Benjamin T. Forester, 81 of Colts Neck passed away at his home on Sunday, Sept. 16. He was born in Winchester, MA, he and his family settled in Colts Neck in 1970. Ben was the President of Rex Lumber, Englishtown, a family run company, which was more than a job – it was his passion. …
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Benjamin T. Forester, 81 of Colts Neck passed away at his home on Sunday, Sept. 16.
He was born in Winchester, MA, he and his family settled in Colts Neck in 1970. Ben was the President of Rex Lumber, Englishtown, a family run company, which was more than a job – it was his passion. Extremely active in the Hardwood industry and served on the board of the National Hardwood Lumber Association. Ben retired on Sunday, when he died.
Ben served on the Colts Neck Board of Adjustment for over 20 years, was a member of the Township Committee, serving twice as Mayor. He was an active member of the Colts Neck Sports Foundation, where he enjoyed coaching, refereeing, and overseeing the baseball umpires. He was a Cubmaster and a committee chair with the Cub Scouts.
Ben enjoyed being with his wife, of 55 years, and family at their home in Colts Neck and especially at their beach house in Avalon, NJ. Ben was an avid Connect 4 player who enjoyed beating kids of all ages. Ben’s grandchildren were his great joy. He also enjoyed watching his New England Patriots.
He is survived by his wife Carol M. Forester; their children, Craig and his wife Jo Ann Forester, Sudbury, Ma., Roger and his wife Tara Forester, Reston, Va. And Wendy Alagna, Colts Neck; his brother, Bill Forester, Sarasota, Fl.; and his grandchildren, Paul, Zach, Ethan, Logan, Russell, Lauren and Ellie.
Visitation Thursday, Sept. 20th, 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. Funeral services Friday, Sept. 21st, 10:30 am, Colts Neck Reformed Church, 139 County Rd. 537, Colts Neck. A private interment service will be held at Atlantic Cemetery, Colts Neck. To share a favorite memory or to send a message of condolence please visit Ben’s page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of traditional gifts contributions to Globe Santa https://globesanta.org/secure/Donate.aspx in Ben’s memory would be appreciated.
K
left a message on September 26, 2019:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in God's sure promise of a resurrection as set forth in the Bible. (Acts 24:15; John 5:28,29) Those who are raised to life will have the prospect of never again being subject to misery, sickness, or death. (Revelation 21:4) I hope that reflecting on these thoughts will give you some relief during this difficult time.
Sandi Schafer
left a message on September 20, 2019:
Dear Carol and Family, We are so sad to hear about Ben's passing. We haven't seen each other for a long time but we always enjoyed seeing you and Ben at the NHLA Meetings and having lunch and shopping with you and the other ladies. Sandi Schafer, Toronto, Canada
Joseph Hamouch & family
left a message on September 20, 2019:
Dear Mrs. FORESTER, GREAT PEOPLE LIKE YOUR DECEASED HUSBAND REMAIN IN THE MEMORY OF OUR HEAVENLY CREATOR! THU CRAIG & YOUR OTHER SONS & DAUGHTERS & GRANDCHILDREN, BEN WILL CONTINUE LEADING THE FAMILY & THE BUSINESS. OUR CHRISTIAN CONDOLENCES & SYMPATHY! JOSEPH HAMOUCH & FAMILY FRANCE WWW.HAMOUCH.COM
Lisa DeJesus
left a message on September 19, 2019:
I am so sorry for your loss. I had been a temp in the office at Rex Lumber in 1998 or 1999. I remember Mr. Forester coming in and asking me what day it was. I gave him the date and he said no. He asked me again what day it was. Again I replied with the day. He again said no. I gave him a puzzled look and he said it is December 7th and it is Pearl Harbor Day. From then on I always remembered when Pearl Harbor was and I always thought of Mr. Forester on that day. He was a great boss and a very generous man. I enjoyed working at Rex Lumber and when the temp position had ended, I wished I could stay on. God Bless. Lisa
Dave Runkel
left a message on September 19, 2019:
I met Ben in 1985. I answered an ad in the Asbury Park Press ( that’s how they did it back then!) for a job opening to run the Englishtown yard. Being 27 years old with zero Lumber expierence, Ben must have seen something in me, he hired me on the spot. Maybe it was my Conservative points of view during the interview??? 7 years later, my wife and I had our second son, who was born with extreme disabilities. Ben understood that it was going to cause my family some major hardships. He offered me a shot at a sales position. It worked out very well. So well that 33 years after Ben initially hired me , I am still in the Lumber business. Ben treated my family very well, especially my children. They all remember Ben as the big guy at Dads job with the big booming voice. I remember Ben for his crazy hi-speed driving and his love for Jersey Freeze lol. RIP Ben, you surely will not be forgotten. Sincerely, Dave Runkel
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
David Bird
left a message on September 19, 2019:
Ben was one heck of a guy that I had the utmost respect and admiration for. He always supported me and my business. He will leave a huge hole in the industry that will not be filled easily. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ben's family.
Eric Porter
left a message on September 18, 2019:
On behalf of the owners and employees of Abenaki Timber Corp. in Kingston, NH I would like to express our deepest condolences to everyone in the Forester Family. Ben was a well respected icon in the hardwood industry and a longtime friend and trading partner to us. His enthusiasm for the business and his upbeat attitude were contagious. He inspired many people in the business to become more involved with the causes of our industry and to be willing to donate our time and resources for the future successes of that industry. We are confident that his fine legacy will be an inspiration to others for many years to come. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Adalberto Sanchez
left a message on September 18, 2019:
Benjamin’s family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I went through a similar situation and I was very helped by the hope that I found in the Bible in John 5:28, which says, "Do not amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I am sending you a link with more information on this hope. https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/awake-no3-2018-nov-dec/
Tom Potter
left a message on September 18, 2019:
I will miss Ben's enthusiasm, generosity, nuggets of wisdom on business and politics. And the great lumberyard tours: When Ben told Kevin and Steven to go in the kiln, then closed the door for 20 sec - they came out red and soaked. When Ben had a race with Craig, where Ben fed boards into the planner and Craig had to stack them - after 15 min they were red and soaked. When Ben found a guy sleeping with his feet on a chair, kick out the chair and shouted "am I paying people to sleep?". The guy, eyes big as saucers, stammered "waiting for my truck to be loaded", to which Ben replied "there's a broom around somewhere, I'll get it for you". When Ben spotted two workers stunt driving a fork lift, asked them about several jobs, getting only "nah" or "yah" answers, and learned that a truck had not been loaded. Ben gave them a scowl, said "Well... Go Do It!", and as they shuffled away announced "Well.. there goes a couple ambitious Indians". When Ben told the customer on line 1 "don't know what I can do with 10,000 board feet, but I guess I could take it for $3.00 / ft", then pressed line 2, "I found 10,000 ft, but it's gonna cost ya; I gotta get $6.50 / ft ...". Hanging up Ben told us "I could have told A to call B, but thought I would facilitate". And we even learned a lot about lumber! Our sympathies go out to Carol and the Forester family, from Tom, Lynne, and the Potter family.
Tom Potter
left a message on September 18, 2019:
I will miss Ben's enthusiasm, generosity, nuggets of wisdom on business and politics. And the great lumberyard tours: When Ben told Kevin and Steven to go in the kiln, then closed the door for 20 sec - they came out red and soaked. When Ben had a race with Craig, where Ben fed boards into the planner and Craig had to stack them - after 15 min they were red and soaked. When Ben found a guy sleeping with his feet on a chair, kick out the chair and shouted "am I paying people to sleep?". The guy, eyes big as saucers, stammered "waiting for my truck to be loaded", to which Ben replied "there's a broom around somewhere, I'll get it for you". When Ben spotted two workers stunt driving a fork lift, asked them about several jobs, getting only "nah" or "yah" answers, and learned that a truck had not been loaded. Ben gave them a scowl, said "Well... Go Do It!", and as they shuffled away announced "Well.. there goes a couple ambitious Indians". When Ben told the customer on line 1 "don't know what I can do with 10,000 board feet, but I guess I could take it for $3.00 / ft", then pressed line 2, "I found 10,000 ft, but it's gonna cost ya; I gotta get $6.50 / ft ...". Hanging up Ben told us "I could have told A to call B, but thought I would facilitate". And we even learned a lot about lumber! Our sympathies go out to Carol and the Forester family, from Tom, Lynne, and the Potter family.
carl & Alyce Colburn
left a message on September 18, 2019:
We could not ask for better neighbors than Ben and his Family. Ben, always went the extra mile. Our condolences to the Family. Carl & Alyce Colburn Boca Raton, Fl.
David Swan
left a message on September 18, 2019:
I would fly down to New Jersey annually as part of the accounting work we did for Rex Lumber Company and Ben would insist on picking me up at the airport. I would do some of my work in the morning and then Ben would take me to lunch and I would always try to pay as good client relations however I was never successful. Then at the end of the day after my work was done, Ben would then insist on driving me back to the airport. I could have passed the baton to others to do this work or I could have just rented a car in advance but to be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Ben and our chats about life and the Boston sports teams. Every time New Jersey comes up or the NJ airport I think of Ben, he will never be forgotten by me. Dave Swan, CPA at CBIZ/MHM
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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K
left a message on September 26, 2019:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in God's sure promise of a resurrection as set forth in the Bible. (Acts 24:15; John 5:28,29) Those who are raised to life will have the prospect of never again being subject to misery, sickness, or death. (Revelation 21:4) I hope that reflecting on these thoughts will give you some relief during this difficult time.
Sandi Schafer
left a message on September 20, 2019:
Dear Carol and Family, We are so sad to hear about Ben's passing. We haven't seen each other for a long time but we always enjoyed seeing you and Ben at the NHLA Meetings and having lunch and shopping with you and the other ladies. Sandi Schafer, Toronto, Canada
Joseph Hamouch & family
left a message on September 20, 2019:
Dear Mrs. FORESTER, GREAT PEOPLE LIKE YOUR DECEASED HUSBAND REMAIN IN THE MEMORY OF OUR HEAVENLY CREATOR! THU CRAIG & YOUR OTHER SONS & DAUGHTERS & GRANDCHILDREN, BEN WILL CONTINUE LEADING THE FAMILY & THE BUSINESS. OUR CHRISTIAN CONDOLENCES & SYMPATHY! JOSEPH HAMOUCH & FAMILY FRANCE WWW.HAMOUCH.COM
Lisa DeJesus
left a message on September 19, 2019:
I am so sorry for your loss. I had been a temp in the office at Rex Lumber in 1998 or 1999. I remember Mr. Forester coming in and asking me what day it was. I gave him the date and he said no. He asked me again what day it was. Again I replied with the day. He again said no. I gave him a puzzled look and he said it is December 7th and it is Pearl Harbor Day. From then on I always remembered when Pearl Harbor was and I always thought of Mr. Forester on that day. He was a great boss and a very generous man. I enjoyed working at Rex Lumber and when the temp position had ended, I wished I could stay on. God Bless. Lisa
Dave Runkel
left a message on September 19, 2019:
I met Ben in 1985. I answered an ad in the Asbury Park Press ( that’s how they did it back then!) for a job opening to run the Englishtown yard. Being 27 years old with zero Lumber expierence, Ben must have seen something in me, he hired me on the spot. Maybe it was my Conservative points of view during the interview??? 7 years later, my wife and I had our second son, who was born with extreme disabilities. Ben understood that it was going to cause my family some major hardships. He offered me a shot at a sales position. It worked out very well. So well that 33 years after Ben initially hired me , I am still in the Lumber business. Ben treated my family very well, especially my children. They all remember Ben as the big guy at Dads job with the big booming voice. I remember Ben for his crazy hi-speed driving and his love for Jersey Freeze lol. RIP Ben, you surely will not be forgotten. Sincerely, Dave Runkel
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
David Bird
left a message on September 19, 2019:
Ben was one heck of a guy that I had the utmost respect and admiration for. He always supported me and my business. He will leave a huge hole in the industry that will not be filled easily. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ben's family.
Eric Porter
left a message on September 18, 2019:
On behalf of the owners and employees of Abenaki Timber Corp. in Kingston, NH I would like to express our deepest condolences to everyone in the Forester Family. Ben was a well respected icon in the hardwood industry and a longtime friend and trading partner to us. His enthusiasm for the business and his upbeat attitude were contagious. He inspired many people in the business to become more involved with the causes of our industry and to be willing to donate our time and resources for the future successes of that industry. We are confident that his fine legacy will be an inspiration to others for many years to come. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Adalberto Sanchez
left a message on September 18, 2019:
Benjamin’s family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I went through a similar situation and I was very helped by the hope that I found in the Bible in John 5:28, which says, "Do not amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I am sending you a link with more information on this hope. https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/awake-no3-2018-nov-dec/
Tom Potter
left a message on September 18, 2019:
I will miss Ben's enthusiasm, generosity, nuggets of wisdom on business and politics. And the great lumberyard tours: When Ben told Kevin and Steven to go in the kiln, then closed the door for 20 sec - they came out red and soaked. When Ben had a race with Craig, where Ben fed boards into the planner and Craig had to stack them - after 15 min they were red and soaked. When Ben found a guy sleeping with his feet on a chair, kick out the chair and shouted "am I paying people to sleep?". The guy, eyes big as saucers, stammered "waiting for my truck to be loaded", to which Ben replied "there's a broom around somewhere, I'll get it for you". When Ben spotted two workers stunt driving a fork lift, asked them about several jobs, getting only "nah" or "yah" answers, and learned that a truck had not been loaded. Ben gave them a scowl, said "Well... Go Do It!", and as they shuffled away announced "Well.. there goes a couple ambitious Indians". When Ben told the customer on line 1 "don't know what I can do with 10,000 board feet, but I guess I could take it for $3.00 / ft", then pressed line 2, "I found 10,000 ft, but it's gonna cost ya; I gotta get $6.50 / ft ...". Hanging up Ben told us "I could have told A to call B, but thought I would facilitate". And we even learned a lot about lumber! Our sympathies go out to Carol and the Forester family, from Tom, Lynne, and the Potter family.
Tom Potter
left a message on September 18, 2019:
I will miss Ben's enthusiasm, generosity, nuggets of wisdom on business and politics. And the great lumberyard tours: When Ben told Kevin and Steven to go in the kiln, then closed the door for 20 sec - they came out red and soaked. When Ben had a race with Craig, where Ben fed boards into the planner and Craig had to stack them - after 15 min they were red and soaked. When Ben found a guy sleeping with his feet on a chair, kick out the chair and shouted "am I paying people to sleep?". The guy, eyes big as saucers, stammered "waiting for my truck to be loaded", to which Ben replied "there's a broom around somewhere, I'll get it for you". When Ben spotted two workers stunt driving a fork lift, asked them about several jobs, getting only "nah" or "yah" answers, and learned that a truck had not been loaded. Ben gave them a scowl, said "Well... Go Do It!", and as they shuffled away announced "Well.. there goes a couple ambitious Indians". When Ben told the customer on line 1 "don't know what I can do with 10,000 board feet, but I guess I could take it for $3.00 / ft", then pressed line 2, "I found 10,000 ft, but it's gonna cost ya; I gotta get $6.50 / ft ...". Hanging up Ben told us "I could have told A to call B, but thought I would facilitate". And we even learned a lot about lumber! Our sympathies go out to Carol and the Forester family, from Tom, Lynne, and the Potter family.
carl & Alyce Colburn
left a message on September 18, 2019:
We could not ask for better neighbors than Ben and his Family. Ben, always went the extra mile. Our condolences to the Family. Carl & Alyce Colburn Boca Raton, Fl.
David Swan
left a message on September 18, 2019:
I would fly down to New Jersey annually as part of the accounting work we did for Rex Lumber Company and Ben would insist on picking me up at the airport. I would do some of my work in the morning and then Ben would take me to lunch and I would always try to pay as good client relations however I was never successful. Then at the end of the day after my work was done, Ben would then insist on driving me back to the airport. I could have passed the baton to others to do this work or I could have just rented a car in advance but to be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Ben and our chats about life and the Boston sports teams. Every time New Jersey comes up or the NJ airport I think of Ben, he will never be forgotten by me. Dave Swan, CPA at CBIZ/MHM
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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