Montpelier, VT Forrest W. Bolkum, 94, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 22, 2019 at his home. He was born on June 22, 1924 in Newbury, VT, the son of William and Edith (Lobdell) Bolkum. He attended high school at the Well River high school graduating in 1942. While attending Wells River High School is was a member of the George McClure Marching Band. As member of that band, he was First Trumpeter and traveled all over Vermont and New England, including playing in the New York World's Fair in 1939. After high school, he attended Norwich University and while a student there he enlisted in the United States Air Force (1944). While serving, he worked as an instructor on gun turrets. He was honorably discharged in April of 1946. Upon returning home from the service, Forrest worked on the farm and at various construction companies. He helped in building the new catholic church in Wells River. Forrest later returned to the University of Vermont where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1950. Forrests career primarily was working as a civil engineer with the Bridge Division for the State of Vermont. He retired from the state in June 1990. Forrest was married to Gwendolyn Worden. They later divorced. He later married Velma Eva Sumner in May of 1965. Velma predeceased him on April 24, 1996. Forrest was a long time member of the NRA. Survivors include his children; Angelina Buzzi of Berlin, Joyce Lehan of Newburyport, MA, Jerome Bolkum of Barre, and Shirley Bolkum of Essex, VT; grandchildren include: Christopher Buzzi, Nicolas Buzzi, Patrick Lehan, Ryan Lehan, Courtney Lehan, Kerry, Amy and Erin Bolkum of Australia; and Margaret Murray, a long time companion since 1998. There will be no calling hours. A funeral will be held 11:00 am on Monday, April 29, 2019 at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A committal will follow at the Berlin Corners Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.