Aaron Kyle Forgy

Aaron Kyle Forgy, born May 20, 1979, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, December 1, 2024 in Denver, CO. 

Aaron was born in Davenport, Iowa to Michael & Phyllis (Kriegel). He went home with them & his older brother Jason. Fifteen months later, they welcomed his brother Lucas.

Aaron was an active baby, fun to be around & happy to be with people. He spent the first five years of his life living in various homes in Davenport, Fayette & LeClaire, Iowa. After having his tonsils removed shortly after his 5th birthday, the family moved to Vinton, Iowa. There, Aaron completed K-12 school. 

Aaron was an excellent student. He appeared to view scholastics as a competition, where the grade determined winners. This fit very well with his overall approach to life as a child & adolescent. Aaron was an athlete & a competitor. Most of the competition was for the recognition of having competed. He wanted to win, of course. However, he considered achieving some accomplishment to be more important than “beating” someone else. That attitude shown through in the diversity of friends with whom he enjoyed life. Aaron never lacked for people with whom to play – whatever “play” meant at the age he was. 

Aaron became a well-known high school athlete in Vinton; & a nationally known athlete as a springboard & tower diver. The latter moved him on as a scholarship athlete at the University of Wisconsin (Madison). He competed on the varsity swimming & diving team for 4 years, earning All-American honors. Aaron graduated from UW with a degree in Economics. He also made countless friends in Madison during his time there. 

Other than the requirements of college, Aaron’s time in Madison was about the people with whom he connected. His friends were legion & spanned demographics. He accomplished at least as much socially in Madison as he did athletically or academically. 

Following college, Aaron worked at home renovations & coaching young divers. He was an excellent coach, improving many divers & assisting a few to accomplish college scholarships. He also exercised his athletic talents on the lakes, becoming an accomplished wake boarder.

When his time in Madison drew to an end, Aaron moved to Denver to join his brothers in operating a restaurant, then expanding to 2 restaurants. It was an exciting time, filled with extremely high accomplishments. Aaron’s success continued after the closure of the restaurants, moving on to his own business, AKF Improvements, where he specialized in tile/stone installation, carpentry, custom bath, kitchen and home renovations. He was also a skilled gardener and chef a “creator of delicious sauces”.

Also known as “Uncle Aaron”, he was the epitome of a fun uncle, bringing smiles to his niece and nephews faces at each visit. They were so excited for the fun that ensued when he was around. He was known for chasing them screaming around the house, picking them up and throwing them on the couch or tickling their meat sticks (what he lovingly called their little chubby arms and legs). He always knew the perfect gifts to give them, a custom Bears jersey, punching bag, American cheese and all! 

Aaron was an animal lover and is preceded in death by his two beloved dogs, Maddy and Larry. He was also an uncle to Burtski as he called Lucas’ dog. He didn’t just dog sit, he had summer camp for Burt, letting him play with his dog cousins, eat too much human food and sleep in piles on the couch. 

Aaron was a kind, fun, loving spirit who lived life to the fullest. He embraced each day with humor and was the life of the party. His passion for living was exemplified in his sense of adventure and willingness to help others unconditionally. The gift that he gave others was his ability to put unconditional love into action. A great hole is left in the spot he filled in the universe. 

Aaron, we love you. We miss you terribly. Thank you for being in our lives. There is no doubt that you will walk with us for the rest of our days.

He is survived by his Mother, Phyllis (Myron) McGowan, Vinton, Iowa. Father, Michael (Liz) Forgy, Rapid City, South Dakota. Brothers, Jason (Christa) and nephew, Benjamin Forgy, Wheat Ridge, CO. Lucas (Bridget) and nephew, Thomas, niece Lily Forgy, Denver, CO. Significant other, Stacy Heritier. And dogs, Juniper and Maximus.

[In lieu of a funeral and flowers, Aaron wanted a celebration of life as his memorial. There will be a celebration of Aaron’s life in the spring. If you wish to contribute to a memorial for Aaron, a fund will be established at a later date]