26 July

Update, George Forss And Family

by Jon Katz

George Forss, my friend, and photographer made friends easily, stayed in touch with them, and kept them. I got his blog every day when his neighbor’s wi-fi was working.

I’ve received many inquiries about him from all over the country – he died last week in bed and at home above his Ginofor Gallery.

Here’s what I know.

The initial plan was for George to have a funeral, that was changed. He was cremated last week. I was not involved in these decisions; I can’t offer any additional details.

There are tentative plans for a memorial service for George sometime in the Fall, possibly at Bedlam Farm. That is not firm.

His friends are seeking an attorney to oversee his estate, such as it is. He apparently left no will.

A local family takes care of his brother Mickey, making sure he is fed and taking his medications. They know him well and have been helping to care for him for years.

He knows and trusts them.

I saw Mickey yesterday; he is well, healthy, and seems well cared for and content. His welfare and future are under intense consideration.

I’m hoping to bid on George’s ancient Alien Investigations Van one day when his estate is being settled.  That would be the best memorial for George for me.

He offered to sell it to me once, but I wasn’t sure if he was serious or expected me to continue his alien searching.

It is the best way for me to remember George, I’ll park his van right in our yard, and if possible and affordable, get it fit to drive.

George’s longtime companion and fellow creative Donna Wyndbrandt is in Vermont. She seeks privacy and does not wish to contact anyone from her former life right now. I have not spoken with her.

I don’t expect there will be any further developments regarding George’s death, or that I will necessarily know about them. If I do hear anything, I will pass it on, and thanks for loving George.

3 Comments

  1. Thanks, Jon, for keeping us informed. Glad that Mickey is doing well.

    For anyone who’s interested in learnign more about George from his own words, I recommend his blog … https://forssblog.com/

    For anyone interested in obtaining some of his artwork, check out … https://fineartamerica.com/art/forss
    Not sure where the proceeds from the sales go now.

    My favorite has always been this photo that George took of Donna on the Jersey City Boardward in 1988. I worked in Jersey City about 10 years ago and often used this boardwalk to get to work. I showed George some of my photos of the area. He smiled (politely) and said “they’re not very good, Ken” ;- )
    https://fineartamerica.com/featured/jersey-city-boardwalk-1988-george-forss.html

  2. Thank you Jon for updating. It’s good to know that Mickey is doing ok. Thank you to the folks overseeing him.
    Again your kindness shines through.

    1. Thanks Joyce, I’m not really doing much of anything for them, but many people in town loved him and Mickey and Donna. They are always ready to help. I miss talking photograph with George, he’d so love to take a crack at the Leica…

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