Thanks Dad, love Kevin

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

KENNETH P. FORBES, JR.

STANDING TALL

The call we had all been dreading for 25 years came this week. The fact

that we all knew it was a possiblity did nothing to ease the pain. We are

all hurting because of the loss that came way too soon. Ken had dodged so many

bullets over the years...we just expected that to continue. Now we have to

come to grips the pain and take time to reflect on the years we shared.

Ken Forbes was a guy who was totally comfortable in his own skin and knew

what was important in life...and what was not important at all. Many men's

egos could not handle falling in love with a woman who was significantly taller.

For Ken the fact that Kay was taller than he was simply provided another

opportunity for fun. Early in their relationship he found the perfect

birthday card for her. The front said, "For your birthday I will kiss your

hand." Inside it said, "If I were taller, I would kiss your face." Differing

heights aside, he knew he had found the perfect fit and was proud to stand

side-by-side with Kay forever. Ken's ability to deal with life's challenges provided

a great example for all of us. After his divorce, Ken and the two Kay's showed the

world how to deal with step-parenting. (Oh yes, this brings me to the Ken Forbes

Life Rule #1: Marry only women with the same first name to save you from making any

embarrassing faux pas.) They put aside any differences for the good of

their kids and enjoyed each other's company through the years. If you want

to see the wisdom of their approach, take a look at the three solid citizens they

loved and raised together.

Ken's personal success carried over to the business world. In the

advertising game, agencies need two kinds of account executives. They need

the guys who can make the cold calls, get doors slammed in their face, and do it all

again the next day to bring the business in the door. After the business is

won, they need people who have the sensitivity and attention to detail to service

their clients on a daily basis. Ken was the rare individual who could do

both. He could bring the business in the door and keep it there. When he

transferred these skills to the executive recruiting arena, once again it

seemed like the perfect fit. After Ken's heart attack at such an early age and

various other crises, he had to deal with the pressure that comes with precarious

health. I don't think most of us could have handled the extreme pressure with such

grace and courage. He did not let the hovering cloud ruin his life. The photos on

display today depict a rich, happy, successful life that was lived to the fullest.

It ended much too soon, but Ken made the most of what he was given. Now we

can all calculate the number of years we were fortunate enough to have the

pleasure of his company and thank God for every one of them.

Let's listen to one of Ken's favorite songs tonight, "Ode to Short People",

and celebrate the life of the man who stands tall for all of us.