John J. Forbyn

With deep sadness and heavy hearts, our family announces the loss of John Jewett Forbyn who peacefully passed away on January 16, 2025 in the Santa Barbara home he built and loved, with his wife and their children by his side.

Son. Brother. Husband. Father. Grandfather. Woodworker. Luthier. Builder. Designer. Musician. Philosopher. Naturalist. Explorer. MacGyver. The list could go on and on. John J. Forbyn was a talented, creative force who lived an extraordinary life.

John met his forever love Rita in the late 60’s and they were inseparable from that first moment on. They married and in their 54 years together they built a family, two homes, explored the world and made many wonderful memories. They raised three children, eight grandchildren and their warm home was often filled to the brim with family and friends. After the kids were grown, they hosted many international students who became extended family. John was clever, curious and interested in people, and he had a wry sense of humor. Everyone loved chopping it up with Pops.

John was a wonderful father to Nicole, Hanna and Jonathan and a kind, generous grandfather to Owen, Ella, Lucy, Nathaniel, Georgia, Charlotte, Laila and Jaysin. His face would light up around them and you could see how much he delighted and cherished these roles. He would always meet and appreciate each of his children and his grandchildren right where they were-crawling around on the floor with the young ones, talking about music and art with the older ones. He had so much wisdom and loved connecting deeply with those around him. Each relationship was unique and special.

John loved to travel, exploring different places and cultures, eating new foods, and seeing beautiful things around the world – natural and manmade. Travel inspired him and he would come home to experiment in his shop with new styles and designs.

John was a generous, big hearted man and gave so much to his family. If anyone needed something fixed or built, they could just call him. There was a running family joke – if you needed something “John would make it for you out of wood” – from furniture, to rooms, to musical instruments and beautifully crafted guitars. We are so grateful to have his legacy surrounding us.

John fought cancer bravely and gave it everything he had. With only three months from diagnosis to loss, it was simply too late. His loss is immeasurable, as are his contributions. We will forever miss his strong, gentle, and capable hands, his kind smile, the love radiating out of his bright blue eyes, and his wisdom that was ever ready to help solve your problems or cheer you up.

We find solace in the love that he shared with us, all those around him, and that it is carried on within each of us.