In Memoriam: Jerre L. Forbes

1938-2015

by Marcia Anderson, American Nuclear Insurers

Jerre L. Forbes, 77, of Rib Lake, Wisconsin, passed away Monday, 5 October 2015. Jerre was born 22 September 1938 in San Antonio, Texas. He was a graduate of Artesia High School in Artesia, New Mexico; received his bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas; and earned his master's degree from Texas A & M University in College Station, Texas. Jerre married Jane Steinke on 17 November 1968 in North Bend, Washington. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, serving from 1961 to 1968.

Jerre worked for American Nuclear Insurers (ANI) as director of health physics for over 29 years until his retirement in 2005. During his long career, Jerre played a significant role in developing ANI's health physics claims defense strategies, including the development of ANI's health physics criteria. In that capacity, Jerre developed a comprehensive manual for use by counsel in the defense of radiation injury claims brought against those ANI insured. Jerre's dedication to excellence and the integrity of radiation science was instrumental in the successful defense of many claims. During his tenure as director of health physics, Jerre also successfully fulfilled the role of ANI health physics liaison to the Nuclear Energy Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, and American National Standards Institute (ANSI), serving as chairman of the ANSI N13 Committee from 1993 to 1999.

Jerre had a passion for health physics and nuclear power. He used his communication skills to pass on his love and knowledge of the industry to his colleagues, his contemporaries, and the next generation of health physicists.

During his time at ANI, Jerre was very active in the Windsor Locks, Connecticut, community. He sang with the Windsor Locks Congregational Church Choir and served on the town Zoning Board of Appeals. His humanitarian actions are noteworthy. Jerre and his wife Jane were foster parents for more than 25 years, providing shelter and care for hundreds of children in need—most were infants and many had special medical needs. Most notably, Jerre and Jane adopted Josean and raised him until his passing.

To those of us who were fortunate enough to have known Jerre, he will be remembered as a true friend, a dedicated professional, and a passionate humanitarian. He will be missed.