Forrest Alan Stamper

Al was a beloved husband, father, grandpa and a special friend to many in the Verdes Community and around the country. Forrest Alan Stamper, age 78, of Tonto Verde, Ariz., passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2022 following a lengthy illness. 

Al was born on July 23, 1943 and raised in rural Plainville, Kansas, son of Forrest and Hester Grecian Stamper

Al graduated from Plainville Rural High School and went on to graduate from the University of Kansas with a degree in International Relations with additional studies in chemistry and physics. He received many honors at KU, and was Editor of the KU Yearbook. Upon graduation, Al worked as Field Secretary for the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Al’s successful business career began at Industrial Nucleonics Corporation. In 1969, Al started with Lincoln National Life and remained for nearly 20 years finishing as a Regional Vice President in Chicago, Ill. He then started a new company, Drug Card, Inc. in Naperville, Ill. It was a pilot project to review retail prescription claims and, when appropriate, refer them to mail order services. Today, most people possess a drug card from their insurance carrier and can order prescriptions by mail. After 18 years, the business was sold and Al retired in 2008. 

As successful as he was in business, Al was equally successful in his personal relationships with family, friends and business acquaintances. Lifelong friendships were built upon his immense sense of humor, compassion and respect. His generosity and big heart are what we will all miss the most. 

Lover of all sports, Al enjoyed baseball the most. He played varsity baseball for University of Kansas and was always a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs. But his passion for golf was not too far behind. Al developed lifetime friends through golf and his “golfing buddies” will miss him deeply—along with him losing bets on the golf course.

Al was always ready for fun and adventure. For many years, he would organize an annual Canadian fishing trip for family, friends, clients and co-workers. He enjoyed telling a good story and his humor was unique. He was usually good for at least one joke a day; including Ole and Lena jokes. Pranks and mischief were just a moment away. Many didn’t know that Al was also quite a connoisseur of fine foods. His favorite meal was “Roasted Leg of Salmon.” Unfortunately, he was unable to find this specialty at his favorite restaurants; although he requested it every time the wait staff asked for his order. A few even consulted with the chef.

Al also discovered, advised and allied with an organization called Pain Management, Ltd., founded and managed by Phyllis Passarelli.  This was a pioneering concept at the time-using a number of physicians with different specialties to effectively treat patients with similar diagnoses for chronic pain problems. It achieved excellent clinical outcomes at costs lower than patients seeking traditional care. To his surprise and delight, she accepted one of his suggestions and became Mrs. Stamper. They were united in marriage on December 21, 1990. They divided their time between their home in Winfield, Ill., and Tonto Verde, Ariz., until his retirement and then became full-time residents in Tonto Verde.

Al is survived by his wife Phyllis; and their children Amanda (Shawn) Merchant, Jud (Melissa) Stamper, Robert (Debbie) Passarelli, and Stephen Passarelli; his brother Larry (Linda) Stamper; his grandchildren, Casey and Finley Stamper, Cade and Taylor Merchant, Cora and Avery Passarelli.

The children are grateful for what he taught them, the values he instilled and examples of happiness and success if you are willing to work for it. He also demonstrated how important God is, and that God is a big part of what makes this all happen. He would get up before the world woke up, worked hard, played hard and was generous beyond measure.

He loved all animals but especially missed his two white and black Scottish Terriers, McTosha and Lady McBriar.

Al was loved by many and will always be cherished for his radiant smile, kindness and sense of humor with quick witty comments. He will be greatly missed by family and close friends from around the country. 

There was a Catholic Mass held Saturday January 15, 2022 at St. Dominic Catholic Mission in Rio Verde, Ariz. 

Al was entombed at Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery, 23015 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ  85204.

Memorials in his honor may be sent to VerdeCares, Inc., 18934 Avenida Del Ray, Ste. 106, Rio Verde, Arizona 85263