University News
Forrest Suycott Obituary
September 18, 2017
MACOMB, IL – A funeral mass for Forrest Suycott, Jr., the retired dean of the former College of Fine Arts at Western Illinois University, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Mount Pulaski, IL. Suycott passed away Wednesday, Sept. 13 in Verona, WI.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19 at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Mount Pulaski, IL. Burial, with full military rites, will be held Thursday, Sept. 21, at the National Cemetery in Danville, IL.
Suycott came to Western in 1955 after being named band director. He was named the first dean of the College of Fine Arts in 1969; a position he held until his retirement in 1987.
During his time at Western, Suycott worked to expand access to music, art and theatre, to students of all levels, including community members, by establishing collaborations with local, national and international arts organizations. He created the first residency and performance series with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, formed the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Steel Pan Band and hosted performers and artists from around the world.
Prior to coming to Western, Suycott served in the Army Air Corp in World War II as a navigator. He was also a high school teacher in Carmi, IL and Riverside, IA.
After his retirement from the University, Suycott taught music appreciation at Carl Sandburg College, in Carthage, IL. He also played the trumpet in numerous local bands and conducted the Macomb Municipal Band for many years.
Suycott is survived by his wife, Joan; one daughter, Diane and one son, David.
Memorials may be made to the Forrest D. Suycott, Jr. Scholarship at the WIU Foundation, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455 (wiu.edu/giving), or to the Fisher House Foundation at fisherhouse.org.
For additional obituary information, visit gundersonfh.com.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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