Glenn E. "Skip" Forcier

Glenn “Skip” Forcier, 88 of Gaylord, MI passed away peacefully with his beloved family at his side on March 3, 2024.

Skip was born in Detroit on January 18, 1936. He was raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI and graduated from Grosse Pointe High School. On December 22, 1956, he married Nancy. Together they began their marriage as students at Michigan State University. Later, they moved to the Detroit area where they would begin raising a family of four children. 

Having a passion for the water and boating, Skip began competitive racing at a young age on the waters around Belle Isle. He then advanced to competitions throughout the country. His talent and drive would lead him to be a national champion over multiple years and later he was inducted into the U.S. Gulf Boating Hall of Fame. The love he had for boating would initiate his entrepreneurial career in the marine industry. He built marinas in the Detroit, Gaylord and Lake Charlevoix areas. He was happiest and at his best out on the water.

After years in the Detroit area, Skip and Nancy moved their family to Gaylord, MI in 1974. He worked his way into the oil and gas industry. He began with Shell Oil and it was this successful endeavor that led him to begin his own business, Force Energy, that continues to be a family owned company.

Skip and Nancy bought their second home in Florida where they spent winters. They returned to Northern Michigan to spend much of the summer on their boat “Sunburst.”

Characteristics that will never go unnoticed by others were Skip’s generosity to many different individuals, groups, clubs, and organizations in our Northern Michigan Communities. He will always be remembered for his unconditional love for all his family, and his unique, adventurous spirit.

Skip is survived by his wife, Nancy of 67 years; four children, Jill Rowley, Peter (Lori) Forcier, Daniel (Eve) Forcier, and Susan Forcier; nine grandchildren, Emily (Frank) Newman, Margaux (Chad) Rowley, Chelsea Forcier, Mette’ (Justin) Shannon, Katherine (Kevin) LaVanway, Carlie (Michael) Forcier, Steven Forcier, Kristen (Kyle) Goletz and Lexie Forcier; ten great-grandchildren, Joseph, Cameron, Jack, Glenn, Claire, Monreaux, Leo, Brynlee, Maverick, and Quinn.

In keeping with Skip’s wishes, the family is asking that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral School (Athletic Department) 321 N. Otsego Avenue, Gaylord, MI 49735.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, March 8, 2024, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. The funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM Saturday, March 9, 2024, also at the funeral home, where visitation will begin at 11:00 AM.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.