Forrest L. Tabor’s name hasn’t been forgotten across the Sauk Valley. The Rock Falls High School Board made sure of that when it named its busy school gymnasium after the legendary educator, who died last week at the age of 99.

Although Tabor served in other schools before moving here, Rock Falls High is where he made a name for himself, first as principal and then as superintendent. His 23-year tenure coincided with the enlargement of the science lab, a resurgent band program and other advances.

Tabor lent his considerable skills to the Sauk Valley at large. In the 1960s, he served on a committee that researched the need for a community college. After the Sauk Valley Community College district was formed, Tabor became the board of trustees’ first president. A few years later, he played a significant role in creating and leading the Bi-County Special Education Cooperative.