A well-liked local charcter, Scott Forbes made his home in Friday Harbor since the days of the Mariner Restaurant, working as a carpenter, house painter, yacht painter, and fisherman (most notably for wrapping a new gill-net around the San Juan Channel marker, as can now be told).

But most of all, Scott was probably the worlds greatest Grateful Dead fan, having attended scores of concerts throughout this nation spanning three-plus decades.

Possessor of a cheerful heart and quick smile, Scott nearly invented what it is to be friendly, to which his multitude of friends will testify. Hard-working, hard-partying, and an incurable boater, Scott was what is referred to as our “charming local color.”

His talents as a fine yacht painter around here were unparalleled, and not to be doubted. Catering to those not light-of-wallet, he did masterful work producing a mirror-esque paint finish on fancy sailboat hulls. (Good backyard mechanic, too)

Additionally, many people had great respect for his mechanical and electrical prowess, and ability to keep any vessel afloat, partly from having been chief engineer aboard the Pamela Jean buyer vessel for the local cannery for two years.

Scottie passed on of unexpected causes in early March, at 56 years of age.

Raised in New Jersey and attending Moorestown High, he and a pal hightailed it to F.H. in 1982 and, like many, never looked for the exit.

A life shipboard throughout the islands was where he settled, enjoying the carefree live-aboard life, highlighted by an occasional shipwreck. Scott is survived by a sister in Ohio. He will be missed by many.

— Friends of Scott Forbes