August 19, 1961 – February 18, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Paul Forehand, 63, of Steamboat Springs. He peacefully passed away on February 18, after a 4-month bout with an aggressive cancer. He passed away at home surrounded by his family, who traveled from all over the U.S. to be with him.
Paul was born on August 19, 1961, to Thomas and Alicia (Archer) Forehand in Molesworth England. Paul grew up in a military family and always stated that he was from “everywhere and nowhere” as he spent time all over the U.S. and Europe. In 1983, after high school and a variety of jobs as a young adult, Paul married Susan (Braithwaite) Forehand; they had a son, Aaron.He spent 6 years in the Navy as a decorated navy hero and finally found his true home, his “somewhere,” in Colorado where he has lived since 1989.
Paul worked full-time at Hewlett Packard in Fort Collins while completing his bachelor’s degree at CSU. After obtaining his degree, he transferred to HP in Loveland where he met the love of his life, Tracy Alexander. His wife of almost 20 years. In 2017, they moved to Steamboat Springs to pursue their dream of retiring in the mountains.
Our beloved Paul was a man who lived life on his own terms. He proudly lived his life “HIS WAY.” He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Family was important to him, and he always went the distance to make gatherings happen. Our recent family reunion in Lake Tahoe was a blessing.
Paul found joy in the soul stirring sounds of the blues and to say he was a fan of Joe Bonamassa and Tedeschi Trucks is an understatement. Whether carving through the snow on the ski slopes or soaking up the sun on a beach, he embraced life’s beauty with enthusiasm. As a father he was always there with guidance or a steady hand. Grampa Paul was a source of excitement, laughter, and unconditional love for his two granddaughters, Ariel and Evangeline. He had the pink painted toenails to prove it.
Above all, his heart belonged to his sweetheart Tracy. He affectionately referred to her as his “project manager” as she balanced his healthcare and personal needs during the trying times. Together they shared and treasured a life filled with adventures, blues festivals and spending time with the close friends he loved so much.
Paul was preceded in death by his sister, Teresa. He is survived by his wife, Tracy; his son, Aaron (Mandi); two granddaughters, Ariel and Evangeline; his father, Tom and second mom, Audrey; his mother, Alicia; his brother, Danny (Patti); his brother, Gary; nephews and nieces, Luke (Mindy), Britany, Casey (Savannah), Derek, Shannon; loving Wisconsin in-laws; and many friends. He will be forever etched in our memories and our hearts.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Northwest Colorado Health Hospice, Yampa Valley Tire Pros, Yampa Valley Funeral Home, special friends Val & Doug, Heidi & Mike, and Rick & Carol, and local band Heads All Empty for honoring Paul’s legacy with kindness and caring.
Our family collaborated with love and a warm sense of remembrance to create this obituary. We will forever carry his spirit forward, honoring him, his love and his passion for life. A party to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at a later date. To view the full obituary with photos and an area to leave comments, visit https://www.yampavalleyfh.com/obits.
Paul’s last generous act was taking part in a tumor research trial to further the understanding and treatment for uveal melanoma, bringing hope to others. In lieu of flowers, please honor Paul by paying-it-forward. Whether it’s tipping a little extra, supporting a favorite charity, or helping someone in need.