greater man where he is now. I believe I last saw him approximately late 2002 when I came back to Chicago for a visit and we had lunch. He suggested a healthier meal that what I had chosen. If anyone knows Forrest, he is a health fanatic. I have lived in Florida for the last 22 years and he has never missed sending me a Christmas card with himself and Adam. Adam is his life and breath. How proud he must be to have a son like him and how proud Adam must be to have a father like him. My only regret is that I did not know he had passed away but he had been on my mind so much that I started searching on the internet and discovered his dismise. With this late writing I truly wish to send my condolences. May God continue to bless the Bayard family and friends.

Love Vanessa Pendleton Binion

It has been way too long, but I can still remember your smile and although you left way too early I know you are charming everyone in your new location.

Forrie, as our family always called you, you are still present to me so very often. It seems like only yesterday that we were together. How I miss you. I am so happy Natalie chose to go to school at Northern Illinois University. Our family has had the joy of spending time with Adam and Aleen. Aleen thank you so very much for keeping this memory book alive for Adam. Adam, now you are preparing for college, how proud your Dad would be of you. Please keep close no matter how far in miles you are, the phone is at your fingertips. You can always call, as you know, and we will call you back. I know your Dad is looking down on you each minute of each day. You will make him proud as you have all of us, Love Cousin Gail

Just remembering you - your good deeds and the knowledge that you are looking down on my family and yours. Adam is going to college next year. You would be proud of him

Forrest:



Long time no talk, friend . . . I keep learning new stuff that normally I would share with you. Sorry you are not here to join the fun. I found out something last month that you would have been thrilled about . . . that knealling chair that you always used at your office, and which you gave to me, does not work for overall health -- while it was great for my back, it seems to have been AWFUL for the rest of my body. I just stopped using it after several years of continuous use, and immediately I got my energy back! That chair looks weird because it is weird . . . on your body. I have been dying to tell someone, and you are it!



Love always,



Jim

Dear Vida, Jim, and other family and friends,



I never met Forrest. I offer condolences to all of you that did, and after reading this guest book I'm a bit envious of all of you! Wow, what an amazing person. I am so lucky in this regard..., his influences have meant so much to MY friend Vida. And she, in turn, has influenced my life to such a richer degree. Through Vida, I too have received some beautiful gifts from this man I never knew. Life is so wonderful. Thank you Forrest for being such a dear friend to one of mine.

When I think of Forrest Bayard, I think of his innate capacity for compassion,love, kindness, gentleness and a real honest to God concern for others. Forrest was always willing to take my call or meet on short notice. Forrest, thank you for your enormous kindness. I want you to know that my children, extended family and me, have benefited immeasurably from your selfless contribution of your time, counsel and attention. You always made me laugh, and you always brought good news. You are way cool. I love you like my brother.

My name is Judith Jinx Mandel and I new Forrest since I was sixteen. We were both officers of CFTY the Chicago Federation of Temple Youth. We were cochair persons of the CFTY Cotillion in 1958. We shared a lot of fun experiences in our youth and though we didn't see each other recently we always exchanged Holiday cards. I was so sorry to hear of his untimely loss. I know he will be missed by his many friends but most of all by his children and grandchild. This years card had a picture of Adam and when I looked at it I saw the young Forrest who I knew as a young woman. I was going to contact him after holidays to tell him that...and I am so sorry I didn't get the chance...Judy Jinx Mandel

In reading these messages from friends of Forrest, I realize that I didn’t really know this man. I only knew a small part of him.

I have known Forrest for about 2 years as my Lawyer, then as a friend. He has called me on the carpet many times, telling me that I should rethink how I am looking at my situation. He made me stop, think, feel, and think again. He also recommended that I take the Forum. I was reluctant for quite a while, because of the cost. (I belong to the Warriors, and that is howI heard about him).

Samantha is the one who pushed me over the fence of indecision. I am so glad for this. The name “Forum” kept coming up in conversations with people. OK, I took the Plunge!

I understand now why Forrest wanted me to take the Forum. So we could talk a common language. It made a difference in my life. I am blessed with what I have gotten out of that weekend.

Not knowing it, I have been practicing what he (Forrest) and the Forum, and the Warriors, have taught me,every day since then. For myself, for my children, and for my wife

I realize now that life is Short, and we have little time to enjoy it. “Seize the moment everyone!”

When his daughter challenged“ME” to ‘Pay it Forward’, I am going to do this with my children, and, tell them why. It matters.

I have always hated Wakes and Funerals, because all the good things said about the person, are said after they are gone, instead of when they are still around.

People who matter in our lives should hear it from us, in the moment. Not after their gone.

Now is my turn to challenge everyone. “Pay it forward”. Tell people what they mean to you now, before it’s too late.

Forrest you have made adifference in MY life. I never had a chance to tell you this, Thank You.

I have barely scratched the surface of who you were as a person. Hearing what people have to say about you,blew me away. I knew you, but I didn’t.

I am blessed to have known you for such a short time, and again, I am blessed that we have crossed paths.

Adam, your father has crossed paths with many, many people. He made a difference. This is what matters in life. I only wish I knew him better.

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Our Loss.

June 2002, my daughter Natalie and I spent 12 days with Forrie at his home . He has always been very close to his first Cousin Steve, me, and our children. Adam has a special memory book that I gave Forrie in June. It was over 35 pages with copies of every picture I could find of us during those 36 years. He was the Big Brother that I never had, he was the man who held our son Scott during his naming at the Temple, he was always there for me when I needed to talk. He will always and forever be in my heart. I hope that Adam, Cheryl, and Andrea, know this to be true. I want us to stay close. I can close my eyes and see his smiling face. Every time we saw each other, we went for a motorcycle ride. It was special. I used to try and not squeeze him while we rode, and he would tell me your a good rider. In June, he had a new motorcycle, and so this time I had to squeeze or I would have been left behind. He never complained about anything I did. He would call me every Mother's Day. I know this Mother's Day will seem somewhat empty, but the 12 days of Forrie in June will always be a comfort to me. It was an honor to know and love him. I think the phone calls that came since June almost every week, I will miss the most. When I needed him, he never once said I can't come, it was if you need me I will be there. His son Adam is like my nephew, and I hope he knows that he is always welcome with his California Cousins. Adam you are, never forget that. Cheryl that goes for you and Andrea as well. Aleen, thank you for wanting our relationship to continue ,it means so very much. You are now Cousin Aleen. Brent thank you for opening up your home to Steve and I. Many people would not do that for us. Sandy and Charles the Good Humor toast was special. I feel he somehow was there with us. I married into a very special family, thank you all for opening your arms to me. Steven and I feel so honored that you did that for us. Lastly, a few special words that will always be present for me. Something Cool, The Pinball Wizard, The Rock, pictures,pictures, and more pictures, thank you Forrie, honesty, trust, and finally I took the Landmark Forum, for you and me, because you wanted so much for me to do it. The Four Freshman, Shirley Bassey, Michael Franks, the movie, Duets, and not to forget those great big HUGS! I will miss them so very much.

But I have my memories,which are very present, and always will be.

All my Love to Adam, Cheryl, Andrea, and Aleen.

To Forrest's family and fellow friends,

I had the pleasure of meeting Forrest at Landmark Education in 1999 when I participated in the Team Mangement and Leadership Program with him. He was 6 months ahead of me in the program and a tremendous influence. His coordination of our "Night of Delight" community event was the highest attendance ever in that event. He asked me to coordinate the food because he had the confidence in me that I would organize it the way he wanted.

His commitment to helping individuals through divorce in a painless and spiritual way was incredible. I was stunned of his death. I had just seen him the beginning of December walking on a street downtown. Tonight in the Creativity seminar leader Lisa Leavitt completed tonight's session by leading a standing ovation in honor of Forrest. She said "even if you didn't know Forrest, think of the person in this seminar that you love the most and that will give you an idea of how much he was loved." He will surely be missed.

My prayers are with you all.

Although we have lived our lives many miles apart, Forrie was the cousin that always made it a point to stay in touch. He actually traveled to visit his cousins in California. Forrest was always a joy to be around, coming up with a way to always improve himself and others by sharing his experience, strength and hope. I will truely miss that he is not going to be available to talk with. I know he was dedicated to helping others and I am sure he will be missed by many. I send my best to Adam. I imagine that Forrest was an incredible dad. I know he loved you very much and was extremely proud of you. And Cheryl, I am sorry we never met. I know what it is like to lose a dad when he is so young. My best wishes to all the family and friends. I plan to be coming to the mid west in March. Hope to see you all. Love, Your Cousin Leslie

Such nice acknowledgements. Thank you all for sharing your memories of my father. My time in Chicago was very eye opening. It is comforting to know my father was surrounded by such wonderful people that were there for me during such a stressful time. Thank you all for your help and support. Most of all, you exhibit all that was good in my father and are the true testiment of my father's work. It is a priviledge to be with you all.



-Forrest's Daughter

My wife Gail asked me to get a copy of Forrie's obit and I went on line to do so using my wonderful ex-cousin's husbands computer. What a wonderful thing that Forrest has done. In his passing he has brought me closer to my cousin Adam and his mother, Aleen and her new husband Brent. Of course, I reestablished my love for my cousins, Cheryl, Andrrea, Fred, Sandy and Charles. It is a shame that I was unable to spend the 12 days that Gail and my daughter, Natalie spent with Forrest last June in Chicago. My first memory of Forrest was when I remember seeing pictures of Forrie taken when he was in Florida with his parents, my Fathers brother Uncle Al and Aunt Rosella (Sis to everyone). It was not until Forrest came to California in about 1960 that I first met him and remember that he took me to my first visit at a Pool Hall. Boy could he play Pool. Then I found out that he helped put himself through college winning pool games. That is my first memory of Forrie. Why the heck did you have to leave so quick? I just know that I will see him sometime in the distant future where all good Bayard's go. Love you big guy,

Cousin Steve

At Forrest's funeral on Friday 1/3/03, I gave the following eulogy, which I am putting here to honor Forrest:



Adam and Aleen, thank you for asking me to speak about what Landmark meant to Forrest. This is a privilege to honor Forrest in this way. There are possibly dozens of people in this room who could speak about Forrest and Landmark as well or better than me, people such as:

Ø the 1,000’s of people that Forrest introduced to the Landmark Forum

Ø the Seminar Directors that Forrest teamed with for so many years

Ø the 1,000s of Landmark seminarians that Forrest had in his 10-session seminars

Ø the Landmark Center Managers for whom Forrest volunteered 1,000’s of hours

Ø his fellows in the Introduction Leaders 6-month program that he first did in the early 1980’s and then again just reviewed about 4 years ago

Ø the Introduction Leaders that he coached

Ø the other Landmark volunteers that he participated with on

o phone teams

o production teams

o enrollment teams

Ø The scale of Forrest’s involvement with Landmark and his commitment to the value that Landmark brings to people is staggering . . .



But I did one thing none of you did – I called Forrest in the Spring of 1983, the week after he participated in his very first Forum. He had filled out a card that said, “Tell me more about assisting.” I was leading production teams for Special Evenings about the Forum, so I called Forrest and invited him to assist. He said, “Gosh, you mean that they will let anyone just come in and assist, with no training?! What if I mess it up?” And I assured him we would train him.



The question is, “What did Landmark mean to Forrest?” The answer is, in one word: EVERYTHING. Forrest would often talk about his parents, how they always hammered into him the meaning of integrity and the value of integrity and honesty and keeping your word, and for Forrest, doing Landmark was like coming HOME to him. Landmark embodied what his parents told him was most important in life. The integrity and accountability was everything to him, and I loved him for that.



Forrest brought the technology and disciplined thinking of Landmark to his law practice. One way to describe the Forum is that it is ontology, which is the study of being – as in being happy, being sad, being married, being committed – Forrest used ontology and the Landmark Forum to expand peoples’ choices in their lives. When people would come to him for a divorce, his orientation was first to heal them and their marriages and their families. Andrea Putinango said that she can not count how many times people would call in to the Landmark Center and say “I went to Forrest to get a divorce, and now I am calling you to find out about the Landmark Forum.”



And when the Chicago Landmark Center needed another person to enroll to meet their target for the week, the first person that they would often think of was Forrest, because he would more often than not give them one or two or five names, or an enrollment already done.



Forest was always a stand for people’s transformation. He brought his own bawdy good humor to Landmark, and he brought his huge generosity for hearing not how small people are, but how great they can be. According to Lisa Leavitt, there are not many people in Chicago who constantly enroll people and stick his or her neck out, committed to people living powerfully and living a life they love, as was Forrest.



I remember a Landmark Seminar Forrest led with 60 or so participants and they promised that they would bring 200 guests to their #10 session – he was so lit up and excited and joyous for the two weeks leading up to it – he was jumping up and down and laughing and smiling and hugging and sleeping only half as much as usual, calling people and telling them they were rascals and no-accounts and he loved them anyway – you could really feel the heat and the excitement of his project.



Forrest once was coaching me on improving my sales. I worked with my Dad in a small manufacturing business for 11 years, making among other things, lint filters for large, industrial-sized dryers and textile mills. Forrest’s coaching I will never forget: he coached me to tell them that I guaranteed the performance of the lint filters – they would always work, or I would come over there and pick the lint out with my teeth! I did, and my sales went up!



Forrest brought the disciplined thinking and transformation of Landmark to me and to my marriage of the past 18 years – I can safely say that I would not likely still be married to the same wonderful person if it were not for Forrest. He was a great friend to both Vida and to me – and , with the exception of Vida, he was the best friend I ever had. Thanks Forrest.

I have been in many Landmark Education seminars over the years with Forrest and have always admired his dedication to bringing integrity and honesty to the legal profession and especially to those cases involving divorce. Divorce is most often a process that exacerbates the differences between the parties and I believe Forrest had a knack for getting the job done with love as the context. He will be missed and remembered by many.

Wow.

I just read the guest book. How marvelous to be able to take in all these wonderful eulogies.

The funeral yesterday was a true celebration.

I am making a memory book for Adam and will print all messages in this guest book to include into the album. If anyone would like to share a more private thought, please MAIL me a letter. In the meantime, please know that your expressions are making a huge difference to Adam...and to me. Aleen Bayard

I met Forrest last year. He always had an insightful and encouraging word to say to me. His passion for transforming divorce practices was infectious. I will miss his wisdom and humor at the Collaborative Law meetings. My deepest sympathies to his family.

To the friends and family of Forrest Bayard,



I have only known Forrest for a short time during our joint tenure on the board of the Mediation Council of Illinois. However, it only takes a short time to recognize those in the legal profession who cared about people and made it their primary professional goal to make a positive difference in people's lives, even in the despair of divorce. I believe Forrest was one these rare few, and he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolances to his love ones.



Susan De Young

My thoughts are with Forrest's family and friends, especially young Adam today. I am saddened that I cannot be there to celebrate the life of a truly good man. I had the great pleasure of knowing Forrest for the past 10 years, I had the oppurtunity to work for him about 6 years ago and just recently had the honor to be involved in the Collaborative Law training with him. Adam and my twin daughters are about the same age, so Forrest and I often engaged in lively conversations about children and parenting. I know how much he loved his children and family and how dedicated he was to children and family causes and areas of law that impacted them. I will miss him deeply, as will many in Chicago.



God speed, Forrest, until we meet again!

Forrest was an inpiration to me and a man I admired. His presence will be missed ,however his integrity and contribution to everyone he knew,will be remembered.

Dear AJ, Cheryl, Aleen:



My heart and prayers are with you through this difficult and painful time. I will always cherish Forrest as an example of commitment and passion in full life. This is an enormous loss.



Wishing you love and comfort,

Jennifer

I met Forrest while working on a new concept for the domestic relations division of Cook County Court. He was not totally sold on the idea of Focus on Children but knew something needed to be done for the children whose parents were in a highly conflicted divorce. Sometimes being very idealistic about the project, I was just sure aspects of the program would work but it was Forrest’s lead with solid doses of reality checks about how parents would react. He was one of the divorce attorneys who would make us rethink and rework our ideas. A big thank you goes out to Forrest for pushing us to do our best work.

It was a few years later at luncheon meeting that he expressed to me how much it meant for him to work on Focus on Children and how he now was truly a believer that most if not all divorces do not need to be in court. However, there needed to be a new arena for parents and children to work out their new lifestyle arrangements. He had had an epiphany and he wanted to be part of a new movement for a change in how these matters should be handled.

His commitment and enthusiasm for this new movement called Collaborative Law will surely be missed. Forrest was a man who gave something more valuable than money, his time and wisdom.

I extend my deepest sypathies to all his family.

Reading Forrest's death notice on New Year's Day brought back such bitter sweet memories. I knew him at Purdue University and Chicago in 1966-69. He was in a year of transistion when we met, hadn't finished his degree and hadn't yet discovered his true calling.



I always told him,at that time,that he could win any argument on any subject hands down and that he would make a GREAT attorney. He was attending John Marshall when we parted and I am so happy to see that he achieved all that he was meant to in this life.



He was a good friend and helped me to 'see' my potential as well.



I extend my deepest sympathies to all his family and especially Rosella who loved him like I love my son. We are supposed to go first.

To the family of Forrest Bayard,

I considered Forrest to be a dear friend. He was innovative and we shared an interest in helping children and families through the divorce process. He will be missed!



Lee

Sorry that we can not be present in time to share your feelings. He seemed to live a full life. What more can we do or expect? Almost all deaths seem untimely.

My deepest sorrows to all Forest's friends and family (for which there were so many). I feel priveleged to have been amongst his friends, if only for a short time. Over the past several months we met in the city about every two weeks. Initially, I thought it was for "networking" since we were in the Collaborative Divorce Group together. Little did I know, Forrest's idea of networking was much more complex. I found myself wanting to meet with him more and more frequently, just to be around him, his laughter, his outlook on life, his positive nature, his integrity and his passion in so many areas. I truly found him magnetic. In such a short time, I have learned so much from him. He is surely missed.

Adam and Chery, Forrest and I have been like brothers for over 30 years. He was there when I needed him and I was there if he needed me. Joan and I are so sorry we can not be at the services , We will be there in spirit.

I too was touched to have known Forrest and loved to hear of and witness his passion for life and commitment to his family and many, many other people. It is my wish the all those who will miss him, especially his children, will be sustained in the knowledge of the many people who loved him and learned from him. peace be with you.

Dear Family of Forrest Bayard,

I had the privilege to be present for two of Forrest's presentations at meetings of the Mediation Council of Illinois. I was particularly moved by his address to the Council at the May '02 meeting and spoke with him afterwards about his approach and his philosophy regarding mediation. He offered to send me a package of his materials - which he did. I have read and re-read his writings that I have found so articulate and so warm in their approach to mediation and to life in general. I felt comfortable knowing that he was out there working on the same team, spreading his compassion. Since that day in May I have been looking forward to crossing paths with him again. Now the measure of my privilege in knowing him is the measure of my loss. What a wonderful personality he was - so committed, full of wisdom and with a passion to convey it to all who would listen. May your memories serve ever as a blessing. Sincerely,Yvette Meltzer

It was with great regret that I learned of the death of Forrest. He was a gentleman,a fine lawyer but most of all a man proud of his family and willing to profess his pride and love.

Forrest Bayard had a politive influence on his profession and on those who knew and admired him. He will be missed and he will be remembered. My sincere regrets and prayers are with those he loved.

To all of Forrest's family, my deepest condolences on your untimely loss of a most unique individual. I had the privilege of working with Forrest on the Mediation Council board and shared his interests in seeking alternatives to family law dispute resolution. He was passionate in his committment to Collaborative Law, mediation, and the power of the Forum to transform people's lives. He will be fondly remembered.

Sandra Rosenbloom

To Forest's family and Friends,

I met Forest at the Six day course in December of 1983. We became friends after I returned to Chicago in October of 1984. Forest was a very good man who always wanted to be a better one. He and I were both committed to practice law with integrity and to bring integrity to the system. He did much mpore and better in this regard than I might everdo. He will be missed a source of love for his many associates and clients and by his many friends of whom I hope I can be counted. My sympathy for your loss. I will name him before Kaddish in the days and months ahead.

Dear Adam, Cheryl and Aleen,

My words here are only a small expression of my caring for you all today and in the weeks and months to come. Please know that there are so many people in Chicago and cities far and wide who wish they could put their arms around you all, dry a tear or two. I wish you all peace.



Forrest will live on in the hearts and minds of almost everyone he ever met. He not only left people with a sense of his own power and vitality, but each and every person Forrest ever came in contact with came away with a sense of THEMSELVES as more alive, more playful or more committed, too.



I, too, will miss hearing him sing his songs, miss his smile and his sassy ways, and hope next Christmas to receive the "Bayard Holiday Card" again. His spirit lives on in each person he knew.

Forrest was a Positive Force who made a difference in my life. I am a better person for having known him. Good-bye, good friend. I will never forget you.

All those who knew Forrest even a little have been touched by him in ways few people could. He always expected us to strive for higher levels of thought and commitment and he did nothing in a small way.

He was Vice President of the Mediation Council of Illinois and will be sorely missed by the Board. I have no doubt he will continue to lobby for peaceful conflict resolution in some unique and powerful way. His presence will continue to be felt and the seeds of peace he has sown will grow.



With my deepest condolences to all family and friends,

Sharon Zingery

Over the past 20 years I had occasion to have a few cases with Forrest - both as an opponent and when he served as a Childrens Representative - while we may have disagreed over various matters over that peirod of time, he was a true professional - always trying to work to a solution - I will miss him as a collegue and a friend

I have known Forrest only less than a year, but in that time have recognized him as a friend with great humor, integrity and intelligence, and I am saddened by the loss of opportunity to know him longer and better. Friends and family have lost a very dear man and my utmost sympathy goes to all of you. The legal profession has lost one of its strongest examples of integrity in the profession.

Dear Adam, Cheryl and Aleen,



The memories and the tears just keep coming in waves. My condolences for your loss. Forrest was the closest friend I have ever had over time. He was there for me through all the major events of the past 18 years as I was in yours. If only I had known the big picture, the past year and a half would have been different. I thought I had time, I thought I had forever.



Just as you are having a hard time dealing with this, I am too. The memories just keep coming in. My first memory of Forrest was in about January of 1985. He was leading an introduction to the Forum and I was his assistant. My two month old baby, Andrew, was with me because I was nursing him. I fell in love with Forrest that day. He so loved the Forum and Werner Erhard. He shared with those guests so deeply and he was so sincere, I told myself "I want to be his friend." I was there when he fell madly in love with Aleen, I was there when Adam was concieved (not literally, but he would have loved the joke), I was there at the hospital when Adam was born and at his bris. He always shared about his visits to Cheryl and his time with his grandaughter. I have saved every Christmas card.



Forrest was a great man, maybe the greatest man I will ever get know. He was difficult at times, but nonetheless, he was always committed and struggling to contribute. He so loved people and he so loved to laugh. I will miss his love, his laughter and his hugs. No one could hug like Forrest.



I will miss him singing to me the most. My heart aches for your loss and mine.



Vida

Forrest was a very special kind of lawyer and friend--a person with integrity and principles who unwaveringly applied them in his work. He was in the forefront of the Collaborative Law movement in Illinois, writing lots of letters and urging people to rethink their practice and approach to the difficulties of divorce. All of us who inherit the Collaborative Law work have him to thank for his persistence and passion. We will also remember him for his witticisms (who can forget the letters and booklets with important sayings and bon mots) and for his Christmas cards, which lately have been dignified and wonderful but in the past have been, shall we say, a bit more colorful? But that was all part of Forrest as we knew him and will remember him, hearing his voice still in our ear urging us to think more clearly and be sure of what we know. One thing I know: I will miss him and so will many others. Brigitte Bell

Forrest was a very important part of my younger days. We were very close friends. He worked very hard to make a difference in the world and he did. My family will miss the Christmas cards showing Adam growing up. I've kept them all. Thanks for being my friend, Freebie.

Love Frizzie.

to the bayard family,my heartfelt sorrows on your loss.forest and i were high school classmates.though we havent seen each other often over the years,it was one of those friendships where when we did run into each other,we'd start the conversation as if it was yesterday while it might have been 10-15 years since the last one.my memories of forest will always be one of a great guy,a great smile,a ready laugh,and a life long friend.take care of yourselves.be happy with the knowledge that he will be missed by people that count. jerry

the szygowski family sends its condolences to you in your time grief.forrest was a good friend and he will be missed