The Siuslaw Vikings wrestling family is mourning the loss of volunteer coach Robert Forsythe, the Dunes City mayor who died Monday.

The following is a letter from Siuslaw High School principal Mike Haklerode:

Dear Parents and Guardians:

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of volunteer Wrestling Coach, Robert Forsythe. He passed away early this morning after a medical emergency last week. 

Coach Wartnik had the following thoughts about Coach Forsythe:

This morning, I received some extremely painful news. Friend and assistant coach Robert Forsythe has passed away.  It is impossible for me to express the depth of our pain and grief.  He was more than a volunteer coach. He was a grandfather and guardian angel to the wrestling program. His presence elevated everyone. As the team gathered to grieve and cry together this morning, several themes emerged. Coach Forsythe had the ability to comfort us as we endured pain, grief, and disappointment; the ability to counsel us when we had difficult decisions to make; and the ability to make us feel better about life and about ourselves, no matter the circumstances. Few people exercise that kind of power. He was a model of dignity, wisdom, and grace. He was an anchor, helping us become better people and a better team. He loved us, and we loved him. Our hearts go out to his wife Cindy, his children, and the many people he loved and impacted. We will hurt as we get used to life without him, but we will be better people and live better lives thanks to his impact on us.  Your support and comfort will mean a lot to us as we move forward.

Members of the wrestling team, and other students with close connection to Coach Forsythe, gathered during this morning's PRIDE period. Coach Wartnik informed them of this sad news.

A "Care Room" was set-up where students had access to school counselors and a quiet place for individuals to reflect. A number of students visited the room throughout the day. We will continue with the Care Room for as long as is necessary for students to process their feelings.

We anticipate some of our students will continue to be impacted by this loss. Events like this can affect students in several ways. Some reactions or behaviors you may see in your son or daughter include anger, fatigue, depression, and sleeping problems. Some students may even personalize the loss as it brings up feelings related to the passing of others they may have known or loved. These are all very normal reactions.

We will continue to monitor the mood of the students. We stand ready to take additional measures if necessary. Please keep us informed of any specific concerns you have about your student during this difficult time.

Sincerely, 

Mike Harklerode
Principal, Siuslaw High School