Kelly Forehand grew up in Canyon and graduated from Canyon High school in 1975. While at Canyon High School Kelly was a good student, was loved by his peers and teachers, and was a truly gifted athlete. Coach Ron Mills, Kelly"s football coach at CHS, said that in his entire 36 years of coaching he never had any athlete who more deserved life’s Fighting Heart Award more than Kelly.
Kelly"s life and future plans changed one Friday night in the fall of 1974 during a football game when an injury left Kelly paralyzed. While some would have used this tragic even as an excuse to give up or give in, Kelly chose to live a life that was not defined by an accident, but one that he defined with his love, accomplishments, and investments in others" lives. After the accident, when the doctors told Kelly all the things we would never do, Kelly rose up to define himself by what he could and would do.
After graduating with his CHS class he continued his education receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration from West Texas State University in 1980. Kelly worked for Merrill Lynch for 20 years rising through the ranks as a financial advisor, vice-president, and as the Director of the entire West Texas Complex. He currently serves as Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer with Happy State Bank. Kelly has served on a number of boards and associations, including the Canyon ISD School Board.
A colleague summed it up by saying, "Kelly"s positive attitude and gregarious nature make for a winning combination. Kelly is more than that. He is a man who cares about others" needs before his own; whose energetic love of life is both awesome and inspiring; whose love of God comes first. He motivates others to greatness and has shown the way by his perseverance in the face of difficulties both small and large."
