Forrest Bingham (Bing) Ewen, Kilted Architect of Fried Fish and Italian-ish Delights, Finally Found the Ultimate Blueprint (and a Comfier Couch)

Forrest Bingham "Bing" Ewen, a man whose architectural legacy includes the roofs of Long John Silver's that sheltered countless tartar-sauce-stained napkins and the central towers of Fazoli's that witnessed the rise of breadstick mania, clocked out for his final nap on March 11, 2025, in Lexington, KY. He was, as they say, "called away," presumably to settle a celestial zoning dispute over cloud density.

Bing leaves behind his patient and wonderfully tolerant wife, Percillia, who endured 54 years of his "I'll be right there, just let me finish this sketch on a napkin" moments. He also leaves his son, Len (Heidi), who inherited Bing's love of explaining things in excruciating detail, and daughter, Stephanie (Jason), who somehow managed to maintain her sanity despite growing up with a dad who could turn a trip to the grocery store into a historical lecture on the evolution of the shopping cart.

His grandchildren-Lottie, Peyton, Bridget, Cara, and Ewen-will now have to find a new source for wildly exaggerated stories and questionable life advice. They will also miss his uncanny ability to win at every game of monopoly, even when he was obviously cheating (which he totally was, check under the table!).

Born in (Lothair) Hazard, Kentucky, Bing's family left after the '57 flood, realizing that dry ground was, in fact, preferable to requiring scuba gear to go to school. He graduated from Lafayette High School, where he was voted "Most Likely to Design a Building That Looks Like a Giant Fish," and later earned degrees in Education and Architecture from the University of Kentucky, proving that he could both teach you about the Pythagorean theorem and then design a building that could withstand a rogue tornado.

Bing was a life-long member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) whose college days could have been the real-life basis for Animal House. His children are understandably upset by the fact that the story of Green Slime Memorial Day is now lost to them.

His 40-year career in architecture was a testament to his versatility. He designed a little bit of everything, from tasteful outhouses to elaborate dog houses, but his most visible masterpieces were, of course, Long John Silver's and Fazoli's restaurants. Let's be honest, who hasn't stared at the Fazoli's tower on Paris Pike and wondered, "Why is it so...tall?" That, my friends, was the genius of Bing Ewen.

One blurry night in the early '80s, fueled by 'research,' Bing, brother George, and nephew Bob discovered their Scottish roots at the Highland Games. Bing then became a kilt-clad evangelist, recruiting anyone with a pulse to Clan MacEwen with the irresistible promise of 'Join us, we have chili!'

Bing was a walking encyclopedia of useless (and occasionally useful) information. He could tell you the history of the spork, the geological composition of gravel, and the proper way to fold a fitted sheet (though he rarely practiced the latter). He was a master of the "Did you know...?" and could turn any conversation into a captivating, albeit lengthy, monologue. He was also a master of the "I'm just going to tell you one more story" which turned into 5 more stories.

He was a man who believed that every meal should be accompanied by a good story, every gathering by a hearty laugh, and every building by a sturdy foundation (and a drive-thru window).

Come celebrate Bing's life-and share your own Bing stories (the more embellished, the better)-at his Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Country Boy Brewing, 101 Innovation Dr., Georgetown, Kentucky. Because what better way to honor a man who loved a good tale than with a few beers, a pot of chili, and a whole lot of laughter? We're sure Bing would have approved, though he'd probably have a few design suggestions for the beer taps. - Kilts encourage, but not required; can't attend but want to share your stories? Email: clanewenusa@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree for a Forrest or make donations to the Franklin County Humane Society where Bing and his wife were adopted by Brown Cat and Eilidh (yes folks that's Allie...just go with it he's Scottish and...different). If you don't like animals, you can also donate to Bluegrass Care Navigators where he was taken care of in his final days. Really donate a little to both...it doesn't hurt our feelings at all.