Former Newhall CHP Captain Dies at 62

Kenneth E. Forster, a veteran officer for the California Highway Patrol who served 11 years as captain of the CHP’s Newhall station, has died. He was 62.

Forster, a Valencia resident for four years, died of pneumonia Saturday at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital following a long battle with leukemia, said CHP Officer Wendy Moore.

In 1975, after several assignments with the CHP in such cities as Indio, Napa and San Francisco, he moved to the Santa Clarita Valley after he was promoted to captain and appointed to run the CHP’s Newhall station. Diagnosed with leukemia in 1981, he retired in 1986 after 30 years in law enforcement.

Following his retirement, he spent much of his time fishing, hunting, camping and traveling, said his wife, Francine.

Born in San Francisco, Forster spent much of his early life in the Bay Area, completing a bachelor’s degree in business. After a friend’s encouragement, he joined the Highway Patrol in July, 1956, as an officer in the Indio station.

In addition to his wife of 36 years, he is survived by a son, Ken Forster of Eugene, Ore.; a daughter, Lisa Nagler-Wright of Canyon Country; two brothers, Len Forster and Ron Forster; and three grandchildren.

A visitation is scheduled tonight from 7 to 9 at Eternal Valley Mortuary, 23287 N. Sierra Highway, Newhall. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 23233 W. Lyons Ave., Newhall. Burial will follow at Eternal Valley Memorial Park.

According to Francine Forster, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice or to the CHP’s Widows and Orphans Fund, P.O. Box 161209, Sacramento 95816-1209. The fund assists families of CHP officers killed in the line of duty.