Essential Repairs to the Pennan Harbour, Scotland

In recognition of Charles Forbes’ enduring love of Pennan, Scotland, the Forbes family has created this Go Fund Me page to raise funds for the restoration of Pennan Harbour. Contributions to the Pennan Harbor Trust will be forwarded to the Pennan Harbor Trust in one contribution.

CHARLES ALEXANDER FORBES

November 5, 1929 – September 29, 2022

Charles Alexander Forbes (Chuck), resident of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at the age of 92. The proud son of Scottish immigrants, James and Mary Forbes, and brother to Margaret Koltz (Oliver), Chuck was a loving husband to Joanne Forbes (Payez), father to Alyn Thomas (David), James Forbes (Pamela), and step-father to Jeffrey Vivian (Dawn), Catherine Mullins and Darryl Singleton (Chuck). Chuck is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, a niece and nephew.

Born in Highland Park, Michigan on November 5, 1929, Chuck attended Detroit Public Schools and felt privileged and proud to attend the Henry Ford Trade School from 1944 through his graduation as Class President in 1948. After two years of military service with the Army Engineers from 1948 - 1950, he attended Wayne State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business while working at Ford Motor Company. Chuck later received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Wayne State School of Business, as well as being honored as Wayne State’s Alumni of the Year in 1995.

Employed for over thirty-one years by the Ford Motor Company in a variety of marketing and real estate management positions, Forbes’ responsibilities involved directing the planning of dealership locations nationally in addition to directing acquisition of real estate, construction of facilities and ultimately the leasing of these facilities to Ford Motor Company dealers. He retired from Ford at age 51 in January, 1981 to continue his work in Partnership syndications and launch a third career in his personal and passionate effort to preserve Detroit’s historic Theatre District, assembling over 40 properties for subsequent renovation and placement of 7 facilities on the National Register of Historic Places. The saving of these irreplaceable architectural treasures such as the Fox, State and Gem Theatres were important priorities to Forbes in restoring and rebuilding the Theatre District.

When the land that the Gem Theatre, Century Club Building and Elwood restaurant was slated for stadium development, Chuck rededicated his efforts and resources to save these historic structures through relocation rather than wasted to demolition. All three buildings were moved five blocks (1,850 feet) from their original locations to 333 Madison Avenue and 300 E. Adams in November, 1997. The move of the historically designated Gem/Century, exceeding 5.5 million pounds in weight, qualified the Gem and Century Theatre Building to be recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest building ever moved on wheels. Forbes’ family owned businesses have sought to protect Detroit’s unique architectural profile while simultaneously vivifying the city’s social and cultural scene.

In 1997, Forbes was selected by the Detroit News as a Michiganian of the Year. In May, 1998, Central Michigan University conferred upon him the honorary degree, "Doctor of Public Service" for his vision and accomplishments to rebuild Detroit's Theatre District as a vital step in the rebirth of downtown Detroit.

Enduringly proud of his Scottish heritage and the tiny fishing village of Pennan, Scotland on the North Sea, Forbes was the sixth in a line of nine generations alternately naming their first born son Charles or James, a tradition which began in 1880. Living in Pennan and attending school there briefly in the 1930’s, Forbes often reflected on that as one of the happiest times of his life, surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Chuck was also passionate about all things related to Ford Motor Company. From his days at the Trade School as a young draftsman and throughout his 31 year career with “the “Company” Chuck always considered himself a “genuine Ford product”. This passion also included his love for what he considered to be the most beautiful Ford vehicle, the Model A, of which he owned several. Chuck was a proud member of the Model A Restorers Club for many years and enjoyed hosting several Model A outings in downtown Detroit.

Committed to his family, employees and his city, Forbes will be missed by all. A memorial service will be held at a later date in downtown Detroit. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to their GoFundMe page, established to raise funds to develop and carry out essential repairs to Pennan Harbour to safeguard it for future generations to enjoy.