Richard C. (Dick) Forster

Richard C. "Dick" Forster, 85, passed away December 27, 2018 at Benefis Hospital surrounded by his family. Dick was born May 12, 1933 in Great Falls, MT to Fritz and Lillie (Sallenback) Forster. He attended local schools and at the age of 13 used his brother's birth certificate to go to work at the Smelter. In March 1953 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in March 1955. While in the Army he was a Squad Leader and Machine Gun Squad Corporal and Acting Sergeant. He played football for the Army in Europe. He married Carol Lyons in March 1956. They later divorced, but remained friends. In July 1991 he married his soul mate, and love of his life, Pam Kapstafer. They did everything together, caring for and training the horses, hunting, fishing, farming and of course, "playing the ponies." He was a Specialized Contractor; custom waterproofing and excavation. He was a fire fighter for the City of Great Falls for 27 years. After retiring he devoted his energy to his family, horse racing and his farm. His true passion was thoroughbred horses, from breeding, to raising and racing them for over 50 years. As a trainer he won over 500 races and every major stakes race in Montana at least once, several many times. He successfully ran horses in: Montana, Washington, Iowa, South Dakota and Canada. He started Big Sky Horse Racing in Great Falls in the early 1970's serving as President and Director of Racing during a successful 14 year operation. It was also the first privately run horse racing organization in the State of Montana. Dick was appointed to the Montana Board of Horse Racing by Governor Tom Judge, serving as a Chairman during his tenure. He worked every position on the race track. Dick was a Director and President of the Montana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and also the Montana Horse Breeder’s Association. He was always a source of strength for those down on their luck, young or old he would help you get back on your feet. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Robert and Fred; sisters Lillian and Barbara and step sister Liz. He is survived by his wife; children Cindy (Jim) Kuntz, Mark (Wanda) Forster, Nancy (Clint) Buford; grandchildren McKenzie, Tony, Derrick, Cory, Colton, Craig; and two great granddaughters Everlee and Lucca and Bob Wynegar, who was like a son to him. A private burial was held at Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made in Dick’s name to the Great Falls Rescue Mission, 323 2nd Ave S Great Falls, MT 59405 or to any charity, or organization of the donor’s choice. Honorary Bearers are: Dick Heard, Dick Peterson, Gabe Takala, Dick Manning (deceased), John Scott, Raleigh Swensrud, Jerry Oswald, George Cook, Joe McCracken and special friends Bud and June Phillips (deceased).