Forest Charles Kallin

Forest Charles Kallin, age 75, of Gaines, joined his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 28, 2025. Family will have a Celebration of Life/Memorial Service at 11AM Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the Gaines United Methodist Church, 117 W. Clinton St., Gaines, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation at 10am. Please continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Those wishing to write online condolences may do so by visiting his obituary which can be found at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Forest was born on February 18, 1950 to the late Orville & Virginia (Bowman) Kallin. His childhood was spent growing up in an old farmhouse in Rankin, during which time he developed discipline and work ethic by raising and training his first horse at just 7 years old. As a good student and athlete, and true to the family and background he was raised in, Forest grew to be extremely independent, industrious, and Faith centered. Upon graduating from Ainsworth High School in 1968 he joined the workforce and started a family, Ultimately, he completed a full working career entirely with General Motors Flint Powertrain... retiring after 40+ years seniority in 2009 due to his health.

Forest and widow Georgina "George" entered into their 2nd marriage each on July 29, 2001 at a home ceremony surrounded by their adult children, friends, and family. Together, they attended Gaines United Methodist Church where Georgina has been a lifelong member and Forest was quite active and proudly served periodically as a lay preacher. After retirement, they spent many relaxing winters in Florida escaping Michigan's frigid season.

Forest surrounded himself with his family and their hobbies and lives. He and Georgina enjoyed many years of watching sporting and racing events: NASCAR on television, and locally... where his stepson Don raced modifieds, Don's son Alex raced go-karts, and stepdaughter Genny with harness racing. They always attended as many school and extracurricular functions for the grandchildren as possible. They also hosted Grandma and Grandpa's Sunday Funday at their home whenever possible; with pooltime and BBQ for everyone available.

Forest particularly enjoyed spending time in the sunshine-- whether riding and fishing on their pontoon boat or enjoying fresh air at home on his zero turn mower. He always found the most peace and comfort at home with Georgina and their poodles. He would pass countless hours over the years with all of their children and grandchildren; whom often came and spent time working with and helping Dad/Grandpa as he maintained and puttered around their home. Everyone knew that Georgina was likely to have her family-famous pies and cookies handy as a treat.

He is survived by loving and loyal wife, Georgina; dedicated sons, Michael (Angela) Kallin and David (Amy) Kallin; beloved stepsons, Don (Jerri) Gilbert and David (Tammy) Gilbert; cherished grandchildren, Nick Gilbert, Mikayla Kallin, Doug Gilbert, Alex Gilbert, McKenzie Kallin, Lindsay Kallin, Jamie Bittner, Wesley Bittner, and Rayelle Bittner; great-grandchildren Rowdy Gilbert, Teylor,Kayden,Jayme Mae, and Destanie Bittner, Jenna Hayes, Kaysun, and great-greatgrandchildren Kinsley and Jayme.

Forest is further survived by his siblings, Kenneth (Jackie) Kallin, Connie (Randy) Kallin and Peter (Mary) Kallin. Forest also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, and other dear relatives and friends too numerous to list but never forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepdaughter Genny, and a cousin raised with his family, Michael Van Murray, a marine killed in Vietnam