High View Park Field Named for Alfred Forman Sr.
ALFRED J. FORMAN, SR.
April 27, 1947 - January 10, 2014
Alfred James Forman was affectionately known by many other names, to include, Tack; Heart Attack; Fritos; Big Daddy, Coach, and Al.
Alfred attended Arlington County Public Schools. His interest and enthusiasm for sports began at an early age. While in middle school and high school, Alfred excelled in football, baseball, track and field, and wrestling. Upon graduation from Washington-Lee High School (now Washington-Liberty High School), Alfred launched a long and distinguished career of volunteer service and support of community youth programs. He served as the Sports Coordinator at Langston Brown Community Center for approximately 25 years. He also volunteered in community activities such as the Neighbors Corner, Halloween Party, dressing up as Santa Claus for "Breakfast with Santa", and driving senior residents on scheduled trips. During this time as the Sports Coordinator, his teams won more than 10 Arlington County championships. Alfred also formed a booster organization that raised funds to help defray the cost of participation for community youth in the county's sports programs. Alfred was also a member of the Virginia White Sox, a men's sandlot baseball team, for approximately 30 years. Alfred coordinated and officiated the Halls Hill annual Turkey Bowl for more than 40 years.
In the early 1970's Alfred's interest in officiating sports activities resulted in his joining the Northern Virginia Football Association. He was a member of that organization from 1971 to 1975. In September 1976, Alfred joined the Eastern Board of Officials (EBO). He served as a football, basketball, and volleyball official. Alfred officiated numerous District of Columbia high school championships. Alfred served as EBO's Football Commissioner and Football Rules interpreter for many years. He was also a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations' Football Rules Committee and he served as the District of Columbia School System's representative. Alfred was also a football officials' observer for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and a member of the Arlington County Sports Commission for 10 years.
Alfred was a dedicated husband and family man. He united in marriage with high school sweetheart, Jerline Lorraine Parham. From the union, the couple was blessed with a son, Alfred Jr. The joy of Alfred's life was his two grandsons, Brandon and Jorden. He would often pick Branden up from school and then take him to the toy store so he could pick out something for himself and his younger brother. Alfred spent countless hours working with Branden on construction projects, including the building of a wrestling ring.
As a result of his many years of dedicated volunteer service, Alfred received numerous awards and accolades. In February 2009, he was recognized at Arlington County's annual Feel the Heritage Festival Harambee celebration. In November 2013, Alfred was honored by the Neighbor's Corner for his many years of service and support in the organizations.
Alfred was employed by Giant Food, Inc. for 30 years. Upon retirement from Giant in 1997, he began part-time employment with the law firm of Silver, Freedman and Taff (SFT) located in Washington, DC. Alfred loved working for SFT up to his ill-health.
In 1994, Alfred started his own graphics arts business, "Big Daddy Graphics". Over the years, if you needed t-shirts, aprons, tote bags, hats, business cards, or other items for family reunions or clubs, you could contact Big Daddy. Alfred always had a "can do" attitude when filling customer orders.
Alfred loved driving his trucks and you would always see him wearing a hat and carrying a cup of coffee. He would help family members, friends, and neighbors in any way he could. During heavy snowfalls, Alfred, along with his son, would load his snowplow on his pick-up truck and then to the home of family members, friends, and neighbors to conduct snow removal.
Alfred was a member of the Calloway United Methodist Church, serving on the Board of Trustees for many years prior to becoming Chairman. Under Alfred's leadership, the trustees launched several notable projects in support of the church, to include installing new lights in the sanctuary, building a handicap bathroom, procuring a new church marquee, and installing a new sound system. Alfred was also a member of Calloway's Administrative Council, the United Methodist Men, Men's Choir, and the Audit Committee.
Alfred was a life-long member of the Halls Hill/High View Park community who dedicated his life to family and community before succumbing to a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.