Forest J. “Doc” Fickes

Lansing, Michigan

Forest entered into eternal rest at the age of 72 on February 16, 2015. Born on January 15, 1943 in Lansing, Michigan he was son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Forest was known for his recognizable laugh and passion for life. He had an immense love for cars, trains, history, and a good swap meet. Nothing warmed his heart more than the steadfast companionship of a dog on his lap. Forest loved a good joke and could easily find humor in everyday life.

To say that he was passionate about drag racing would be an understatement. He was proud to share that he only missed one year of attendance in 60 years of races over Labor Day weekend at Indy. He loved to travel and enjoyed multiple trips out west and east, including a return trip to Washington, D.C. to see the historical monuments he first toured as a 17-year-old band student at Sexton High School. He took enormous delight in watching his two grandchildren grow throughout the years of his life and was overjoyed to see each of them graduate from college and later get married.

Forest enjoyed dining out with friends and family and reminiscing about shared past experiences. He had an uncanny memory about growing up in Lansing and could vividly recall taking the bus downtown to see a 5-cent matinee movie at the Michigan Theater or “cruising the gut” on Washington Ave. He could recite what kind of vehicle he sold to past customers while working at Jack Dykstra Ford and Shaheen Chevrolet and was a proud Lansing business owner for over 29 years, known as “The Stripe Man.” He was active in the life of Mason First Presbyterian Church.

Forest was preceded in death by daughter Jennifer in 1969, mother Ann in 1981, and father Forest, Sr. in 1992. He is survived by partner Ann Carey Hall; sister, Jean Ann Fickes; son-in-law and daughter, Thomas James & Betty Ann Gauthier; and grandchildren, John Robert Seber & Elizabeth Ann Gauthier and Patrick Thomas & Christine Kay Gauthier.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2015, at Mason First Presbyterian Church, 131 E. Maple St., Mason. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to the Capital Area Humane Society, the Greater Lansing Food Bank, or to Mason First Presbyterian Church.

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20 Messages to “Forest J. “Doc” Fickes

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Ed Wharton
February 17, 2015 at 2:38 pm

Rest in peace Forest you will never be forgotten !

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Wally Worden
February 17, 2015 at 3:28 pm

I was proud to be your friend Doc. We lost a good man. I know you are having a well deserved rest in Heaven.

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Jacob Toman
February 17, 2015 at 5:22 pm

You will be missed by all whom you loved. We mourn with those you leave behind.

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David Pruitt
February 17, 2015 at 5:36 pm

Sorry to hear about the loss of a good man,, I knew him in the business for over 25 years. He was a great character that surely will be missed. RIP Strip Man.

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David cline
February 17, 2015 at 7:08 pm

Had a lot of fun with Forrest..always had plenty to say and never bashful about speaking his mind! Went out west with Forrest for a two week street rod cruise in the. Mid 90’s to Colorado..had a great time with Greg and Betty Marshall also going..going to miss you oldtimer…..

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Ken & Penny Ruff
February 17, 2015 at 7:22 pm

On behalf of our family, we send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

On behalf of one very grateful autistic student, we send that students wonderful memories, as Forest donated so that student would be able to have his senior pictures, and class ring for his graduation from High School.

Through the years, Forest contributed to many local charities, often behind the scenes, and without recognition. He was just that kind of a guy.

We will deeply miss his wisdom, his wonderful smile, laughter and gentle ways.

Rest in Peace our friend.

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Jim & Diane Paquet
February 17, 2015 at 8:31 pm

Can’t begin to express our sorrow in loosing our good friend Forest. How we will miss that laugh! So thankful that he was able to spend this past Easter with us. I know for years to come I will look for him in “his spot” in the grandstands at the Indy Nationals. We will forever miss you Forest – Rest in Peace.

Betty, our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Sorry we can’t be there for the service because we are out of state.

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Guido Marciniak
February 17, 2015 at 8:57 pm

Rest in peace my dear friend! Thanks for being a dear friend! I will treasure our memories forever! You will be missed by so many! God bless!

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John Hall
February 17, 2015 at 9:35 pm

God speed Forest. Dawn needs her Malibu striped.

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Matthew Malthaner
February 17, 2015 at 9:49 pm

Honored to have known Mr. Fickes in my younger years. Special thoughts in this difficult time to his Daughter Betty and her family. His light lives on in his amazing Daughter Betty and family.

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Mary Wolf
February 17, 2015 at 10:15 pm

Prayers to you and your family Betty. May God bless you with wonderful memories and a peaceful heart. Huggs

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Jeff and Pam Norris
February 18, 2015 at 8:42 am

RIP dear friend. You will be missed. Sending special thoughts and prayers to Ann and family. May God hold you close during this difficult time.

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Janice Small
February 18, 2015 at 11:08 am

Class of January 1961?? JW Sexton Our reunions will never be the same
Forest has touched so many of his classmates lives. I will miss him but never forget him

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Jennifer Boardman
February 18, 2015 at 11:32 am

My deepest sympathy to Betty and all of your family.

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Greg & Betty Marshall
February 18, 2015 at 12:17 pm

Almost 30 years ago we met Forest at “John’s” in Lansing, we were new to the area and wanted to find out more about the “Street Rodders” in the area. Forest handed Greg the car keys to Old Tan and told him to take it for a spin. Who would do that for a stranger? That’s just the kind of guy/friend Forest was.
I cannot imagine never hearing his voice again. He was a character and we loved him very much.
Betty, we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and to Ann.

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Sue Peters
February 18, 2015 at 1:15 pm

Rest in peace, you were always a great friend.

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Amy Ronayne Krause
February 18, 2015 at 1:36 pm

Betty and Family—My thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.

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Gregory and Judy VanPeenen
February 18, 2015 at 2:10 pm

Forrest you will be missed by many, You were a fixture in the Greater Lansing Automotive community. Rest in peace.

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Gary & Donna Fedewa
February 19, 2015 at 1:12 pm

REST IN PEACE FORREST,YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY,WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY

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Jeff Miller
February 19, 2015 at 2:19 pm

Your laugh will be missed my friend

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