Forrest Sandusky Baker III, a visionary founder who dedicated his life to creating wholesome entertainment, passed away on Friday, June 21st, 2024, at the age of 69. His work through Feature Films For Families touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on family entertainment.
Born on October 24th, 1954, in Seattle, Washington, Forrest Baker III was a man driven by a desire to make a positive impact. This drive culminated in the creation of Feature Films for Families, an independent film studio that became synonymous with quality family content. He recognized the need for films that families could enjoy together, films that were not only entertaining but also imbued with universal themes and positive messages. His innovative approach extended beyond content creation; he pioneered a direct-to-consumer sales model, building a company that at its peak employed over fourteen hundred individuals. This entrepreneurial spirit allowed Feature Films for Families to reach a wide audience and deliver its unique brand of family-friendly movies directly to homes.
Beyond his professional achievements, Forrest Baker III was a man of deep personal values. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he lived a life guided by his faith and a strong commitment to service. He sought to emulate the Savior in his interactions with others, always looking for opportunities to help those in need and uplift those around him. This commitment to positive values was reflected in the films he produced, aiming to create content that would inspire and uplift families.
Forrest Baker III’s legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments. He was a loving father to six children – Forrest (Angelina) Baker IV, Jared (Carolyn) Baker, Sarah (Mark) Sly, Karily (Michael) Calton, Holly (Taylor) Patterson, and Nathaniel (Emily) Baker – and a cherished grandfather to twenty-three grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Robin (Robert) Slover, Tamara (Russ) Hemmert, Melanie (Carl) Bowers, Matthew (Patricia) Baker, Johnathan Baker, and Tristan (Ted) Schultz. He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon and stillborn daughter Brittany, as well as his parents, and is now reunited with them. He will be remembered for his warm spirit, his love for his family, and the magic he brought into the world through Feature Films for Families.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at a viewing on Friday, July 12th, from 6pm to 8pm at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 East 7800 South Cottonwood Heights. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 13th, with a viewing from 9:30am to 10:30am followed by the service at 11am at the Murray South Stake Center, 5735 South Fashion Blvd, Murray. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual service will be available at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7852805399.
