Harold received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, after obtaining B.S. and M.S. electrical engineering degrees from the California Institute of Technology. He worked in the fusion program in the early 1960s at General Atomics and joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin in 1965. There he formed a group to study fusion reactor engineering issues, leading to some of the earliest conceptual designs of fusion power plants. In 1973, he left the university to join Exxon Nuclear Company, becoming vice president and a member of the Board of Directors. Shortly after Fusion Power Associates was formed in 1979, Exxon Nuclear Company joined Fusion Power Associates and Harold joined the FPA Board of Directors. In 1981, he joined the Bechtel Corporation, becoming a senior vice president and manager of technology.

Harold served on numerous advisory and review panels, including the 1990 DOE Fusion Policy Advisory Committee (FPAC), established by then Secretary of Energy James D. Watkins.

He is the recipient of many professional society and national awards, including the Arthur Holly Compton Award of the American Nuclear Society. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Nuclear Society and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1989.

Harold is survived by his wife Betty, two sons, John and Ron, and a daughter, Sandy.

Condolences can be sent by email to his son, John, at: JohnForsen@hotmail.com or by mail to his wife Betty at 386 Skidder Trail, Truckee, CA 96161.

Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Harold K. Forsen Memorial fund. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 24, 2 PM, at the Truckee/Donner Recreation Center, 8924 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161. Persons wishing to have a tribute to Harold read at the service, should send it by email to hforsen@aol.com