DEREK RICHARD FOREST

July 15, 1972 - October 21, 2021

Derek Richard Forest was born on July 15, 1972, to the parents of Richard and Mercedes. He passed away on October 21, 2021, from Covid.

Derek graduated from Highland High School in 1990 and attended Bakersfield College. At the age of 16, he began employment with Longs Drugs and eventually transferred to Santa Rosa where he promoted to department manager. A few years later, he returned to Bakersfield and continued work with Longs. His interest peaked for real estate and he got hired on with a title company where he worked until the real estate downturn occurred. He worked a few short years at Farmers Insurance but eventually found his home with Sunbelt Rentals. Derek worked with Sunbelt Rentals for nine years as an Outside Sales Representative. Throughout his life, the sales industry was where he excelled. It was always important to Derek to please his customers. In fact, he became close friends with many of his clients. He never turned down a call from one of his customers no matter if he was on the golf course or on vacation.

He was involved in many activities and sports such as cub scouts, honor band, baseball, and soccer. Soccer became his first love and he played with AYSO and Golden Empire. He played with several club teams as a striker where he got the opportunity to travel to Minnesota, Hawaii, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Derek was also a member of the 20/30 club where he enjoyed outreach activities to help those that were less fortunate.

Derek was the “life of the party” and always loved music, to BBQ and entertain with family and friends, and to tinker around his home and yard. But the most important thing he loved to do was to be with his four children. He enjoyed spending time with them whether it was to hang out or to provide support and guidance through their lives. Derek was also married to the love of his life, Diane (DeeDee) and they shared many special times together at the beach, wine tasting, and hanging out with great friends.

Derek is survived by his wife Diane; four children; Austin, Kyle, Blake, and Allison; one grandchild; Layla; parents; Richard and Mercedes; brothers; Michael and wife Christine and sons Ryan, Andrew, and Nicholas; Matthew and wife Kasey and sons Jack, Max, and Luke.

Services have been scheduled for Monday, November 15, 2021, at 10:00 am at Greenlawn Memorial Park Southwest at the Celebration of Life Center located at 2739 Panama Lane.