APRIL 7, 1949 – NOVEMBER 28, 2024

Richard Kenneth Forsyth of Pauma Valley, CA, passed away November 28th at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife Sue, his four children, Christopher, Nicholas, Timothy and Marika, his stepchildren Greg and Laura, and 9 grandchildren.

Richard was a dedicated husband. His appreciation and commitment to his wife, Sue, never wavered through his challenges. Together they enjoyed traveling, playing golf, playing endless games of gin rummy, and most importantly each other’s company. Their love for each other only grew stronger as their time grew shorter and the amount of teamwork it takes to make a relationship that strong is a standard to which he was also proud of, and thankful for.

As a father, Richard spared no expense or time away from his children. He was “the coach” his boys and their friends got to play for, he was “that dad” who supported his daughters’ cheerleading ventures, and he ALWAYS made time to enjoy his grandkids’ games, performances, baptisms, and birthday parties. As kids, they always knew that dad had their backs. He was a superhero in their eyes, and built like one to those that didn’t know him. His patience, love, confidence, and empathy are all values he didn’t just preach, but presented to his kids every day of his life. Richard was the Owner/Laboratory Director of California State ELAP Accredited Sierra Analytical Labs,

Inc., in Laguna Hills, Ca. Richard spent the first 20 years of his career as a chemist, lead chemist, supervisor, consultant, and lab director purchased the company in 1999 and led it for the last 25 years. Sierra was his passion and his dream, becoming one of the industry leaders in both service and quality to many Southern California Municipalities, Treatment Plants, and Engineering Firms.

Prior to finding his calling in the Laboratory, Richard enlisted in the Army and served as a Medic stationed in Italy during the Vietnam War. It was during this time he believed he was on the path to dentistry before returning home and settling into Cal State University of Long Beach where he earned his B.S. in Zoology and Chemistry as well as Graduate Studies in Cytology.

Growing up in Downey and Cypress, CA with his younger sister Christine, younger brother John, and his hero and mother, Mary, he was always shown the example of what it meant to provide for his family. As a 2-sport athlete in football and baseball at St. Pius X High School, and a surfer, Richard always had an athletic edge in life that he carried into college and to some of California’s renowned surf spots from Trestles to Rincon.

Also, a huge sports fanatic, Richard grew up as a Dodgers Fan with a grandmother who insisted they see as many games as possible that Sandy Koufax pitched. As he got older, he also tracked Joe Montana’s career through Notre Dame into the NFL, leading him to be a lifelong San Francisco 49’er fan and instilling that into his kids who he watched win 5 Super Bowls in the 80’s and 90’s.

His love for his family, his business, and anyone who he encountered will be cherished and always remembered.

A celebration of life is planned for a future date.