Obituary of Forrest Louis Fackler

Forrest Louis Fackler, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on October 11, 2013, at his home in Scotts Valley. Known as Lou to his family and friends, he lived a long, fruitful life full of laughter and joy. Lou had a great sense of humor, was loved and respected by all as a man of integrity, dedicated to his family and his work. Born October 20, 1925, in Seattle, Washington to Forrest and Maude Fackler, the family soon moved to Oakland California where he was raised. After graduating from Oakland Technical High School in 1943, he entered the Naval Officers Training Program (V12 & NROTC) and went to UC Berkeley where he studied Mechanical Engineering and Naval Science. He received his commission as Ensign, USNR in 1946 and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1948. Lou served as a division officer in the Engineering Department during his tour of duty until late 1952, then continued as inactive Navy Reserve until he retired in 1985 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander, USNR. Lou married Carolyn, the love of his life in September 1949 at the Rockridge United Brethren Church in Oakland. Carolyn died on December 2, 2009, shortly after their 60th wedding anniversary. In 1952 Lou was employed by his alma mater, UC Berkeley, as an assistant engineer in the Architects and Engineers Office. The couple purchased a home and over the next ten years their three daughters, Mary, Alyce and Rebecca were born. The University of California was planning a campus at Santa Cruz in 1962 and Lou was hired by Founding Chancellor Dean McHenry as Campus Engineer to work with Campus Architect Jack Wagstaff. In Lou's own words:"My job was a real challenge and a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the building of a new campus of the University of California. My basic responsibilities were to make sure when the students arrived the lights worked, the toilets flushed and there would be heat as well as a road or two." Lou's contributions to the campus included the fostering of a culture of energy and water conservation in the construction and maintenance of campus buildings and grounds that prevails to this day. In recognition of Lou's contributions to the campus The Regents of the University of California approved the naming of the central heating plant the "F. Louis Fackler Cogeneration Plant." For anyone interested in early campus development and Lou's career, his oral history is in the UCSC University Library and website under regional history projects. Lou was active in the local community including serving as Drive Chairman and President of the Northern Santa Cruz County United Fund, President of the Santa Cruz Kiwanis Club and Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Division 24, Moderator of the First Congregational Church and President of the Santa Cruz Chapter of the UC Berkeley Alumni Club. During retirement Lou researched his family history resulting in the self-publishing of a set of four books and an overview book of the families of his four grandparents. Copies of the books are available at over 60 genealogical and historical libraries throughout the United States where his ancestors lived. During the last few years he converted a lifetime of home movies and videos into DVDs for his family including cruises and trips abroad , as well as birthdays, weddings, graduations and other family events. Lou's greatest contribution was the love and nurture given to his family for all of his life. He was greatly loved by his wife, his daughters and his grandchildren and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Forrest Louis Fackler is survived by his loving family, Daughters: Mary Fackler Derringer of Salt Lake City, Utah, Alyce Fackler Meyer and Jon J. Meyer, and Rebecca Fackler McDermott and Jeff McDermott of Santa Cruz, Grandchildren: Jon Derringer, of Maui, Hawaii, Robert Derringer, Jr. of Salt Lake City, Utah, Lindsay McDermott and Michael McDermott of Santa Cruz and Great Granddaughter, Fynn Avery Derringer of Salt Lake City, Utah. Memorial services will be at the Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel , 1927 Ocean St. on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 1:00 PM. Service will be conducted by Rev. Mark Fountain from the Congregational Church of Soquel. Reception immediately following the service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please make a contribution in memory of Lou Fackler, to the Brook Knoll Elementary School, Carolyn Fackler Computer Center at 151 Brook Knoll Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or your favorite charity.