Tracy Forrest, founder of Winter Park Construction (WPC), has died at the age of 70 after a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Forrest was diagnosed with glioblastoma in August of this year and passed away on Monday, October 12, 2020. His death was unrelated to COVID-19.
Forrest founded Winter Park Construction, one of Central Florida’s largest commercial construction firms, in 1974. WPC focuses on renovations, timeshare resorts, hotels, senior living facilities, and apartment complexes in Central Florida. The company also serves as owner’s reps and construction managers throughout the Southeast United States and Las Vegas.
Forrest led WPC until 2007 when he sold a majority stake of the business to his brother, Jeff Forrest, and three partners. Following the sale, Forrest maintained a minority stake. In a statement released by WPC, Jeff Forrest, now President of WPC said, “For me, he was much more than just my big brother. He was my role model, my mentor, my boss and in the end, my partner.”
In addition to his impact on Winter Park as a longtime resident and business owner, Forrest will be remembered for his passion for aviation. An avid pilot and mentor, he supported many charitable aviation programs including Veterans Airlift Command, the EAA Young Eagles Program, Corporate Angel Network, and more. He aimed high when it came to his business as well, with WPC being recognized on the Orlando Business Journal’s Golden 100 list in 2017, which covers the largest 100 privately-held companies in Central Florida. Forrest also served on The Hamilton Holt School Board of Advisors at Rollins College.
Due to the pandemic, Forrest’s family planned a private funeral. Cards are being received at Winter Park Construction headquarters, 221 Circle Dr., Maitland, Fla. 32751. There is currently a request that no flowers be sent.
