Forrest Brett McKinley, age 54, Soda Springs, Idaho resident, passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2024. Forrest was born on September 22, 1969, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, a son to Susan Kofoed and brother to Loren Orr.

Forrest grew up in Twin Falls, and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1988. In his youth, he enjoyed being a skateboarding punk. He had even made it into the local newspaper for skateboarding down Shoshone Falls Grade Road. He and his friend group were known around town as "FORK" and would leave their mark to be recognized in various parts of the area, particularly deep into the canyon caves where they spent much of their time. You may also still be able to find their group name on sidewalks in various parts of Twin Falls. After graduating from high school, Forrest joined the US Army and served as a cook. After serving his country for a handful of years, he went on to study at Boise State University and later transferred to the University of Idaho. Between his studies, he was a part of multiple musical bands. He was most known for being the bass player in the group known as "Butterfly Train". He graduated with his bachelor's degree in Secondary Earth Science Education in 1998.

Forrest went on to raise his two daughters Sage and Maya. Raising these two girls was his pride and joy in this period of his life, and in between going on his fun-filled adventures with these two, he had explored various careers post-graduation. These would include being an At-Risk Youth Counselor and teacher at the Idaho Youth Ranch and St. Anthony Juvenile Corrections center. He moved with his family to Soda Springs in 2008, where he became the owner, operator, and food creator for his "Rooster Bob's" food truck, and later settled into his work at Agrium/Itafos from 2011 until the remainder of his life. Outside of his work and being a father, he enjoyed many hobbies that included hunting, fishing, hiking, raising and caring for many different types of animals, exploring the outdoors and appreciating nature. He met the love of his life, Zaneta, in 2017 and they were married in 2021. Forrest and Zaneta shared countless common interests and loved learning new things with each other hand in hand. Together they have raised many farm animals and shared the companionship of their four dogs and two cats. They enjoyed a wonderful, freedom-loving lifestyle full of many adventures while becoming self-sufficient individuals, which largely included creating their beloved homestead.

No matter what stage of life he was in, Forrest was continuously known for being a creative, passionate, fun-loving, free spirited, social butterfly of an individual who left an impression on everyone he ever met. He was truly one-of-a-kind and no amount of words can capture his unique spirit. He leaves behind his loving wife, two amazing daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law, and six beautiful granddaughters who will miss him forever.  He did not wish to have a funeral, instead his family will be spreading his ashes in some of the places that he dearly loved. If you have any memories with Forrest that you would like to share with his family, please send them to sage.heron@gmail.com. If you would like to make a donation to his family, please visit our GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/ca70ffb3.

Below is the song that Zaneta McKinley wrote for him that she would like to share:

Rare Bird

By: Zaneta D. McKinley

(This song is for you, my love; you were my life, my everything!)

Baby ooohh oooww

Our love is interstellar,

Deeper than the ocean,

Brighter than the sun,

Longer than the best day you could ever have.

You saw the rare bird come out of hiding and take flight

Soaring high and proud.

My heart has found its forever home.

Your love shines in my heart and it feels so warm and so good.

Baby ooohh oooww

Our love is interstellar,

It covers all dimensions and makes its own color.

We found each other again like a needle in a haystack

Our hearts can finally sing their duet.

Baby ooohh oooww

Our love is interstellar

Oh, what joy my heart feels,

Sucking down your love like a hummingbird drunk on nectar.

My soul doesn't feel lonely anymore now that you're here with me.

I never really knew what love was until you opened my heart.

Baby ooohh oooww

Our love is interstellar

The best thing to ever have in this damn place.

I finally have a partner in crime,

Our rebel hearts can face any world together.

I wake up everyday

Thanking the Goddess and God within for such a precious gift.

Oh, Baby ooohh oooww

Oh, Baby our love is interstellar.

R.I.P

Veteran Forrest B. McKinley

09/22/1969 -

01/28/2024

He was my best friend, my husband, and my soulmate.